New initiatives like Blue Flag certification to five more beaches across the Odisha coastline besides Puri and ‘glamping’ are expected to provide a boost to tourism in the State.
Glamping’ is a portmanteau of the words ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping’ and refers to a style of camping with amenities and, in some cases resort style services not usually associated with ‘traditional camping
These initiatives were outlined in the Odisha Tourism Policy 2016 and could greatly contribute to the promotion of tourism in the State, Director Tourism Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, said while addressing a virtual orientation programme for new students at the School of Hotel Management (SHM), faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management of the SOA Deemed to be University here on Tuesday.
Jadhav said Odisha had immense future in tourism and the State’s potential was least explored. Current tourism trends blending meetings, incentives, conference/conventions and exhibitions/events, known as MICE, should be exploited as the State had great possibilities in this sector, he said.
The on-line program, which was presided by SOA Vice-Chancellor Prof Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, was also addressed by Aparesh Sinha, Hospitality Advisor, Consultant and Trainer and Prof (Dr) Sitikantha Mishra, Advisor-cum-Dean, SHM.
Sinha said the hospitality industry created a new job every 2.5 seconds and the students must grab the opportunities by acquiring skills needed to listen to people and developing patience and right attitude.
The tourism sector is an ever expanding industry with opportunities thrown up by hotels, hospitals, fine dining restaurants and the aviation sector. The Covid-19 pandemic had also thrown up new opportunities for food safety professionals, Sinha said.