MP to scale efforts to boost tourism, film shootings

Popular television channel National Geographic is already shooting a film on the state`s tourist destinations, a MPSTDC release here said.

As a step in this regard, the corporation has proposed to develop better road facilities at 268 tourist destinations, out of which the Centre has already granted sanction for 30 roads, it said.

Also, the MPSTDC intends to popularise the state in other countries, for which special marketing strategies have been chalked out, which include - road shows, advertisements in newspapers and magazines highlighting the immense tourisim possibilities in MP.

Air connectivity has also been provided through private operators at major tourist destinations, including Khajuraho, Jabalpur, Gwalior and Indore, MPSTDC said. The corporation has also chalked out a special honeymoon package for Pachmarhi, Khajuraho and other beautiful tourist places in view of ensuing marriage season, it added.

In the last few years, the state has seen a rise in the number of Bollywood films being shot here, which has further encouraged the tourism department to step up its efforts towards making the place attractive for filmmakers.

Many recent films like Ranbir Kapoor starrer `Rajneeti`, `Gali Gali Chor Hai`, Amitabh Bachchan`s `Aarakshan`, Aamir Khan`s home production `Peepli Live` and Rajshri Production`s `Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi` were shot in Bhopal, while Prakash Jha`s under-production `Chakravyuh` is also being shot in the state capital.