Madhya Pradesh gets first Skål International chapter in Bhopal

Madhya Pradesh opened its first formal link to Skål International on 1 August 2026 with the launch of the Bhopal chapter at Taj Lakefront. The move connects the state’s tourism sector to a network spanning 294 clubs in 75 countries and is aimed at boosting partnerships, investment and sustainable tourism.

Why it matters: - The Bhopal chapter gives Madhya Pradesh a direct route into a global travel trade network that can support international partnerships, trade contacts and market access. - The chapter is expected to help promote the state’s tourism assets, including heritage, wildlife, tribal tourism and rural tourism, to more overseas operators and media. - The launch aligns Madhya Pradesh’s tourism strategy with Skål International’s focus on responsible and sustainable tourism.

What happened: - Skål International Bhopal launched on 1 August 2026 at Taj Lakefront, Bhopal. - The chapter is Madhya Pradesh’s first formal connection to Skål International’s global membership. - Mahendra Pratap Singh was inducted as the Founding President of Skål International Bhopal. - The inauguration was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Rajendra Shukla and Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary in the Department of Culture, Religious Trusts & Endowments and General Administration. - Senior tourism officials and Skål India leaders were also present, including Dr. Ilayaraja T., Dr. Abhay Arvind Bedekar, Mr. Dileep Kumar Yadav, Mr. Sanjeev Mehra and Mr. Rohit Hangal.

The details: - Skål International was founded in Paris in 1932. - The organization describes itself as the only global body representing all sectors of the travel and tourism industry. - Its network covers 294 clubs across 75 countries. - Skål International is an affiliated member of UN Tourism. - The organization promotes professional networking under its “Doing Business Among Friends” philosophy. - The Bhopal chapter is designed to connect global members with Madhya Pradesh’s local tourism and hospitality industry through club meetings, regional congresses, bilateral networking and annual international platforms. - The chapter is also meant to create a trusted channel for inbound operators, travel media and destination partners to explore investment opportunities and local destination insights. - Madhya Pradesh’s tourism portfolio includes three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, the Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi and the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka. - The state also has nine tiger reserves, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, Panna and Kuno National Park. - The state’s tourism mix also includes archaeology, living tribal traditions, spiritual destinations, rural tourism and traditional crafts.

Between the lines: - The chapter gives Madhya Pradesh a formal seat in a network that can influence how destinations are packaged, promoted and sold internationally. - Dr. Ilayaraja T. said the launch is an important milestone for the state’s international tourism outreach and will help attract partnerships, knowledge exchange and tourism investment. - The emphasis on conservation-compatible tourism, tribal and rural tourism, and intangible cultural heritage suggests the state is positioning growth around sustainability rather than volume alone. - The chapter’s planned activities, including knowledge exchanges, familiarization visits and engagement with visiting trade delegations, point to a practical business-development focus.

What’s next: - Skål International Bhopal is expected to begin hosting knowledge exchange programs, familiarization visits and meetings with international travel trade delegations. - Madhya Pradesh will use the chapter to deepen ties with overseas tourism professionals and widen promotion across source markets. - The new chapter is likely to become a platform for business partnerships and destination marketing as Skål International expands its network.

The bottom line: - Madhya Pradesh now has a formal channel into one of the world’s oldest tourism networks, with Bhopal positioned as the state’s gateway to international travel trade engagement.