Odisha is poised for an influx of foreign investment and an increase in international tourists, according to Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who recently returned from the World Tourism Market (WTM) 2024 in London. The event, held at the ExCeL Centre, showcased Odisha’s natural beauty, rich heritage, and tourism infrastructure to a global audience, sparking optimism about a new chapter in Odisha’s tourism landscape.
Highlighting Odisha’s pristine beaches, dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and historic temples, Parida said the state’s pavilion stood out among presentations from 14 Indian states, drawing significant attention from the tourism industry. “We had three rounds of meetings with expatriates living in London who have close ties to Odisha tourism. Additionally, I engaged in discussions with India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Consulate Generals in Edinburgh and Scotland, tour operators, travel guides, and travel bloggers,” she shared. Parida also met with investors, including Pramod Mittal, and destination wedding planners to explore future collaborations.
Parida revealed that a detailed roadmap has been developed for promoting key tourist attractions, including the historic Konark Sun Temple, the 480-kilometer coastline, the biodiverse Chilika Lake, Similipal National Park, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and the picturesque Deomali Hills. The plan aims to attract foreign direct investment and enhance the tourism infrastructure in these locations.
During her London visit, Parida also held discussions with Union Ministers regarding projects in Odisha that remain unfinished, emphasizing the need for collaborative support to realize the state’s tourism potential. Additionally, she extended an invitation to the Odia diaspora to attend the upcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, an event aimed at connecting non-resident Indians with opportunities in their home country.
