Aimed at the timely revival of the tourism and hospitality sector post-COVID-19, Odisha is extensively marketing its flagship campaigns, Odisha By Road complemented by the highly acclaimed Eco Retreat Odisha glamping festival, which is set to begin on 8 December 2020, up to 28 February 2021.
Addressing the Odisha Tourism Virtual Roadshow – 2020 held for the Raipur, Bilaspur and Durg-Bhilai tourism fraternity, Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, Minister of Tourism, Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Government of Odisha said that the Eco Retreats will offer tourists an opportunity to discover Odisha’s diverse tourism offerings, in style.
“Chhattisgarh and Odisha are cultural siblings, with deep-rooted commonalities. Despite this, we have our own unique offerings to exhibit to explorers. Together, our states can make this region the most sought-after winter destination for Indians, looking forward to a getaway after reeling under the pandemic for eight months,” he added.
The minister emphasized that in order to experience the true essence of Odisha, one must visit the state. “Odisha, under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik ji, has transformed in the past 20 years.” He also assured the full support of Odisha tourism for the revival of domestic tourism between the states.
Vishal Kumar Dev, Commissioner – cum – Secretary, Tourism Department and Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha said: “Odisha’s excellent road connectivity enables enjoyable road trips throughout the state. We have designed two exciting road itineraries starting from Chhattisgarh, including key destinations such as Hirakud and Debrigarh Sanctuary in one leg and Nrusinghnath and Satkosia Tiger Reserve in the other.”
“Eco Retreat Hirakud, Satkosia and Daringbadi are easily accessible by road. World class amenities for camping in luxury tents are complemented by experiences ranging from jungle trails to water sports, camp-fires to boat rides, cycling tours to adrenaline pumping games, and lip smacking food.”
“All this comes with Odisha’s stamp of tourist safety assurance, backed by its stellar record in COVID management. The synergised application of SOPs and technology for added safety will secure tourists’ experience at every Eco Retreat,” informed Vishal Dev.
Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Director & Addl Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, highlighted the steps taken by Odisha to train the local stakeholders on safety protocols and assured that all the necessary precautions are in place.
Jadhav further mentioned that here are 47 nature camps in Odisha and staffs have been given extensive training on safety measures through various workshops. “A dedicated online portal will update tourists about the safety of the destination to boost their confidence to travel. Odisha is one state with varied experiences like spiritual & heritage tourism, coastland & wetland tourism, eco-tourism, wildlife tourism, handicrafts tourism, ethnic tourism and fairs & festivals,” he added.
Souvagya Mohapatra, Chairman, FICCI Eastern Region Tourism Committee & Executive Director, Mayfair Hotels & Resorts, said, “Odisha and Chhattisgarh can complement each other with their tourist products. The Odisha by Road campaign by Odisha Tourism is a very innovative campaign to promote tourism between the two states. The state also has many beautiful options for destination weddings.”
Gagan Sarangi, Chairman – Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) (Odisha Chapter) and Dove Tours Pvt Ltd, said, “Odisha is safe and the tourism industry of Odisha has taken all the necessary steps for safety and are ready to welcome the tourists.”
Abhishek Lath, Secretary, Hotels and Restaurants Association of Western Odisha, Secretary, Hotels and Restaurants Association of Jharsuguda and Managing Director, RL, said Odisha is very well connected through good roads, air and rail. It has everything to cater to different types of segments and tourists.
Planing to visit Odisha by road from NAGPUR about 868 Kilometers from 9th Jan arrival 18th as departure. My request is to guide me whether I go all the way to Bhubneshwar on NH or follow right from Sohela. The reason being I am told there is work going on the NH which makes driving difficult and time consuming.
Further I need your help to identify places to visit. So far I have in mind Gopalpur, Puri and Bhubneshwar/cuttak. Any suggestions from your side would be helpful.
We need good hotels with secured car parking and driver accommodation may be nearby lodge/hotel. Please suggest and if I can have hotels telephone numbers that would be great then I can directly arrange with them.