MP Tourism Forges Ahead With New Strategies

Jyoti Koul - Bhopal

Ashwini Lohani

Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (MPSTDC) is striving hard to be the best state with respect to tourism and tourist arrivals in the country. The state is fast moving on the fast track for tourism development. It has taken up various projects to develop the tourism infrastructure. MPSTDC is renovating 45 properties for which it has already set a deadline for the completion of the work.

In an exclusive with Express Travel and Tourism, Ashwini Lohani, managing director, MPSTDC said, “We are going in for complete renovation of hardware and software of these properties. We are looking at improving 60 location that includes these 45 properties and various tourism marketing office. This is our biggest project for next six months. As per the deadline I will have to complete it before March 2005.” Besides, launching various packages, MPSTDC is also developing a floating air-conditioned restaurant at the Upper Lake in Bhopal. The restaurant would be operational early next year. The corporation has already started the groundwork. Since the state has many lakes, it is looking at creating water sports by developing the large number of water bodies in the state. It is also planning to set up many souvenir shops at the places of tourist interest. However, improving roads is top priority of the state government.

“Over 17 tourism link roads have been identified and these link routes will be improved in a matter of months. Apart from surface transportation we are looking at enhancing air connectivity. At the same time, we have started dialogues with private sector on various other issues to provide world class facilities and infrastructure. All my development is happening at a reckless pace because I want to finish everything very quickly and then enjoy the fruit.” said Lohani. After his recent take over as MD, Lohani renovated the New Delhi office and also initiated a complete face lift of his own office in Bhopal.

Lohani further emphasised, “I want to make Madhya Pradesh the best tourism state in the country. The state of Madhya Pradesh has everything, you name it and the state has it. But the challenge is to convert the potential into realisation. We are changing things very fast and we are confident that MP will soon be perceived as the best tourism state in the country. We are trying to change the public perception which I guess is very important because even if you have immense potential but due to the lack the public perception things do not work. Public perceives Rajasthan or Kerala as the best tourism, states today. So we are working on this aspect as well. We have started campaigns, advertisements and promotions aggressively.”

When asked about the budget allocations, he said, “Money has never been an issue with me. We have introduced a corporate working style and since we are a commercial organisation, I can earn the money I want to spend. I have to be smart enough to earn money. MPSTDC is planning to go in for a latest branding of the state. But since the state has so much of diversity the brand positioning has to be well thought and planned. I guess the branding of the state should be based on diversity.”