OdishaPlus Bureau
Taking another step towards the post-lockdown revival of the economy, the State Government has decided to rejuvenate the tourism sector for up-scaling economic activities, both in rural and urban areas. Reviewing the scenario, the Chief Secretary directed the officials to bring domestic tourism to core focus in the post lockdown phase, as this segment is expected to revive faster than 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 Satapada clusters in Chilika, Bhitarkanika national park, Chandrabhaga beachfront development and Talsari beachfront development.
It was further decided to explore possibilities of developing Eco-Retreat 2020 hubs in locations like Daringbadi, Debrigarh, Satkosia, Konark, and Mahanadi Riverbed between Naraj and Dhabaleswar.
Officials said comprehensive development of the Buddhist circuit and Shamuka Project was also brought to focus.
The feasibility of rolling out schemes for the promotion of Home-Stay, Heritage Hospitality, Houseboats, Beach shacks, etc was also discussed in the meeting.
The Chief Secretary issued directions to make detailed operational plans involving various Government agencies and key stakeholders.
Secretary Tourism Vishal Dev apprised that the Department has made a holistic assessment of Covid-19 impact on Odisha tourism involving key stakeholders from hotels, restaurants, resorts, tour operators, adventure sports, home-stays and boat operators which have been impacted severely by the pandemic.
There were bulk cancellations due to the lockdown. He suggested that on the lifting of lockdown, there could be a liaison with financial institutions for all possible support to the industry players.
Odisha Tourism roadshows 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”.