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Odisha Tourism Conclave 2018

Aug 24, 2018

World Trade Center Bhubaneswar associated as industry partner in the 3rd Odisha Tourism Conclave. 

Inaugurating the conclave His Excellency, Governor of Odisha Prof Ganeshi Lal in his address advocated for Odisha as a destination which has everything to offer to the world that a tourist is looking for today. “My India is my India. Our country is the richest land in the world, today. Tourism is one of the most attractive elements India is offering others” said Prof Lal. 

JK Mohanty, Chairman of Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) said tourism today is on the mobile handsets of people, but growth is on airplane mode. A vibrant Brand Odisha campaign on the lines of New Zealand, Thailand and Dubai should be launched to promote the destinations, he said. “Tourism can be marketed globally by using social media platforms, including blog posts, podcasts, videos and e-newsletters. A world class content strategy should be developed which would help user’s share and comment. Tourism Department must have a digital marketing team and spend more on social media marketing,” he added. Mr. Mohanty said Odisha Government should prepare a master plan for next 20 years and produce a booklet for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism besides promoting medical tourism.

Mr. Vishal Dev, IAS, Commissioner cum Secretary, Department of Tourism Government of Odisha said that the state government has been taking efforts to boost the tourism sector. “We admit that a lot more needs to be done in the tourism industry. We lack star and luxurious hotels at important tourist destinations. District Collectors have been asked to identify land for hotel purpose so that we can create land bank and invite entrepreneurs and big brands to set up hotels in Odisha” he said.
Mr Asit Kumar Tripathy, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Home, Govt. of Odisha in his address deliberated that although government has an important role in pushing tourism forward, the local enterprises should also come forward to develop more and great ventures at key destinations. “In addition to the overseas guests, we should attract the domestic travelers. India’s middle class population is now ready to spend on travel and tourism hence to attract more tourists and give them the best experience we need to enhance our capacity in terms of infrastructure” said Mr. Tripahty in his concluding lines. 

On behalf of the HRAO and the IATO, at least fourteen suggestions have been submitted to the State Government which includes holding of road shows in countries having largest tourist inflow like the United States, the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Canada, Malaysia, Australia, Germany, France and Japan, an international standard convention facility, speeding up of work of the proposed World Trade Centre and the much-talked Kalamandal Convention Center. the HRAO also has recommended to establish a Tourism Development Authority in line with ones in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and Germany.

Mr. Srinivas Subudhi, Secretary, HRAO, proposed the vote of thanks

In Photo: His Excellency Prof Ganeshi Lal, Governor of Odisha presenting the inaugural address at the Odisha Tourism Conclave 2018.