In an attempt to boost the tourism investment in the state of Odisha, the Department of Tourism is gearing up to have a new tourism policy with attractive incentives for investors. The new policy is expected to be in place by next year.
While addressing the industry stakeholders at the roadshow organized in New Delhi the Minister of Tourism and Culture Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi assured the investors of full support from the state government. The state has identified nine circuits for development related to tourism amenities and facilities. Several business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) meetings were held during the roadshow.
Speaking on the occasion Panigrahi said, “Odisha is not just the ‘Best Kept Secret’ but it is the ‘Only Kept Secret’, as there is no other state like this.” He stressed on the unexplored treasure-trove of tourist sites in Odisha, and said the state has undergone a major transformation in the last two decades and is now one of the pollution-free, safe and culturally rich states in the country.
According to him, the Department of Tourism is following the mantra of 5Ts — Teamwork, Technology, Transparency, Time, and Transformation, to achievethe growth in tourism like never before.
Tourism Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev said: “We are planning to diversify the services by introducing houseboats and camping sites at destinations like Chilika and Bhitarkanika Odisha Tourism is mulling revamp of its tourism policy.” Bhubaneshwar would soon have air connectivity with Dubai and Singapore, apart from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok currently, Dev added.
President of Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha JK Mohanty urged investors to take advantage of the new policy for investments and promotions.
While addressing the industry stakeholders, Souvagya Mohapatra, Executive Director, Mayfair Group said, “Our Tourism Policy emphasizes on establishment of projects on PPP mode and provisions many new incentives which are really beneficial for Tourism Industry in the state. The new Policy of Odisha Government focuses on strengthening human resource development activities which is making available trained manpower for hospitality and travel industry.”
FICCI Tourism Committee Chairperson and CMD of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group Jyotsna Suri said since tourism has emerged as a key industry across the world for employment and income generation, Odisha can benefit as well as be benefited by the sector with increased participation by the stakeholders.
