Move to boost rural growth through tourism

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is directing every district to develop 5 to 10 smaller tourist destinations. This fresh initiative aims to expand tourism beyond established hotspots, boosting rural economies, creating jobs, and encouraging local enterprise.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Saturday issued the directive while chairing a virtual orientation programme for Local Tourism Promotion Councils (LTPCs), organised by the Tourism department under the “Odisha Tourism Vision 2036-47.”

Under the “One District-Multiple Tourism Initiatives” approach, the district administrations have been asked to identify potential tourist destinations and take up their development and promotion on a priority basis. The initiative is expected to create new economic opportunities for rural communities, women, local youths, and MSMEs.

Garg asked sub-collectors, who head the LTPCs in their respective districts, to act as facilitators for local tourism development and coordinate with various departments to remove infrastructure and other bottlenecks. She stressed the need to develop basic amenities at tourist destinations, including roads, sanitation, signage, homestays, and wayside facilities. Greater involvement and skill development of local youth, along with improved hospitality services, were also emphasised.

The Chief Secretary said tourism should be linked more closely with the local economy and urged district administrations to identify not only new tourist spots but also heritage sites, natural resources and potential homestay locations for development and promotion.

To encourage districts to compete in improving their tourism ecosystem, Garg proposed a “Tourism Ranking” system. She also asked the district administrations to accord tourism-related initiatives high priority. The government is simultaneously working on a land bank to facilitate tourism investment. Sub-Collectors were directed to identify suitable land locally and contribute to the process.

The orientation programme also reviewed investment opportunities and infrastructure requirements in hotels, homestays, tour and travel services, tourist guides, transportation and tour packages. Adventure tourism and tourism based on tribal culture and lifestyle were also discussed.

Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh presented the Tourism Vision 2036-2047, while Tourism Director Dipankar Mahapatra outlined the proposed course of action.

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The Hans India