Tag Archives: Odisha Government

As part of its ambitious plan to enhance air connectivity, Odisha cabinet has approved a financial incentive program for airlines to launch new flights connecting various airports in Odisha. According to the program, airlines will receive ₹5 lakh per round trip for domestic flights and ₹10 lakh for international routes.

The Odisha government has decided to develop the unexplored and lesser-known Bat Island near the Hirakud Dam Reservoir as an attraction for eco-tourists. People will be able to visit the island as a part of Hirakud Cruise, which will be launched by the Forest and Environment department by the state government.

In an attempt to boost tourism Odisha Government has set a target to attract new investments to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore in the tourism sector by 2021. The tourism sector is one of the six focus sectors that the Odisha Government has identified for attracting new investment. The state has also set a target of 23.84 million tourist arrivals and the creation of 2,500 star-category hotel rooms by 2021. According to tourism officials, more than 12 million tourists visit Odisha every year and this number is growing by 9-10 per cent per year. The state aims to create 200,000 jobs, set up five convention centres and establish direct flight connectivity to five international destinations. It also aims to create a land bank of 2,000 acres to facilitate investors to get land for tourism projects. “According to Economic Survey done by the state government, the state has the potential to attract Rs 20,000 crore new investments in the tourism sector. We are making concerted efforts to achieve the target by 2021″, Nitin Bhanudas Jawale, Director and Additional Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha reportedly said. Adding to the same, J K Mohanty, Chairman, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha and Chairman and Managing Director of Swosti Group, reportedly said, “Odisha has much more tourism potential compared to its neighbouring states to develop its tourist spots and pilgrimage places to showcase before the world. But, the state has the lowest number of star category of hotel rooms. We are sure that with the new tourism policy of the Odisha government announced in 2016, we can add about 5000 hotel rooms in the next three years.” Source: Business Standard