Tiger tourism increases in MP

Compared to 2009-10, MP Pench and Kanha saw an increase in number of tourists by 9,336 and 20,749 respectively.

Official figures reveal that in 2010-11, over 1,74,773 tourists, including 34,078 foreigners, visited Kanha. This was followed by 78,881 tourists to TATR and 65,449 including 5,421 foreigners to Pench (Madhya Pradesh). Last year, 1,03,616 tourists had visited TATR but the number dropped by 24,735 this year. A K Saxena, additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF), wildlife, East Maharashtra, called it a good development. "The drop has to be considered against the backdrop of strict implementation of norms. We stuck to the carrying capacity and there was proper enforcement. It should not be taken in a negative way," Saxena said.

TATR witnesses traditional visitors. It is frequented due to promised tiger sightings besides other animals that are sighted in abundance, Saxena added.

On the other hand, on the success of Kanha H S Pabla, principal chief conservator of forests (PPCF) for wildlife, Madhya Pradesh, said Kanha had essential infrastructure needed for tourists besides guaranteed tiger sightings. "We also score from word-of-mouth publicity by tour operators and tourists," he added.