Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday virtually inaugurated the 5th edition of Odisha Travel Bazaar at Eco Retreat, Konark. The three-day extravaganza opened to huge responses with more than 70 domestic tour operators from 18 States participating in the exhibition and showcasing their tourism products.
On the occasion, Director-Tourism Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav made a presentation on Odisha Tourism’s initiatives for promotion of the State. Chairman, Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) Dr Lenin Mohanty and CMD Swosti Group Dr JK Mohanty spoke on the importance of Odisha Travel Bazaar about providing a platform for interacting with stakeholders of travel and tourism industry from across the globe and also to help them in experiencing the tourism products of the State, thus resulting in efficient marketing of Odisha to the target audience, be it the travel community or the investors.
Senior Advisor, FICCI, Manab Majumdar gave the welcome address. An insightful panel discussion on "Unlocking Odisha’s Tourism Potential" was led by Director Tourism Sachin R Jadhav. The session boasted of panellists from domains like MICE, Luxury Cruises and Houseboats, Heritage Palaces and DMCs. CMD Swosti Group Dr JK Mohanty, Souvagya Mohapatra from Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts, Director Kamat Hotels Vishal Kamat, President and Director, Mayfair Hotels and Resorts Manoj Kumar Gouda, MD, AT Seasons and Vacations Travel Private Limited Amaresh Tiwari, Chairman, IATO Odisha Chapter Gagan Sarangi and Director, Belgadia Palace Mrinalika Bhanj Deo were part of the panel discussion.
A cultural programme showcasing Odisha’s performing arts such as Odishi, Chhau and Sambalpuri folk dances was organized post the interactive session. Pre-scheduled, structured B2B meetings between the buyers and sellers were carried out.