A surge of investment and optimism has put Gwalior on the map as Madhya Pradesh’s newest tourism hotspot. The city hosted its first-ever regional tourism conclave this weekend at the Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University campus, drawing investors, industry leaders, artisans, and policymakers. The two-day event generated investment proposals worth an impressive INR 3,500 crore, signalling a major boost for tourism in the Gwalior–Chambal and Bundelkhand regions.
Chief minister Mohan Yadav, who inaugurated the conclave, emphasised tourism’s role as a cornerstone of prosperity. He called it a sector that not only strengthens national income but also creates large-scale employment opportunities. “Tourism and pilgrimage are gateways to prosperity for our nation, especially for Madhya Pradesh. Being the ‘Heart of India’, Madhya Pradesh is giving special priority to tourism development to elevate its global identity,” CM Yadav said. He also described tourism as an inclusive growth engine, connecting all sections of society and reinforcing India’s vision of an Atmanirbhar, Viksit, and Samruddh Bharat.
One of the defining highlights of the Gwalior Tourism Conclave was the issuance of Letters of Allotment (LOAs) for seven land parcels to six investors. Together, these proposals are set to unlock more than INR 60 crore in immediate investments, with projects ranging from hotels and resorts to eco-tourism units. Beyond generating direct and indirect employment, the ventures are expected to energise the hospitality sector and open new avenues for tourism in the state.
The conclave also doubled as a platform for heritage and infrastructure announcements. Chief minister Yadav laid the foundation stone for development projects worth INR 17 crore at Gwalior’s historic Phoolbagh under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and a further INR 58.46 crore was allocated for works at the Raja Man Singh Tomar Music and Arts University. He also launched a dedicated e-commerce platform to promote traditional crafts and weaving, while unveiling a comprehensive master plan for the conservation and beautification of Gwalior Fort.
Underscoring Madhya Pradesh’s cultural pride, the CM reminded attendees of the state’s distinctive legacy—from cheetahs roaming at Kuno National Park as a symbol of coexistence, to Gwalior’s status as the land of musical greats like Tansen and Baiju Bawra. He announced a INR 50 crore allocation for the upcoming Raja Man Singh Tomar Music University in Gwalior and pointed out that Jiwaji University has secured substantial funds under the PM Usha scheme. Yadav also drew striking parallels between the state’s architectural heritage and India’s political landmarks, noting that the old Parliament House took inspiration from Morena’s Chausath Yogini Temple, while the dome of the new Parliament echoes the iconic Sanchi Stupa.
Digital promotion too was a key focus. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board signed MoUs to drive influencer campaigns and digital marketing efforts, ensuring that the state’s destinations, festivals, and cultural events reach a wider national and global audience.
The conclave drew a diverse set of voices from politics, industry, and the arts. Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar praised the chief minister’s “comprehensive investment efforts,” calling them a foundation for strengthening the state’s economy. Water resources minister Tulsiram Silawat described the conclave as part of a meaningful series that is setting new benchmarks for tourism. Minister of state for tourism Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi stressed on Gwalior’s limitless potential, citing its UNESCO recognition as a City of Music alongside Madhya Pradesh’s 18 UNESCO heritage sites. Principal secretary for tourism and culture, Shiv Shekhar Shukla, outlined the advantages of the state’s new Tourism Policy 2025 and Film Policy 2025, which simplify film shooting permissions and provide stronger incentives for investors. Adding a cultural perspective, actor Piyush Mishra praised the film-friendly climate, saying it would help nurture cinema and theatre talent across the state.
In a bid to shift perceptions, a short film on Chambal was screened during the conclave. Speakers observed that the region has long been misunderstood due to its negative portrayals, which do not reflect its current reality. The film presented Chambal as a pristine river landscape, free from human waste and pollution, home to endangered gharials and dolphins, and offering scenic boating experiences.
The investor community responded positively to the conclave’s initiatives. Ravi Gosain, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), highlighted how the platform allowed more than 200 tour operators to explore the region through familiarisation tours.
The event also shone a spotlight on Madhya Pradesh’s thriving craft traditions. Exhibitions of terracotta pieces, wooden toys, handloom patchwork textiles, Sikki art, bamboo paper toys, resin work, and colourful cloth dolls captivated investors, tour operators, and art lovers alike. Artisans welcomed the strong response, with several reporting fresh business inquiries.
Chief minister Mohan Yadav was presented with the iconic Batto Bai Doll by Batto Bai’s granddaughter, Kamini Bai—a symbolic tribute to Madhya Pradesh’s artisanal heritage. “The dolls, in pairs, are wedded on Akshay Tritiya and then given to children to play with,” explained Kamini Bai’s brother and Batto Bai's grandson Bharat.
Named after Batto Bai, a pioneering craftswoman from Gwalior, the dolls are still handcrafted by her fourth-generation family. Made with rags, paper, clay, cotton, bamboo, and bright fabrics, and painted in organic colours, they feature expressive faces and costumes inspired by daily life. Always sold in pairs, they range from a few inches to two feet in height, and remain popular as home décor and souvenirs.
Batto Bai gained international acclaim and several state and national awards. Her grandson explained the “pair tradition”: also known as Gudda-Gudiya, the dolls are considered auspicious for unmarried girls, who buy a pair on Akha Teej (Akshay Tritiya), marry them at home, and pray for their own weddings.
Today, the craft is being actively promoted by Madhya Pradesh Tourism, keeping Batto Bai’s legacy alive.
Cultural performances further enriched the atmosphere. On the inauguration day, the Languriya folk dance was a major draw. Traditionally rooted in narratives of womanhood and devotion, the performance is both vibrant and inclusive, with men and women dancing together in honour of the goddess. “The dance celebrates various forms of Goddess Shakti, such as Kaila and Chamunda,” explained performer Ashi Tripathi. “As we dance, it becomes an act of prayer, and in the finale, one of us embodies the goddess herself.”
Looking ahead, the conclave laid the groundwork for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart, scheduled for October 11–13, which is expected to be a landmark event for the state’s tourism sector. Meanwhile, Morena district is preparing to host new projects, including the foundation stone for a hydrogen plant at Piparsaira Industrial Area, with an investment of about INR 500 crore.
1. What was the highlight of the Gwalior Tourism Conclave 2025?
The Gwalior Tourism Conclave 2025 generated investment proposals worth INR 3,500 crore, announced heritage projects worth INR 75 crore, and launched digital tourism campaigns to promote Madhya Pradesh globally.
2. How will Gwalior benefit from the tourism conclave?
Gwalior will see new hotels, eco-tourism projects, cultural initiatives, and digital promotion campaigns, boosting employment, heritage conservation, and its identity as a global tourism hub.
3. What heritage projects were announced at the conclave?
Projects worth INR 17 crore were initiated at Phoolbagh under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, along with INR 58.46 crore for Raja Man Singh Tomar Music and Arts University and a master plan for Gwalior Fort’s beautification.
4. Why are Batto Bai dolls significant in Gwalior’s tourism story?
Batto Bai dolls, a traditional craft from Gwalior, symbolize the state’s artisanal heritage. Always made in pairs, they are considered auspicious and remain popular as souvenirs and cultural icons.
5. When is the next big tourism event in Madhya Pradesh after the conclave?
The Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart is scheduled from October 11–13, 2025, and is expected to be a landmark event attracting global stakeholders in tourism and hospitality.
