Odisha Channel Bureau
Bhubaneswar: While tourism has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe, Odisha government has been striving hard to revive the sector by planning innovative schemes and products in phases.
During the period from March to June when there was no tourism activity in the State due to travel restrictions, the State government’s Department of Tourism worked towards developing a comprehensive framework to guide sustainable opening up of the sector in the coming months.
According to officials of the Tourism Department, Odisha Tourism has initiated a set of concurrent campaigns to boost regional tourism. The `Odisha By Road’ campaign offers travellers seven diverse itineraries covering the State’s length and breadth and many have availed it.
The authorities have also been making efforts to transform key religious sites to provide a clean and pleasing experience for devotees and tourists in the future. The surroundings of Lord Jagannath temple at Puri has been made clean like never before.
A beautiful view of Blue Flag Beach . explore Odisha Tourism through a different perspective. India's best kept secret places and destinations . @odisha_tourism @Puri_Official#BlueFlagBeach #Odisha pic.twitter.com/ARipAPohOJ
— Debashish Samantaray (@debashish_mla) September 21, 2020
The Puri beach, which has been developed and granted Blue Flag certification, has been recently open for public. The blue flag beach is already attracting people visiting it following COVID-19 guidelines.
On the occasion of the World Tourism Day, with the theme of `Tourism and Rural Development’, is set to be celebrated on September 27, the Tourism Department has planned a series of events to mark the occasion.
Webinar on `Future of Travel & Tourism & Strategies to revitalise the Industry’
In a first of its kind event, the State government’s Department of Tourism in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) is organising a webinar on `Future of Travel & Tourism & Strategies to revitalise the Industry’ during the times of COVID-19 at 4.30 on September 27.
Apart from senior officials of the State Tourism Department, many experts on tourism and travel and entrepreneurs will take part in the webinar. The panelists would include Anita Mendiratta, Global Advisor & Author-Tourism & Development & Special Advisor to SG, UNWTO; Lakshmi Sharath, traveller and travel blogger; and Ranveer Brar, famous chef and TV show host.
Ecotour Locations
Furthermore, Odisha Tourism has decided to reopen as many as 10 ecotourism locations from October 1 by maintaining all safety protocols.
These ecotour locations include Baghamunda Nature Camp, Chhotkei Nature Camp, Dangamal Nature Camp, Daringbadi Nature Camp, Debrigarh Nature Camp, Deras Nature Camp, Mandasaru Valley Nature Camp, Mangalajodi Nature Camp, Tarava Nature Camp, and Satkosia Sands Resort.
“Be one with nature again! Spend a small getaway or an elaborate holiday with Ecotour Odisha. There is no better away to escape the crowded cities and the pandemic low, than to be in the lap of nature in Swiss tents and luxury cottages,” says the State Tourism Department in a promotional video in its official website http://odishatourism.gov.in
