Madhya Pradesh Shines In 2024 With Over One Lakh Foreign Tourists, Positioning India’s Heartland As A Major Global Tourism Hub

Published on June 24, 2025

Madhya Pradesh’s tourism sector has experienced a phenomenal recovery in 2024, emerging stronger than ever before. This resurgence can be attributed to the state government’s forward-thinking tourism policies, upgraded infrastructure, and targeted marketing campaigns. The state witnessed an impressive rise in tourist arrivals, both domestic and international. As per the MP Tourism Board, Madhya Pradesh welcomed a total of 13.41 crore visitors in 2024, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, 1.67 lakh were international tourists, a strong indicator of the sector’s resurgence.

Khajuraho Becomes a Magnet for International Tourists
Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage site, remains a major attraction for foreign tourists, drawing 33,131 international visitors in 2024, the highest of any destination in the state. Along with Khajuraho, other destinations like Orchha and Gwalior have seen an increase in foreign tourist numbers, with 13,960 and 10,823 international visitors, respectively. Although these figures are still below pre-pandemic levels, they highlight a positive recovery trend for the tourism industry.

Wildlife Tourism in Madhya Pradesh Sees Strong Growth
Madhya Pradesh’s famous tiger reserves have also attracted significant foreign attention. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve led the way with 29,192 international tourists, while Kanha saw 19,148 foreign visitors. Other reserves such as Panna and Pench also experienced a surge in international tourist interest, with 12,762 and 11,272 foreign visitors, respectively. This shift shows that Madhya Pradesh is gaining recognition as a top destination for wildlife tourism.

Religious Tourism Takes Center Stage in Domestic Growth
Domestic tourism also witnessed a robust recovery, with Khajuraho welcoming 4.89 lakh Indian visitors in 2024. The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain was the most visited religious site, drawing an astounding 7.32 crore devotees. Significant numbers of domestic tourists also flocked to other revered religious spots like Bhojpur, Maheshwar, and Gwalior, with each site attracting 35.91 lakh, 13.53 lakh, and 9 lakh visitors, respectively. Madhya Pradesh’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage continues to be a powerful draw for Indian tourists, with over 80 lakh visitors to heritage sites in 2024.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bolster Global Appeal
Madhya Pradesh’s global prominence is strengthened by its UNESCO World Heritage sites. The state is home to three permanent heritage sites—the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, the Bhimbetka rock shelters, and the Sanchi Stupa—along with Orchha’s historical group, which is on the tentative list. The state’s rich cultural, historical, and spiritual offerings have been effectively showcased through government initiatives, making 2024 a landmark year for tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

State Government Initiatives Propel Tourism Forward

The Madhya Pradesh government has launched a series of strategic initiatives aimed at significantly improving the tourism experience across the state. Key measures include the integration of smart technologies at popular tourist sites, which help enhance visitor engagement and streamline the overall experience. Additionally, infrastructure upgrades and an intensified focus on international marketing have been pivotal in making the state more accessible and appealing to travelers from across the globe. The government has also introduced several innovative initiatives such as e-guides, heritage walks, and programs focused on eco-tourism and adventure tourism. These efforts have played an essential role in drawing a diverse range of tourists, further establishing Madhya Pradesh as a prominent travel destination.

As the tourism industry recovers in the post-pandemic world, 2024 has injected a renewed sense of vitality into the sector, with numerous iconic destinations such as Khajuraho, Orchha, Panna, Ujjain, Maheshwar, and Gwalior once again becoming top choices for tourists. The state’s rich cultural, historical, and natural offerings continue to attract both domestic and international visitors, further cementing Madhya Pradesh’s reputation as a premier global destination. If these positive trends persist, the state is well-positioned to continue its growth and emerge as one of India’s must-visit locations for travelers worldwide in the coming years.