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Bhopal: In a planned compel to boost tourism, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) is creating a comprehensive Buddhist Circuit aimed at increasing visitor traffic and preserving cultural legacy. This effort is part of a larger goal to restore and expand the state’s tourism landscape by 2024.
The Buddhist Circuit would connect key past and spiritual sites related to Buddhism, including Sanchi, which is noted for its stupas and monuments, as well as other notable locations such as Sarnath and Bodhgaya. This project complements the central government’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme, which focuses on establishing theme-based tourist circuits around India to encourage tourism and create jobs.
Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary for Tourism, emphasized the tourism board’s multifaceted approach, which includes transportation development, increased connectivity, and improved visitor experiences. The circuit is projected to attract both local and foreign visitors, notably from Buddhist-majority nations such as Japan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Apart from the Buddhist Circuit, the MPTB is working on several additional tourism initiatives. These include the expansion of rural tourism, wellness retreats, and adventure tourism. There are plans to add additional trekking paths, intra-state cruise routes, and unusual sites to the mainstream tourism map. The state also intends to focus on women-centric tourism and safety measures, including specific bicycle events and hospitality training for women.
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board aspires to establish a sustainable and inclusive tourism environment that not only benefits the local economy but also preserves and promotes the region’s rich cultural inheritance.