Tourism sector set for over 25% CAGR,Shekhawat at MP Travel Mart

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, said on Saturday that India’s tourism sector contributes over Rs20 lakh crore to the national GDP and is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of more than 25 per cent. Speaking at the ‘Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart’ organised by the state’s tourism department, the minister emphasised that tourism is now a national priority rather than an auxiliary industry.“Tourism provides livelihood to more than 84 million people. India welcomed 20 million inbound tourists last year, and domestic travelers undertook 2.94 billion tour trips. The sector is estimated to grow at over 25 per cent CAGR,” Shekhawat said.Highlighting the social impact of tourism, the minister noted, “Artisans are finding new markets, families are running home-stays, women entrepreneurs are creating eco-retreats, and local youth are becoming confident guides and hosts.” He added that extensive investments in highways, airports, inland waterways, and digital infrastructure have made travel across India seamless.

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: At the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart event, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat says, "Madhya Pradesh’s tourism policy reflects these same values, where nature and livelihood coexist in harmony. Recent policy decisions such as considering investment in… pic.twitter.com/7xj5XfUDiB

— IANS (@ians_india) October 11, 2025

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, addressing the event, said, “Madhya Pradesh should progress further in all areas of its tourism. Many prominent figures involved in tourism-related businesses and providing employment through tourism are present in Bhopal today. All of India’s major brand hotels and resorts are in Madhya Pradesh. Today, our artists are also receiving a great gift. We were present here to sign several such important MoUs.”

#WATCH | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: In the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, an MoU was exchanged between Rangmandal Bharat Bhavan and the National School of Drama.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav says, "Madhya Pradesh should progress… pic.twitter.com/LhgUvj9tEA

— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2025

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav met with representatives from the film and tourism industries during the travel mart to promote the state as a prime shooting and tourism destination. Notable attendees included producer Ekta Kapoor, actors Gajraj Rao and Raghubir Yadav, Lara Molina of the Spanish Film Commission, and film producer Anna Saura.The Chief Minister assured participants that the state government is committed to making Madhya Pradesh a leading hub for both tourism and film production. Experts from the wedding planning and event management sector also shared ideas to promote the state as a wedding destination.Union Minister Shekhawat was accompanied at the event by MP Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi and Minister of State for Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Krishna Gaur.

(Asstt.Editor)