World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar collaborated as an associate partner in the 4th Odisha Tourism Conclave. 

Inaugurating the conclave His Excellency, Governor of Odisha Prof Ganeshi Lal in his address stressed on the need to publicise Odisha’s natural resources like forests, hills & lakes besides its rich culture, tradition and cuisines in order to attract more tourists and generate employment. 

Mr. Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, Hon’ble Minister Tourism & Culture, Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha in his address said that the State aims to develop Puri as an international tourist destination for which the Government has earmarked an investment of Rs.500 Crore. 

Mrs. Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in her address sought proposals from the State Government to develop and promote its places of tourist attraction. “The Centre has introduced several schemes and allocated funds which are to be disseminated to states for execution. Odisha Government needs to define its areas of priority and send proposals as per existing guidelines” said Mrs. Brar. “The Centre is going to kick off its global media campaign shortly. Odisha has many things to showcase which will be promoted through the campaign and we will be happy to support Odisha in tourism promotion,” she added.

Mr.Vishal Dev, IAS, Commissioner –cum- Secretary, Department of Tourism, Sports and Youth Services in his address shared that Houseboats, Caravan Tourism, Heritage Hotels and Home Stay are going to be some of the key attractions of Odisha Tourism. “Places like Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark & Chilika will soon have star hotels of national chain to meet the demands of the day” said Mr. Dev. “Odisha Tourism is using 5T as a formula to improve the sector in the state” he added.

Earlier in his address Mr. JK Mohanty, Chairman, Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) expressed concern over 28 per cent GST charged on rooms above Rs. 7,500. “The State is suffering from a shortage of rooms and star hotels here fail to compete with international tourism market, especially in South East Asia countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand” said Mr. Mohanty. Mr. Mohanty further recommended the GST rates to be cut down to 5%. “Only then places like Chilika Lake which can be considered as a gold mine from the point of view of Odisha Tourism can prosper” he said. He requested the Government to restart providing capital investment and interest subsidy at least for three years to boost tourism infrastructure and hotel industry. “It will help to contain out-go of foreign exchange and Indians going abroad,” he added.

Mr. Jonathan Raul, Secretary, HRAO, proposed the vote of thanks.
Experts from various fields including travel trade, performing arts, adventure sports, airlines, media, digital marketing and branding besides food connoisseurs, filmmakers, eco-tourism lovers, academicians, bloggers and content writers attended the event. 

On this occasion World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar received felicitation from Mr. Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, Hon’ble Minister Tourism & Culture, Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha for the Centres contribution towards development of the Tourism Sector of Odisha.

In Photo (L-R): His Excellency Prof. Ganeshi Lal addresses the gathering while seen on the dais are Mr. JK Mohanty, Chairman, Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha, Mrs. Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Mr.Vishal Dev, IAS, Commissioner –cum- Secretary, Department of Tourism, Sports and Youth Services, Mr. Nirmal Chandra Mishra, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, Mr. . Jonathan Raul, Secretary, HRAO