The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC) is looking at acquiring ancient palaces and other royal properties in different locations across the state. "We are looking to acquire 11 royal properties in different locations including Ujjain and Ratlam. Once acquired, these properties will be developed for tourism purpose," MPTDC chairman Mohan Yadav said, while talking to HT.

Yadav was in the city on Friday to inaugurate the India International Travel Exhibition at Abhay Prashal. An MPTDC official said that the corporation was interested in acquiring Kaliadeh Palace and Kothi Palace in Ujjain and also the palace of erstwhile royal family in Ratlam, besides other royal properties scattered across the state.

MPTDC is gearing up to attract investments in the field of tourism during the forthcoming global investors meet to be held in Indore. "Our new tourism policy has elicited good response. We have earmarked a 550-hectare land bank and are hopeful of attracting investments on PPP (public-private partnership) model from big groups," Yadav said.

The Corporation, which earned a profit of Rs. 8 crore in the last financial year, is also building budget hotels in different locations including Amarkantak, Datia, Orchha, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar and Ujjain.

Corporation officials said that Madhya Pradesh has recorded a 20% year-on-year growth in foreign tourist arrivals and 30% growth in domestic tourist arrivals.

Yadav revealed that MPTDC will also start a helicopter service to link popular tourist destinations such as Mandu and Ujjain. He, however, refused to give any timeframe.