From Buddhist Circuit to the Puri-Konark Heritage Corridor, from adventure sports to authentic local life experience, the state of Odisha has a lot to offer. Deputy CM and Tourism Minister of Odisha Pravati Parida agrees on the same when she recently emphasized on the state’s “limitless potential of tourism” in an interview. The Deputy CM was speaking at the FinancialExpress.com Adventure Tourism Meet (ATM) in Meghalaya’s Shillong. Parida shared insights into the ambitious initiatives that Odisha is rolling out to bolster its tourism sector, emphasizing a mix of adventure, heritage, and ecotourism.
Highlighting the state’s thematic development projects, Parida detailed the creation of circuits like the Buddhist Circuit, the Ekamra Corridor (a spiritual pathway), and the Puri-Konark Heritage Corridor. She noted that these projects, once completed, would offer a unique blend of cultural and historical experiences for tourists. Additionally, adventure tourism is set to get a major boost with plans for trekking and other activities in the Deomali hills of Koraput. Ecotourism is being prioritized in areas such as Simlipal, Hirakud’s riverfront, and the lush Bhitarkanika wetlands.
Odisha’s pristine coastline along the Bay of Bengal also promises new attractions, with the state government planning to invite major hotel chains to develop high-end projects in Puri and Konark. The proposed international airport in Puri is expected to make these tourist spots more accessible.
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Speaking on adventure tourism, Parida showcased activities like scuba diving and water sports at the Silver City Boat Club in Cuttack. Although the state’s 2022 adventure tourism policy is pending implementation, Parida expressed her commitment to initiating it soon. The discussions at the Adventure Tourism Meet provided valuable takeaways for future plans, she noted.
Expressing gratitude to the Indian Express Group for hosting the event, Parida said she appreciated the opportunity to engage with fellow ministers and industry experts, describing the interaction as highly instructive. She also invited these experts to Odisha to contribute their insights.
Parida’s visit to Cherrapunji’s caves and homestays in Meghalaya served as a learning experience, showcasing how local enterprises could enhance tourism. “Even the popular Eco Retreats of Odisha are being more made more affordable, so many more people can visit and experience them. Odisha is also looking at developing some new offbeat tourist destinations,” Parida said.
Adding to the list of accomplishments, Parida mentioned Maniabandha’s recognition as the ‘Best Tourism Village’ by the Government of India, known for its vibrant textile tradition. The Minister emphasized how adventure tourism could attract younger visitors, boost tourist numbers, and drive economic growth. She revealed plans to make the state’s popular Eco Retreats more affordable to widen accessibility and hinted at the development of offbeat destinations.
Parida concluded with optimism, stating that the expansion of tourism would strengthen the local economy and create substantial employment opportunities across Odisha’s diverse regions.
From: financialexpress
Financial News
