Bhubaneswar, 05 September (H.S.): A high-level meeting to accelerate tourism development in Odisha and strengthen its contribution to the local economy was held under the chairpersonship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Saturday.

An orientation programme on the ‘Odisha Tourism Vision 2036-47’ was organised virtually by the Tourism Department for members of the Local Tourism Promotion Councils (LTPCs). Sub-collectors serving as chairpersons of the LTPCs in various districts, along with police officials who are members of the councils and other concerned departmental officials, participated in the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Secretary Anu Garg highlighted the vision of ‘Developed Odisha 2036’ and ‘Developed India 2047’, emphasising the potential of tourism to contribute significantly to the economic development of local communities, districts, the state and the country.

Reiterating the approach of “Think India, Think Odisha,” Garg urged Sub-Collectors and other officials to play an active role in promoting tourism at the local level and take necessary measures to develop tourism infrastructure and facilities.

She highlighted various government policies and initiatives, including the Odisha Tourism Policy, Odisha Homestay Establishment Scheme-2025 and measures related to eco-tourism. She stressed the need for effective implementation of these policies at the grassroots level to bring visible changes to the tourism sector.

The Chief Secretary also called for special attention to cleanliness at tourist destinations, availability of basic amenities, hospitality and participation of local youth.

She advised Sub-Collectors and LTPC members to act as key facilitators for tourism development within their administrative jurisdictions. Officials were asked to identify new tourist destinations, homestays, heritage sites and natural resources in their respective areas and take steps for their development and promotion.

Emphasising the importance of coordinated action, Garg called for collaboration among different departments for the development of roads, sanitation, supporting infrastructure, signage, skill training for local youth, homestays and wayside amenities. Such measures, she said, would help preserve local tourism and heritage sites while making them more attractive and vibrant.

‘One District, Multiple Tourism Initiatives’

The Chief Secretary directed every district to adopt a ‘One District-Multiple Tourism Initiatives’ approach and immediately identify and develop around five to ten small tourism destinations.

She expressed the hope that such initiatives would particularly benefit the rural economy, women, local youth and the MSME sector. She also suggested introducing a Tourism Ranking system among districts to encourage healthy competition and greater enthusiasm for tourism development.

The district administrations were asked to accord the highest priority to tourism-related initiatives.

Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh made a detailed presentation on the Tourism Vision 2036-2047, while Tourism Director Dipankar Mahapatra outlined the proposed course of action.

The Chief Secretary also directed Sub-Collectors to actively participate in the government’s land bank initiative for tourism development and investment promotion by identifying suitable land at the local level.

Focus on Investment, Homestays and New Tourism Segments

The meeting also discussed measures to attract investment in the tourism sector and improve services for visitors. Key areas included hotels, homestays, tour and travel services, tourist guides, transportation and tour packages.

Presentations were also made on capital investment and land banking, tourist destinations and infrastructure, adventure tourism, homestays, and ethnic tourism based on tribal culture and lifestyle.

Senior officials of the Tourism Department participated in the meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan and discussed strategies for strengthening tourism infrastructure, promoting investment and creating greater livelihood opportunities through tourism across Odisha.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda