The arrival of foreign tourists in Odisha increased by 3 per cent in 2012 over the previous year on the back of state's focus on development of tourism infrastructure.
The number of foreign tourists visiting the state went up to 64,719 in 2012 compared to 62,816 a year ago, state tourism minister Maheshwar Mohanty informed the assembly in a written reply.
Out of these visitors from abroad, maximum 9,802 tourists came from the UK, followed by 6,310 from US, 5,498 from France, 5,089 from Germany. Similarly, only 10 Tanzanians visited the state last year.
Mohanty said, most of the foreign tourists coming to the state are visiting Puri and Bhubaneswar.
The arrival of foreign tourists is growing steadily over the last few years. While 43,966 tourists from different countries visited the state in 2008, it increased to 45,684 in 2009, 50,432 in 2010 and 60,722 in 2012.
The state has undertaken host of measures to attract more foreign tourists. It includes lobbying to get international tag for Biju Patnaik airport, plans to construct a golf course in Bhubaneswar, sound and light show at Dhauli, Konark and Khandagiri.
In addition, the state government has sanctioned funds for setting up an aquarium in Puri, and lined up a series of cultural events such as Konark dance festival, Mukteshwar dance festival, Rajarani dance festival, international sand art festival etc during the peak tourism season.
To give a boost to the sector, the government has also organised road shows at domestic and international circuits, prepared and distributed brochures, CDs and DVDs on various tourist destinations in the state.
Odisha was included in the route map of Buddhist circuit train, Mahaparinirvan Express, run by IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd) to attract the Buddhist pilgrims. The state also organized a conference on Buddhist Heritage of Odisha at Ratnagiri and plans to conduct the event every year.
