Orissa Gets Aggressive On Tourism Promotion

To Hold Road Show In Bangkok, PWC Appointed To Draft Tourism Plan

Joy Roy Choudhury - Kolkata

Tourism is a big revenue-earner for Orissa and the state government is taking all possible measures to attract more tourists into the state. Recently the state has appointed PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to assist the Department of Tourism in formulating a comprehensive plan for promotion of tourism in the State aimed at attracting more domestic and foreign tourists into the state. This was revealed to Express Travel & Tourism, by Surjya Narayan Patro, minister-in-charge, DOT, government of Orissa. Patro was in Kolkata to inaugurate a tourism expo organised by Orissa Tourism and the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The consultant has already submitted two preliminary reports and is expected to table its final report within the next couple of months.

PwC is working on a number of issues that are posing a hindrance to the growth of tourism and will suggest measures to improve them. The first step is to study the organisational structure within the department and suggest changes for smooth functioning. The consultants will also look at existing laws related to forests, environment, coastal region management and excise. PwC is also conducting a survey to study tourist perception and preferences. The department is planning to market the Buddhist circuit in the state in the South-East Asian market. Santosh Kumar Sarangi, director & additional secretary, department of tourism, government of Orissa informed that,"The department is organising a four-day road show in Bangkok to showcase the tourism strengths of the state. The tourism minister himself will lead the delegation to Bangkok." Patro added that,

"The tourism department has appointed Mudra to prepare a campaign and develop an action plan to promote the state." He further added that, "The state government is encouraging private investments in the hospitality and tourism sectors. The state tourism department is in talks with hospitality groups to set up accommodation facilities at important tourist destinations across the state."