With a view to attract more tourists, the Orissa government plans to organise ‘travel mart’ from the current year.
However, the final decision will be taken after detail discussion. Besides, the government plans to introduce radio taxi for the convenience of the tourists coming to the state.
The state tourism minister Debi Prasad Misra recently chaired a high level meeting on promotion of tourism in the state. While the tourist arrival in the state was increasing since 1999, it declined last year due to the economic slowdown. In this context, the government is deliberating on a host of measures to improve the tourist flow to the state.
Efforts will be made to attract more tourists to Konark Mahotsav. Road show and other activities will be organised in the overseas offices of the Indian tourism department. Extensive coverage about the tourism potentials in the state will be publicized through prominent international television and print media. Steps will be taken to lengthen the stay of the tourists visiting the state.
Secretary in the tourism department of the Orissa government Dr Mona Sharma, director, Tourism, Rabi Nanda and president of HARO, J K Mohanty were present in the meeting.