With the Centre approving Odisha’s proposal for coastal tourism circuit comprising Gopalpur, Tampara, Barkul and Satapada recently, Chief Secretary AP Padhi on Thursday directed the Tourism Department to complete land identification work for tourism land bank within three months.
Padhi issued this direction while presiding over the Tourism Advisory Committee meeting at the State Secretariat here. Tourism Secretary Gagan Kumar Dhal outlined the issues for discussion and Director Niten Bhanudas Jawale presented the action taken report on various decisions made earlier.
Padhi asked Tourism and Forests and Environment Departments to jointly work out a structured trip package for various eco-tourism spots in the State. He advised to involve local people in management of hospitality and accommodation centers in eco-tourist spots through appropriate training and motivation.
Development Commi-ssioner R Balakrishnan asked tour operators and hotel and restaurant associations to promote tribal interpretation centers and maritime museums.
As per earlier decisions, development and management of ecotourism spots have been transferred to the Forests and Environment Department. The department’s Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said steps are on to augment the available infrastructure and facilities at popular ecotourism spots.
The preparatory arrangements for Baristha Nagarika Tritha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) were discussed. It was decided to start the first trip on July 25 with 1,000 persons from Brahmapur Railway Station.
Notably, around 20 eco-tourism sites have been taken up with estimated investment of Rs 100 crore over a period of five years.
It was revealed that tourist footfall in eco-tourist spots in on an increasing trend over last three years. In the year 2012-13 the total footfall in eco-tourist spots was 2,76,206 which increased to 3,12,980 in the year 2013-14 and further to 3,47,965 in 2014-15. This year, more tourists are expected to visit such spots.
A draft Tourism Policy, 2016 has been prepared with more emphasis on inviting investments into the tourism sector.
Among others, Home Secretary Asit Kumat Tripathy, Handlooms and Textiles Secretary Chitra Arumugam, Hotel and Restaurant Association Secretary JK Mohapnty and Tour Advisor Banjamin Simon were present.