Prolonged communal and ethnic violence in south Orissa’s Kandhamal district coupled with the unprecedented floods affecting 17 districts are likely to hit the state’s tourism industry.
Experts in the tourism industry are apprehending a dip in Orissa’s tourist inflow due to communal violence and the devastating floods. The inflow of tourists, both domestic and overseas, has been very low even though the tourist season has already commenced in the state.
"Communal violence in Kandhamal, which has claimed 35 lives and has also rendered several thousands homeless, is now an international issue and the image of Orissa is getting tarnished in the international tourism market" said a hotelier.
Foreign tourists, who visit Orissa for its exquisite temples and pristine beaches, may not be interested to visit the state if the violence in Kandhamal persists for more days.
However, a top official in the state tourism department feels that the tourist arrivals in Orissa will be determined by the manner in which the media projects the state.
"The media should indulge in positive publicity to attract the domestic and foreign tourists to Orissa" RN Nanda, director of the state tourism department told Business Standard.
"We are continuing our best efforts to woo the tourists. The state tourism department has also participated in national and international events where we have showcased our rich cultural heritage and tourist spots ", he added.
Last year, the tourism industry in the state earned Rs 3,000 crore and sources said that the state witnessed an arrival of 51.87 lakh tourists, both domestic and foreign.
"We were expecting to do brisk business during the peak season on the back of more tourist arrivals but the outbreak of communal violence in Kandhamal and flash floods in most parts of the state has been a dampener to our business" said a tour operator here.
