Odisha Tourism in association with industry chamber FICCI recently organized a roadshow in Mumbai to create more awareness about the lesser known tourism products of the state. The delegation led by J. P. Panigrahi, Tourism Minister of Odisha, was accompanied by 18 tour operators of the state who interacted with over 150 tour operators of Mumbai.
Commissioner cum Secretary Vishal Dev highlighted key offerings of Odisha across segments such as heritage tourism, ecotourism, ethnic tourism, and spiritual tourism amongst others. “Bhubaneswar, one of India’s smartest and most liveable cities, is being increasingly connected to other parts of India and the world. It is this city which received commendations from the sporting world’s who’s who for conducting arguably the best sporting events ever in the form of the Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup 2018, following the stellar organisation of the Asian Athletics Championships 2017,” Dev said and added that Odisha is focusing on segments like ecotourism, ethnic and handicrafts tourism, besides capitalising on niche segments like heritage homestays and adventure tourism apart from popular destinations like Puri and Konark.
Panigrahi hailed the government’s resolve and success at leading the state’s recovery from Super Cyclone Fani’s devastating impact. He said, “I take great pride in announcing that Odisha will be celebrating the colourful Jagannath Rathyatra from 4 to 12 July, just 2 months after the cyclone ravaged Puri. It is with this very dedication under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Mr Naveen Patnaik, that we call upon you to collaborate with us in our endeavour to give the best of India’s best kept secret to India and the world.”
J K Mohanty, Co-Chairman – Tourism Panel, FICCI Odisha State Council and Chairman & Managing Director, Swosti Group said that Odisha is promoting Beach Tourism; Eco Tourism; Buddhist Tourism; Heritage Tourism; Religious Tourism; Medical Tourism; Travel Tourism; Tribal Tourism; Wellness Tourism; Cruise Tourism; Sand Art Tourism and Adventure Tourism, in a mission mode.
Odisha, which witnessed 1.5 crore tourist footfalls in 2018, hopes to see the numbers rise to over 2.5 crore in 2021.
