Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (Independent Charge), Prahlad Singh Patel, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh jointly inaugurated the ‘Chhatrasal Convention Centre’ at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. They also launched the “MICE Roadshow Meet in India” at the Chhatrasal Convention Centre at Khajuraho.

About Chhatrasal Convention Centre:

i.Chhatrasal Convention Centre was inaugurated at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

ii.It was developed under Ministry of Tourism’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

Gist about Swadesh Darshan Scheme:

i.The Scheme is an Initiative by the Ministry of Tourism & was launched in 2014-15.

ii.This Scheme will develop theme based tourism circuits in India.It Includes 15 theme-based Tourism circuits across India.

About MICE Roadshow Meet in India:

i.MICE Roadshow Meet in India was organized by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in association with Madhya Pradesh Tourism and India Convention Promotion Bureau.Note – MICE is an acronym of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions.

ii.It was launched with an objective to promote India as MICE Destination.

Launch of ‘Meet in India’ Campaign:

i.‘Meet in India’ was Planned to launch during the event. This will be the distinct sub-brand under ‘Incredible India’ to promote the country as a MICE destination.

ii.It will help to transform Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh as an iconic tourist destination under ‘Development of Iconic Tourist Destinations Scheme’.

Gist about Development of Iconic Tourist Destinations Scheme:

i.A Centrally funded scheme under the Ministry of Tourism to develop India’s Iconic Tourist destinations into World Class tourist destinations. As of March 2021, a total of 19 Iconic destinations have been selected under this program.

ii.Some of the identified tourist sites to be developed as iconic destinations under the scheme are Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh), Ajanta Caves & Ellora Caves(Maharashtra), Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort & QutubMinar (Delhi), Colva Beach (Goa), Amer Fort (Rajasthan), Somnath , Dholavira & Statue of Unity(Gujarat), Khajuraho (MP), Hampi(Karnataka), Mahabalipuram (TamilNadu), Kaziranga (Assam), Kumarakom (Kerala), Konark(Odisha) and Mahabodhi Temple (Bihar).