Say 'I do' in the paradise MP

VK Sanju

It is often said marriages are made in heaven, yet many now seek heavenly settings on earth to celebrate them. Across India, destination weddings have evolved into grand experiences that immortalize life’s rare moments. Madhya Pradesh is now preparing to join this elite league, positioning itself alongside Rajasthan and other leading wedding destinations. With a renewed vision for its tourism sector, the State aims to emerge as India’s next premier hub for destination weddings.

Alongside weddings, Madhya Pradesh’s new tourism policy emphasizes the development of world-class facilities for high-end MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. The State’s rich historical legacy and strategically central location provide a distinct advantage for these ambitious initiatives.

Luxury meets connectivity

A major advantage for Madhya Pradesh lies in its seamless connectivity to the nation’s key metro cities through well-developed road, rail and air networks. As Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism and Culture Sheo Shekhar Shukla notes, the State offers a rare blend of modern convention facilities, luxury accommodations, natural landscapes and historical grandeur.

By pairing world-class conference logistics with the romantic charm of destination weddings, the government envisions this high-yield tourism initiative as a powerful driver of economic growth and employment generation.

Destination Wedding

To establish a strong presence in India’s destination wedding market, the State is transforming historically significant locations into world-class venues. Priority centres include Khajuraho, the temple town known for its exquisite architecture; Mandu, with its stunning romantic ruins; Orchha, the ancient city of palaces and temples; Maheshwar with its serene ghats; Pachmarhi dotted by scenic retreats; and Bhopal, combining heritage allure with modern amenities.

Industry experts advise that to gain a competitive edge over Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh must focus on premium, high-profile venues and enhance hospitality standards. Transparent pricing mechanisms, particularly during peak wedding and conference seasons, are also recommended to ensure trust and consistency for visitors and event organizers.

Expanding business leap A view near the Bee Falls in Pachmarhi

The State’s trade fair and exhibition sector has recorded nearly 40 per cent growth, marking a significant leap in development. Building on this momentum, Madhya Pradesh aims to harness the full potential of this expansion. The government’s policy seeks to create a balanced ecosystem that stimulates both business and tourism, ensuring sustainable growth across the State’s emerging MICE and hospitality sectors.

According to Suraj Dhawan of Falcon Exhibitions, this is an opportune moment to expand MICE infrastructure. With world-class venues such as the Kushabhau Thackeray International Convention Centre in Bhopal and excellent connectivity to major cities, the foundations are already in place to establish Madhya Pradesh as a premier destination for business events and conferences.

Single window, endless possibilities

Representatives from the industrial sector have submitted a comprehensive proposal to the government to boost Madhya Pradesh’s global competitiveness in events. Central to their recommendations is a single-window system for fast-tracking approvals for major events. Such a system is vital to build trust with international organizers and streamline large-scale event execution efficiently.

There is a growing demand for improved infrastructure and connectivity across the State. Media professionals from around India stress the importance of promoting Madhya Pradesh’s unique attractions through modern marketing strategies. With leading hotel brands collaborating to address these challenges, the State is advancing a unified effort to build a world-class tourism and events ecosystem.