New Delhi: Odisha Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Ch. Panda invited the doyens of the tourism industry to participate in the first Odisha Travel Bazaar (OTB) on October 15-17, 2017 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, which is being organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
Addressing a roadshow organized by FICCI in New Delhi for the upcoming OTB, Shri Panda said that Odisha is emerging as a priority destination for creative travelers for authentic experiences with its unique natural and cultural heritage, for a diverse and immersive travel experiences to enjoy the absolute beauty of travel in a life time and the Odisha Travel Bazaar would give investors an opportunity to explore various sectors of tourism business. He urged stakeholders in the tourism sector to invest in Odisha and tap its full potential.
Giving an elaborate presentation on the business and investment opportunities available in Odisha’s tourism sector, Dr. Nitin Bhanudas Jawale, Director & Additional Secretary, Department of Tourism, Govt. of Odisha, said that with better air connectivity Odisha is now easily accessible by travelers from across the globe. Besides, the unique and business-friendly tourism policy provides lucrative incentives and subsidies to investors. Also, the government had initiated single window clearance system, which has made the process of acquiring various clearances easier.
Dr. Jawale 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. He added that development of infrastructure in tourism sector was one of the critical components and the State Government was looking for private sector participation.
Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Past President – FICCI, Chairperson – FICCI Tourism Committee and Chairperson & Managing Director – The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, said that OTB would have exclusive focus on business of inbound and domestic tourism, prefixed, structured, organized buyer-seller meets spread over three days, transacting and capitalizing on business opportunities between international, domestic buyers and sellers of Odisha tourism products at the booths of the sellers. The aim would be to ensure participation of around 40 foreign tour operators, 10 top of the line inbound operators, 20 leading domestic tour operators from across India, 5 leading airlines – all will be hosted as buyers in the first edition of OTB.
Mr. J K Mohanty, Chairman, Tourism Panel, FICCI Odisha State Council, Chairman, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO), Chairman, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) – Eastern Region, EC Member – Hotel Association of India (HAI) and CMD, Swosti Group; Dr . A Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI; and Mr. Rahul Chakravarty, Consultant, FICCI, also shared their perspectives on the upcoming Odisha Travel Bazar.
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