The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU,
BHUBANESWAR, FEB 6, 2024
The Odisha Government’s Tourism Department, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), is all set to unveil the much-anticipated fifth edition of the Odisha Travel Bazaar (OTB) 2023-24, starting from Wednesday amidst the serene surroundings of Eco Retreat in Konark. This prestigious event serves as a pivotal platform aimed at catalyzing the growth of tourism in Odisha by fostering robust networks and strategic collaborations both nationally and internationally.
With Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik set to virtually inaugurate this flagship exhibition on Wednesday, the stage is set for a grand showcase of Odisha’s diverse tourism potential.
The primary goal of the Odisha Travel Bazaar 2023-24 is to proactively promote the plethora of tourist destinations in Odisha to domestic buyers and international markets alike, positioning the state as a premier destination on the global tourism landscape.
Lenin Mohanty, Chairman of the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), shared insights into the state’s ambitious vision to elevate Odisha into a world-class tourism hub. The three-day Odisha Travel Bazaar aims to bring together a diverse array of national and international travel and tour operators, as well as destination management companies (DMCs), to showcase the rich tapestry of tourism offerings in Odisha.
He highlighted the remarkable progress and development across various sectors in Odisha, including significant strides in promoting tourism, such as the introduction of direct flight connectivity from Bhubaneswar to key international destinations like Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok in May 2023.
Surendra Kumar, State Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism Department, underscored Odisha’s unparalleled natural and cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking authentic and immersive experiences.
The Odisha Travel Bazaar is expected to witness active participation from 70 domestic tour operators spanning 18 states and 55 international tour operators representing 16 countries, underscoring the event’s global significance and potential, he said.
The event will facilitate over 3,000 business-to-business (B2B) meetings between tourism stakeholders of Odisha and domestic as well as foreign tour operators, paving the way for collaborative partnerships and immersive familiarization trips to various iconic tourist destinations in Odisha, including Pipili, Raghurajpur, Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Eco Retreat Bhitarkanika, and Eco Retreat Satkosia, said Tourism Director Sachin R Jadhav.
National Tourism Committee Co-Chairman and HRAO Chairman, JK Mohanty, lauded the positive impact of the Odisha Travel Bazaar, noting its role in not only attracting tourists but also fostering substantial investments in the tourism sector. He expressed optimism about the proposed international airport at Puri, poised to further augment tourism prospects in the state.
