Odisha Travel Bazaar expected to host 40 FTOs from 19 countries

FICCI along with the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, organised a roadshow in Delhi to inform the various stakeholders of the tourism and hospitality industry about the upcoming Odisha Travel Bazaar (OTB) to be held at Bhubaneswar from October 15-17. Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson, FICCI Tourism Committee and CMD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, informed that OTB, FICCI’s maiden show in Odisha will be modeled on the lines of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) conducted annually in Rajasthan. “At Odisha Travel Bazaar, as many as 40 foreign tour operators from 19 countries; 10 top of the line inbound operators and wedding planners and 20 leading domestic tour operators from across India will be participating as hosted buyers. The tourism fraternity of Odisha comprising of hotels and tour operators will be promoting the tourism products of Odisha as sellers,” she said.
Ashok Chandra Panda, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of Odisha, addressed the stakeholders and informed them about the various achievements of the state in terms of tourism and also discussed the various projects open for investment in the state. He said, “I invite all travel trade associations to host their conventions and other events in Odisha. It is important that the travel trade looks beyond the usual regions and focuses on the Eastern part of India to market and promote it as a favourable destination for inbound and domestic tourism.” Other dignitaries present at the roadshow included Dr. Nitin Bhanudas Jawale, Director and Additional Secretary, Department of Tourism, Govt. of Odisha; J. K. Mohanty, Chairman-Tourism Panel, FICCI Odisha State Council and CMD, Swosti Group; Dr. A Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI and Rahul Chakravarty, Consultant, FICCI. Representatives from major travel associations were also present at the roadshow which included IATO, ADTOI, ATOAI, TAAI and ICPB.