Orissa needs to pull up its socks
Orissa needs to pull up its socks
Bhubaneswar: Imposition of Restrictions by the state and central Governments in additions to overcharging by Transport, Operators, Vendors and Beggars are a major impediment to the growth of Tourism in the State. Orissa has the potential to emerge as a focal point in the Tourist’s Map for International and Domestic Tourists. It the Tourism sector is privatized - it would reap a whole lot of benefits.
Tourism Experts observed the above while speaking on “A new dimension to Marketing of Tourism in Orissa” at the Kalu Nam Memorial Foundation here on Wednesday. The speakers stressed on promoting Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Heritage Monuments and Beach Holidays in the state.
Tourism Expert M.S. Gani opined that while other states in Indian have opened up to new ideas in their approach to Tourism, Orissa is still lagging behind. Orissa, inspite of offering a verity of Holiday spots, is moslty known for its pilgrimage centres. Only about 5.7 percent of domestic Tourists and 4.2 percent of Internation Tourists prefer places of worship, others would like to be relaxed and have fun. Although Orissa has such facilities, they have largely been untapped to garner more Tourists. Beaches, Heritage Monuments and Buddhists sites are among the finest in the country but the state has not been able to market it accordingly. Government restrictions on photography; swimming costumes and entry into Tribal and Forest Areas have both helped matters either.
M.S. Gani also proposed to hold an exhibition of Lord Buddha’s relic next January to attract Tourists all over the world. He also said that the 20 kms coast along the Marine Drive from Puri to Konark could be developed into a unique Tourist Destination. Gani also cited that the state should be inspired by countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia who have worked wonders in promoting and developing coastal Tourism. Also the fat that a minimal air connectivity to Bhubaneswar also hampers the state as Major Tourist destination. The expansion work of the Biju Patnaik Airport should be accelerated to make it on part with other State of Art-Airports. He said Tourism in Orissa and the capacity to generate a large number of Jobs.
