The Hindu Business Line : M.P. gearing for pvt role in tourism

Hyderabad, Aug 12 The Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC) is gearing to rope in the private sector to harness the State’s tourism potential.

“We are involving the private sector in a big way to develop hotels and resorts at the historic and natural tourist destinations in the State. A private sector-friendly tourism policy is on the anvil,” Mr Ashwin Lohani, Managing Director, told newspersons.

The corporation has already identified 35 land banks at various tourist destinations to be given to private players for development.

“Efforts are on to convert the numerous palaces into heritage hotels. We will play the role of facilitator to being the promoters and owners of the places to table,” he said.

The number of budget hotels in the State would be increased significantly.

“Most of the hotels in Madhya Pradesh are three-star hotels and, therefore, not very expensive. We will be adding more budget hotels soon.”

Budget hotels

Currently, there are 45 budget hotels run by the State Government in the State.

On the other initiatives, he said infrastructure in the State was being spruced up under many projects such as Narmada Parikramana. “We also promoting Bhopal as the leisure destination of the country, besides focusing on well-known places by conducting special festivals. We will be holding the ‘Gwalior Festival’ from October 10.”

On the financial performance of the corporation, Mr Lohani said: “We are profitable. All our 52 centres in the State are profit centres. We invested Rs 40 core in tourism development last year. It would be a little more this year.”

The second largest State in the country, Madhya Pradesh currently has three world heritage sites – Bhimbetka (pre-historic caves), Khajuraho and Sanchi.

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