Odisha Participates In World Tourism Market In London

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Tourism has participated in World Tourism Market held in London in order to showcase and promote state’s tourism product and to attract more foreign tourists.

The stall of Odisha Tourism was inaugurated by Union Tourism minister Mahesh Sharma in the presence of state Tourism minister Ashok Chandra Panda and other dignitaries. The 3-day mega event was kicked off on November 7.

This year India has been the partner country as well as focus country in the World Tourism Market.  Keeping that in view, Odisha Tourism, through its stall has showcased its products to attract more tourist from Europe and adjacent countries.

The sand art of Konark, known as Black Pagoda prepared by internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik was a unique attraction in the market. There has been scheduled B-to-B meeting, inviting potential tour operators, agents, media houses and journalists to have interaction on state tourism products and destination sites.

State delegation was led by  Minister Panda while departmental secretary G. K. Dhal, director Nitin Bhanudas Jawale, were included in the team who had an elaborate discussion on  the promotion of state’s tourism potential such as World Heritage Site at Konark, Golden Triangle of Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark, Buddhist Circuit, Bhitarkanika-Similipal and Chilika.

There was also a discussion to attract more tourists for various destinations of beach, tribal, religious and eco-tourism in the state.

World Tourism Market, London is one of the biggest of its kind in which thousands of tourism organisations, tour operators, hoteliers, airlines, environmental associations, destination management companies and much more related to hospitality sector participate to showcase and promote their respective products and destinations.

The inaugural programme at Odisha Tourism Stall was attended by Ambassador and High Commissioner of India D. Pattnaik along with a number of celebrities, NRIs and tourists.