Panel discussion on wildlife, communities and sustainable tourism marks Day Two of MP Travel Mart UPDATED

The second day of the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart 2026 featured a panel discussion on “The Living Landscape of India’s Wilds: Wildlife, Communities and Sustainable Tourism in Madhya Pradesh” at Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre, Bhopal. The session was moderated by Akanksha Garg, Founder and Director, Waxpol Hotels & Resorts, and Chairperson, ATOAI Women’s Collective.

Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, delivered the keynote address and stressed that wildlife tourism must benefit both nature and local communities. He said Madhya Pradesh should move beyond tiger sightings and promote experiences such as dolphin sightings in Chambal, Gandhi Sagar’s biodiversity, vulture conservation and full-moon boating around vulture breeding habitats.

The panel included L. Krishnamurthy, CEO, MP Ecotourism Development Board; Dr. Ilayaraja T., Secretary, Tourism and Managing Director, MP Tourism Board; David Raju, General Manager, CGH Earth Experience Hotels; Toby Sinclair, Director, andBeyond Asia; Parikshit Singh, Founder and CEO, Gram Stay; and Shivang Mehta, wildlife photographer.

L. Krishnamurthy highlighted the role of technology, trained guides and community participation, while noting the growing potential of Ratapani, Satpura, Sanjay and Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.

Dr. Ilayaraja T. said conservation efforts, including the successful cheetah programme, were being linked with new tourism experiences. He stressed that conservation must remain the priority while creating livelihoods.

Toby Sinclair and David Raju emphasised diverse wildlife experiences and professionally trained guides. The discussion also highlighted homestays, local cuisine, handicrafts and cultural experiences as ways to strengthen rural economies and make wildlife tourism more sustainable.