Odisha continues to be visited by less than one per cent of foreign tourists coming to the country each year during the last seven years.
Tourist and Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda stated this in the State Assembly in response to a question of BJP MlA Dilip Ray on Friday.
A mere 0.86 per cent of foreign tourists visiting country came to Odisha in 2016 against 0.87 per cent in 2010, 0.96 per cent in 2011, 0.98 per cent in 2012, 0.96 per cent in 2013, 0.93 prec ent in 2014 and 0.83 per cent in 2015. The data shows that percentage of foreign tourists visiting Odisha compared to the country is on the declining trend during the last two years.
A total of 1,29,19,260 tourists comprising 1,28,42,899from within the State and other States and 76,361 foreigners visited Odisha in 2016.
Tourism activities (hotels and restaurants) contributed 10.99 per cent to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2016, which is less than that of the year 2010 (13.42 per cent).
Regarding proposals received at Make in Odisha Conclave, the Minister informed that the Government received proposals (hotel and multiplex) worth Rs 2,076 with employment potential of 12,471 from different companies.