As the Biju Patnaik International Airport has become a No. 1 passage point in terms of passenger growth in the country after addition of international routes to it, hoteliers and tour operators have started promoting the State as a 21nights’ destination against earlier destination for two nights /three days.
“So far, Odisha was known only for Bhubaneswar- Puri- Konark as short haul destination of two nights and three days tourist paradise. With the advent of Jharsuguda, Rourkela and Jeypore airports, we need to promote our Budha heritages, Sambalpur handlooms, temples and cultural heritages across the State,” said JK Mohanty, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO).
He further added that the Odisha Government's pro active tourism policy and aggressive eco-tourism marketing have also boosted tourism potential of the State.
To further promoting Odisha as an international tourist destination the HRAO and tour operators have suggested nine circuits to be developed to realise 21Night destination including western Odisha, 480-km-long coastline with Chilika, south and western Odisha’s tribal culture, sanctuaries, temples, forts, handlooms and handicrafts.
With the new Tourism Policy, the HRAO is now willing to introduce additional 5,000 rooms in tourist spots across the State, particularly in western Odisha.
Presently, Odisha has the lowest number of star hotels (10) and classified rooms (670), said a release.
To make western Odisha as a potential destination, the HRAO along with tour operators have planned to organise a State-level workshop in Sambalpur on June 20.
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 Center and the much-talked Kalamandir 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.
Apart from these, the HRAO has suggested to organise annual boat race festival, create water sports facilities and establish Biju Patnaik Park at Chilima, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon. Appointment of tourist police, capacity building of guides, proper branding, e-tourist visa facility on arrival in the Biju Patnaik International Airport are the other demands placed before the Government.
As a follow up to the tourism conclave, “Tourism To Be The Driving Force of Future Economy” held in June last year, another such involing all stakeholders will be held this year on August 24. The HRAO has also decided to organise Odisha Travel Bazar on October 5 to invite foreign tour operators.