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also highlighted the poor recovery in the aftermath of pandemic and of Bhimbetka, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with other
the little support or attention that the inbound tourism sector has prominent sites, such as Mandu, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Panchmarhi,
been given, amply demonstrated by India’s despondently poor show Shivpuri, its rich wildlife, culture, among others, in order to unlock
in attracting foreign tourist so far. Notably, the country earned foreign state’s inbound potential.
exchange in excess of USD 30 billion (INR 2,11,661 crore) in 2019, its The event was attended by Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister,
best year till date. of Madhya Pradesh; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister
However, Foreign Tourist Arrival figure is 2023 was still short by a of Tourism and Culture; Rajendra Shukla, Deputy Chief Minister
lamentable over 15 per cent in comparison to the peak 2019 numbers, of Madhya Pradesh; Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Tourism &
and the situation has not improved much in 2024, because of India’s Culture Minister of Madhya Pradesh; M.R. Synrem, Joint Secretary,
heavy reliance on fewer source markets. The H1, 2024 inbound Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Sheo Shekhar Shukla,
numbers were still lagging by 10 per cent, but that was before the Principal Secretary – Tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh
Bangladesh, India’s number one tourism source market contributing & MD, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Bidisha Mukherjee,
nearly a quarter of the total FTAs, crisis. Given the continuing political Additional MD, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Dr. Ilayaraja T,
upheaval there, India’s overall FTA number till date is probably worse MD Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
off than the corresponding 2023 period. and senior Government officials from Union Ministry of Tourism
Mehra also highlighted that over the years IATO Conventions and Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Department, Madhya Pradesh
have played critical role in showcasing and establishing destinations Tourism Board and Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development
inbound profile and Madhya Pradesh as the host of the 39th Annual Corporation Ltd.
IATO Convention will reap big rewards with increased inbound More than 1,200 delegates attended the event. IATO’s famous Hall
visitations in the coming years. The delegates were treated with 10 of Fame award was bestowed upon IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal and Late
richly crafted post-convention tours covering prominent sites such M.L Razdan of Razdan Holidays.
as Khajuraho Temples, Sanchi Stupa, the prehistoric cave paintings shayan.mallick02@gmail.com

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