Balaji Telefilms to Invest Rs50 Crore in Madhya Pradesh
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, October 14, 2025: In a grand celebration of hospitality and global collaboration, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board successfully concluded the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart (MPTM) 2025 from October 11–13 at the Kushabhau Thackeray International Convention Center (Minto Hall), Bhopal. This event was not merely a business gathering but a vibrant confluence of cultures and a platform fostering global partnerships. Over 700 participants, including representatives from more than 100 international tour operators across 27 countries, stakeholders from various Indian states, hoteliers, and investors, attended the Mart.
The Travel Mart witnessed investment proposals worth Rs3,665 crore across hotels, resorts, and other tourism projects, along with nearly 9,000 business-to-business (B2B) meetings, reflecting the state’s growing tourism potential.
The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, in the presence of Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, State Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Religious Trusts & Endowments (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, State Minister for Backward Classes & Minority Welfare and Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Communities (Independent Charge) Smt. Krishna Gaur, Chief Secretary, Shri Anurag Jain, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture, Home, and Religious Trusts & Endowments, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, MD, MPSTDC Dr. Ilaiya Raja T., renowned filmmakers and actors Smt. Ekta Kapoor, Shri Gajraj Rao, Shri Raghuvir Yadav, Ms. Lara Molina of the Spanish Film Commission, and Ms. Anna Saura, along with tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, and other tourism stakeholders.
Chief Minister Engages with Key Investors
During the Mart, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav held one-on-one discussions with key investors.
Panel discussions on “Madhya Pradesh: From Hidden Gem to Global Icon” and “The Future of the
Film Sector in Madhya Pradesh: From Reel to Real Growth” included participation from domestic and
international experts, investors, and industry representatives. Additionally, sessions focused on
Fostering Inter-State Tourism Collaboration saw active participation from various states.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav emphasized that under the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the tourism sector has gained significant momentum. He stated that the Travel Mart will serve as a key catalyst for tourism development and will now be held annually. He highlighted that the participation of 27 countries establishes MPTM as a global-level event, showcasing the unique tourism offerings of Madhya Pradesh.
State Minister Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi added that Madhya Pradesh, with its rich natural beauty, sacred spiritual sites, abundant wildlife, and glorious heritage, continues to attract tourists from around the world. The increasing number of visitors is strengthening the state’s global identity, and MPTM 2025 will give a new impetus to tourism in Madhya Pradesh.
Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla remarked that the Travel Mart successfully realized the vision of bringing tourism stakeholders together on a single platform. He highlighted that dialogue, partnerships, and collaborations through the Mart have provided new direction to the state’s tourism. He urged tour operators and hoteliers to promote Madhya Pradesh extensively, assuring that the state will continue to welcome tourists with open arms and provide memorable experiences.
New Projects and Agreements
Two major projects were awarded Letters of Award (LOA) to Indore Treasure Town Pvt. Ltd.
Contracts for establishing tent cities in Hanuwantiya, Tamia, Mandu, and Orchha were signed with
Ease My Trip and Aagman India Travel for a five-year period.
Trans Bharat Aviation Pvt. Ltd. and Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd. were entrusted with launching
regional helicopter services across three sectors.
Rural Entrepreneurship Showcased on a Global Stage
MPTM 2025 featured 20 homestay operators and 27 artists–craftspeople, highlighting rural tourism
and its potential. Direct interactions between rural and urban homestay operators with international
tour operators created expanded business opportunities. Key homestays included Bancha,
Navdatoli, Bothu, Chopna Bhajipani, Bhartipur Gadar Khedi, Kekadiya, Sabarvani, and Rancha, while
artisans from Khari, Chedka, Kajra, Ujjain, and Bhopal showcased Madhya Pradesh’s cultural richness
and craftsmanship. This initiative not only provides global visibility to rural homestays but also
creates new employment opportunities in these regions.
Regional Partnerships to Drive Tourism Growth
In the session on Fostering Inter-State Tourism Collaboration, representatives from different states
agreed that regional partnerships are the most effective way to ensure sustainable tourism
development. Madhya Pradesh, due to its geographic and cultural location, can act as a central
tourism hub for central India. Collaborative circuits suggested included the Ram Van Path circuit with
Chhattisgarh, Jyotirlinga circuit with Maharashtra, and heritage promotion projects with Rajasthan,
alongside expansion in tiger corridors, film tourism, eco-tourism, and medical-religious tourism.
MICE and Wedding Tourism
A roundtable on “M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) and Wedding Tourism”,
organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and FICCI Wedding Tourism Committee, focused
on promoting unique destinations globally, setting appropriate hotel rates, and showcasing the
state’s cultural attributes through modern marketing channels.
Key Partnerships and Investments
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department signed agreements
for heritage conservation and development of tourist facilities.
Balaji Telefilms announced an investment of ₹50 crore over five years for film, web series, and
documentary production in the state.
Madhya Pradesh Tourism signed an agreement with leading travel and lifestyle platform Curly Tales
to strengthen its digital outreach.
Launch of ‘The Sitarist’ TVC
The event featured the unveiling of a new TV commercial, ‘The Sitarist’, showcasing the soul of
Madhya Pradesh, performed by world-renowned sitarist Anoushka Shankar.
Showcasing Madhya Pradesh on the Global Stage
Over 120 stalls displayed the state’s handlooms, handicrafts, Gond art, and Chanderi sarees, with
live demonstrations attracting widespread attention. International stakeholders also participated.
Cultural performances included presentations by renowned dance choreographer Ms. Maitreyi
Pahadi and the Mayur Band, representing Madhya Pradesh’s musical heritage. Local cuisines and
traditional folk culture added vibrancy to the event.
Best Stall Awards:
* First Prize: Shambhala Resort, Bhopal
* Second Prize: Yar Nagar Jungle Resort, Budhni
* Third Prize: Enchanting Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior
In addition, sponsors, gramstays, and homestay operators were felicitated for their contributions.
