TravTalk India Online Magazine
Discussions at the fourth Odisha Tourism Conclave in Bhubaneswar touched upon important subjects such as a new tourism policy for the state slated for a 2020 release and simplification of land allotment for hotels. Both measures are expected to boost tourism to Odisha.
Kanchan Nath from Bhubaneswar
The fourth Odisha Tourism Conclave, organised by Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) under the theme ‘Tourism to be the Driving Force of State Economy’, was inaugurated by Governor of Odisha, Ganeshi Lal, along with other dignitaries. JK Mohanty, Chairman, HRAO, informed that of the 300 registrations for the conclave, 120 were tour opera- tors and the rest were hoteliers from Odisha. He added, “People contributed immensely to each panel discussion, and the proposals made will be shared with the government.”
New tourism policy by 2020
Speaking at the inaugural session, Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, Minister for Tourism & Culture, Government of Odisha, announced that the state will come up with a new tourism policy in 2020. He said, “There are many places in Odisha, the potential of which is yet to be realised. We must collaborate with states like West Bengal so we can have combined circuits to encourage inbound tourism. We are also making efforts to make Odisha the sports capital of India, and have already pumped ₹500 crore to redevelop the holy town of Puri.” The minister also appreciated the efforts of Mohanty for promoting tourism footfalls to the state.
Iconic site for Odisha
Addressing delegates at the event, Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, MOT, Government of India, spoke of the Centre’s plan for the state. She said, “We hope to soon identify an iconic site for Odisha. Tourist guides are going to be educated on a common platform. It’s an inexpensive programme where the basic course is just for ₹20,000. A global marketing campaign will also be launched soon by MOT and Odisha will be an important part of it.”
Land allotment for new hotels
At the conclave, Vishal Kumar Dev, Commissioner-cum- Secretary, Tourism and Sports & Youth Services departments, Government of Odisha, said that the drastic simplification of the process of allotment of land for construction of hotels was needed for tourism to grow.
