OdishaPlus Bureau
The Odisha Tourism Conclave 2023, aimed at the development of tourism sectors in the state came to a grand conclusion on Thursday evening with a message for promotion of the tourism sector in the state.
CMD Swosti Group and Chairman HRAO JK Mohanty delivered the welcome address on the occasion and requested the state tourism department to look into the needs of state hotel and hospitality sector.
Odisha Tourism Minister Ashwini Kumar Patra joined the valedictory session of the one-day conclave at Hotel Swosti Premium, as the chief guest. In the fifth edition of the conclave, Tour operators, hoteliers from the state and outside, senior central and state govt officials, stakeholders from tourism, hospitality and airline sector, intellectuals and media representatives took part.
The deliberations at the conclave revolved around the growth of tourism industry and allied infrastructure.
“The beautiful beaches, sanctuaries, waterfalls and tribal heritage of the state is drawing tourists from across the country. The state govt is working with all stakeholders of tourism industry for the development of the sector. The govt is preparing integrated master plan for development of 15 tourist destinations in the state,” informed the minister tourism, Ashwini Kumar Patra.
He added, “The State govt is developing infrastructure for promotion of water-sports at lakes like Tampra, Chilika and Anshupa. The govt is trying to generate employment through tourism.”
“Odisha has made considerable progress in the field of tourism. In the recent past, Odisha had organised mega events like the Hockey World-Cup, DotFest to name a few. Odisha is working on diverse fields of tourism at present. Other states are following the footsteps of Odisha in tourism sector. Moreover, investment in Odisha’s Tourism sector is on the rise which will be helpful for its growth”, said Director Tourism Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav.
“The suggestion of stakeholders holds paramount in the development of tourism promotion in Odisha. We will try to convey the suggestions put forward by the intellectuals participating in the conclave to the government. The state govt is working towards the development of heritage tourism in the state concluded. Since, Infrastructural development drives development of tourism, the govt is putting special attention to that aspect. When all stakeholders work hand-in-hand, the tourism sector in the state will move way forward,” said Chairman OTDC Lenin Mohanty
One interactive session and five technical sessions were held in two phases at the conclave which witnessed the assembly of different stakeholders in the tourism sector. The deliberations were held keeping in mind factors like investment in state tourism, eco-tourism and the development of hospitality sector. The audience raised various questions to the panelists related to tourism at the conclave.
The various suggestions put forward by experts and stakeholders in tourism sector were conveyed to the tourism department of govt of Odisha by the organizers, HRAO, in the valedictory session. This will helpful for the govt in the development of tourism industry in the state.
Vice President IATO, Ravi Gosain, Chairman HRAO & CMD Swosti Group Jitendra Kumar Mohanty were among those present at the valedictory session of Odisha Tourism Conclave 2023.