KalingaTV News Network
Bhubaneswar: In view of a surge in tourist footfall in Odisha due to the recently concluded Asian Athletics Championships and upcoming global hockey events, the State Tourism Department is planning to tap the local communities for promoting tourism in the State.
“There are plans to rope in community tourism organisations to train local communities for increasing tourism potential in the State. The local communities will be trained to address the concerns of tourists and guide them. This way, while the tourism sector can flourish without much private investment, it will also help in generating employment opportunities in the state,” said Nitin Bhanudas Jawale, Tourism Director, a day ahead of 33rd IATO Annual Convention beginning here.
Besides, the Tourism department has also decided to collaborate with the Panchayati Raj department to improve sanitation and drinking water availability at tourist destinations, one of the major concerns of tourists.
“Around 20 per cent of the budget is allocated for sanitation purpose. The department is now collaborating with the Panchayati Raj Department to maintain toilet complexes and drinking water facilities at important tourist destinations,” he said.
Odisha, which is set to host state for the 33rd edition of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), has plans to double its tourist intake in the shortest possible time.
“We have about 12 million tourist intake and over 80,000 foreign tourists flocking the state every year. Though we are growing at the rate of 9 to 10 per cent every year, we are aiming to double the intake soon,” said Mona Sharma, Principal Secretary in the Tourism department.
The IATO annual convention which will be held from 7th to 9th September, will be inaugurated by Union Minister Mahesh Sharma and will be attended by 900 delegates.
Ms Kalinga