Will leave no stone unturned to make IATO Convention a grand success, Ashok Panda

The presence of Minister for Tourism & Culture, Govt. of Odisha, Ashok Chandra Panda at the curtain- raiser of the 33rd Annual Convention of IATO sends a strong message across the country and shows Odisha’s enthusiasm to sensitize the tourism stakeholders about the convention scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar.

The Minister has interacted with the members of association, invited them to attend IATO Convention in a large number, and experience the rich cultural heritage, food and new tourism products developed by Odisha Tourism.

“On behalf of the Government of Odisha – I extend the invitation to the members of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and all tourism stakeholders to mark their presence at the 33rd Annual Convention of IATO taking place in Bhubaneswar,” said Ashok Chandra Panda while speaking to Whereabouts in New Delhi.

“I will leave no stone unturned to make the 33rd Convention of IATO a grand success. It has the blessing of my Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the people of Odisha,” says a confident Ashok Panda. “As Odisha is known for its hospitality – we will definitely arrive to the occasion of your expectations,” he added.

The Tourism Minister believes, the upcoming convention of IATO will avail a host of opportunity to the state’s tourism stake holders by leveraging the potential of tourism that Odisha offers. He feels that the mega tourism event will surely give an exposure to the tourism products of the state, and boost the number of travellers from national and international fronts. “We are endeavouring to make a strong presence on the tourism map of India, and I believe with this Convention the cherished desire will become a reality,” says Panda.

The Minister for Tourism & Culture, Panda has graced IATO Annual Conventions with his presence for more than three years in a row. He expressed his desire at IATO’s last Convention in Chennai to host Association’s next Convention (33rd) in Odisha and showcase a new Odisha to IATO members. On his return, he worked hard on it and confirmed with the association quite in advance that Odisha will be the main sponsor/host state for IATO’s 33rd Annual Convention.

He also brought the whole travel trade, hotels and other stakeholders to form the partnership with the state government. He himself attended the luncheon meeting of IATO and invited the tourism stakeholders to join the upcoming Convention in Bhubaneswar. The Minister ensured that the delegates will have an opportunity to visit some of the tourist sites in Odisha so that they can incorporate package for their global clients.

While elaborating on the various developments taking place in the state Panda said that the Department of Tourism has taken a number of initiatives to create a momentum which supports growth of tourism in the state. The new Tourism Policy (launched in 2016) is a giant leap in
this direction.

According to him, Odisha Tourism has been investing around Rs 100 crore every year to enhance the infrastructure status and basic facilities around the tourist sites of the state. The state has 350 identified tourism sites which are being developed on priority basis.

“Very soon we are going to implement the #Chilika Development Scheme and make ensure that this brackish water lake becomes the paradise for tourist coming to Odisha. Also, we have enhanced the progress of #Samuka Beach Project,” informed the Minister.

There has been a significant development in the field of international air connectivity. The Air Asia has started a flight service from Bhubaneswar to Kuala Lumpur a few months ago. Currently having four flights in a week, the state is expecting to have seven weekly flights on this route. “Odisha will get another international connectivity very soon as the Spice Jet has come forward to start a service from Bhubaneswar to Sharjah very soon,” added Panda.

As per the Minister this impact can be seen in the footfalls from international arena as the number has gone up to the 76000 last year. Almost one crore domestic tourist are coming to Odisha from Domestic front.