With the Covid-19 situation improving, the State is now set to face “the new normal” in the hotel, restaurants, hospitality and tourism industry sectors.
The issue was discussion at a workshop here on Wednesday.
Hotel Association Chairman JK Mohanty said, “We are hopeful that the Government will facilitate the hotel, hospitality and tourism industry to reopen with all new normal conditions.”
He assured that all hoteliers and restaurant owners would ensure strict execution of Covid-19 norms and provide good hygienic practices.
Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy said, “Though tourism and hospitality industry faced the worst during the current pandemic, new positive trends have started coming up.
Odisha is an exciting mosaic of nineteen sanctuaries, a national park, two tiger reserves, largest lake, significant number of Irrawaddy dolphins, largest wintering ground for birds, long seashore which offer vast opportunities for nature and eco-tourism.”
He said the tourism and hospitality industry would soon overcome the shock of Covid-19.
Stating that tourists would be the real ambassadors and promoters of Odisha Tourism if they go back with best experience, Tripathy advised hoteliers, tour operators and hospitality providers to make no compromise in the matters of health, hygiene, safety and security of the visitors.
Tourism Director Sachin R Jadhav delivered welcome address while Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev outlined the objectives of the workshop.
Dr Md Sabir Hussain of Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM), Debasish Pattanik, Sarada Ghosh deliberated, among others.