The Tourism and Hospitality sector in Odisha plays a crucial role in the state’s economy, attracting both domestic and international tourists due to its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and religious significance. As a key player in economic development, the Odisha Chamber of Commerce (OCC) could focus on several strategic initiatives to strengthen and promote this sector. Here’s a breakdown of what the OCC could do to support and grow this vital industry:
Hotel and Accommodation Growth: Encouraging investment in upscale hotels, boutique properties, and eco-friendly resorts to meet the rising demand for varied accommodations.
Transport Connectivity: Advocate for better road, rail, and air infrastructure, especially focusing on enhancing connectivity to tourist hotspots like Puri, Konark, Chilika Lake, and the Tribal Circuit.
Smart Tourism Infrastructure: Push for the development of smart tourism infrastructure with improved facilities like clean toilets, Wi-Fi, signage, and digital maps.
Festivals and Events: Promote Odisha’s unique festivals like Rath Yatra, Konark Dance Festival, and the annual Fire Dance Festival, which have the potential to attract large crowds. Also, support arts and crafts exhibitions, tribal fairs, and international cultural exchanges.
Cultural Tourism Promotion: Collaborate with local artisans and communities to showcase Odisha’s handicrafts, such as Pattachitra paintings, silver filigree work, and appliqué art.
World Heritage Sites Awareness: Drive awareness campaigns for Odisha’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Sun Temple at Konark and the Temple Complex at Bhubaneswar.
Eco-Friendly Resorts: Encourage the development of eco-resorts and sustainable tourism practices, focusing on preserving Odisha’s natural environment, including Chilika Lake, Simlipal National Park, and the coastal ecosystems.
Wildlife Tourism: Promote Odisha’s wildlife sanctuaries, such as the Simlipal Tiger Reserve and the Satkosia Gorge, as eco-tourism destinations while ensuring sustainable practices are in place.
Adventure Tourism: Focus on promoting adventure tourism through activities like trekking, river rafting, and camping, especially in regions like Malkangiri and Ganjam.
Tourism Professionals Training: Collaborate with educational institutions to offer courses in hospitality management, culinary arts, tour guiding, and sustainable tourism.
Skill Development Centres: Support the establishment of vocational training centres for the local population to develop skills in hospitality, local handicrafts, and tourism-related services.
Online Campaigns: Promote Odisha’s tourism through targeted digital marketing campaigns, including virtual tours, social media promotions, and influencer marketing.
Global Branding: Develop a robust branding strategy for Odisha’s tourism sector globally, emphasizing its unique offerings such as tribal culture, temples, coastal beauty, and eco-tourism opportunities.
Collaborations with Travel Agencies: Work closely with national and international travel agencies to offer customized travel packages to Odisha, showcasing the diverse experiences the state has to offer.
Government Collaboration: Facilitate partnerships between the government, private players, and local communities to create a seamless experience for tourists.
Public Infrastructure Support: Advocate for government-backed projects for the construction of better roads, safety measures, and world-class tourist information centres.
Conference Tourism: Promote Odisha as a destination for international conferences and exhibitions, especially with its growing facilities in cities like Bhubaneswar. This will contribute to the economy and boost the hospitality sector.
Business Incentive Tourism: Attract business travellers by offering packages that combine work and leisure in Odisha’s culturally rich environment.
Tourist Safety Initiatives: Encourage the state to implement and promote safety measures for tourists, such as the establishment of tourist police, better surveillance in popular areas, and providing emergency services.
Travel Insurance and Guidelines: Partner with insurers to offer travel insurance for tourists and create easy-to-follow guidelines for traveling around Odisha, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Discounted Packages: Work with airlines and hotels to offer exclusive deals for tourists visiting Odisha, especially during the off-season.
Local Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations between local businesses, including transport services, tour guides, and hospitality providers, to ensure a high-quality experience for visitors.
