Post lockdown plan for revival of tourism sector in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Taking another step towards the post-lockdown revival of the economy, the Odisha government has decided to rejuvenate the tourism sector for up-scaling economic activities, both in rural and urban areas.

This was discussed in a high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy at Lokseva Bhawan conference hall on Thursday.

Reviewing the present scenario, Tripathy directed to bring domestic tourism to core focus in the post lockdown phase, as this segment is expected to revive faster than the international tourism.

The department was directed to bring out packages for promoting intra-state tourism.

Tripathy also directed to take proactive steps for attracting private investment in the hospitality and tourism sector, particularly at key tourist locations.

The meeting decided to prioritize destination development projects like Rambha and Satpada clusters in Chilika, Bhitarkanika national park, Chandrabhaga beach front development and Talsari beachfront development.

It was further decided to explore possibilities of developing Eco-Retreat 2020 hubs in the locations like Daringibadi, Debrigarh, Satkosia, Konark and Mahanadi Riverbed between Naraj and Dhabaleswar.

Comprehensive development of Buddhist circuit and Shamuka Project was also brought to focus.

The feasibility of rolling out schemes for promotion of Home-Stay, Heritage Hospitality, Houseboats, Beach shacks etc was also discussed in the meeting.

Chief Secretary Tripathy directed to make detailed operational plans involving various Government agencies and key stakeholders.

Toursim secretary Vishal Dev apprised that the Department has made a wholistic assessment of Covid-19 impact on Odisha tourism involving key stakeholders from hotels, restaurants, resorts, tour operators, adventure sports, home-stays and boat operators.

COVID-19 impacted the sector severely.  There were bulk cancellations due to the lockdown.

He suggested that on lifting of lockdown, there could be liaison with financial institutions for all possible support to the industry players.

Odisha Tourism road shows will be held in major cities of neighboring states and in tier-II cities across the country, to attract domestic tourists.

Itineraries for road-trips from destinations like Kolkata, Ranchi, Vizag, Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg-Bhilai, Jamshedpur, Bokaro etc. are being developed.

Dev said, “A special campaign will be taken up for promoting Odisha tourism through Odia cuisine, and, organizing Odia food festivals across six metros along with roadshows across the country.  Emphasis will be laid on promoting Odisha as a resilient, unique, and safe destination for tourists”.