Promoting Odisha Tourism: A Vision by Mr. JK Mohanty

Tourism holds the potential to be the cornerstone of Odisha’s economy, according to Mr. JK Mohanty, President of Swosti Group of Hotels. In his passionate appeal, he emphasized the need for the government to extend robust support to promote local tourism, making Odisha a global attraction.

Mr. Mohanty highlighted a critical gap: while India saw an influx of 7 million international tourists in 2023, Odisha attracted only 45,173. This stark disparity underscores the need for substantial investments in infrastructure and global promotion.

Drawing from an Odia editorial, Mr. Mohanty reflected:
“Currently, three times the number of tourists leaving India for foreign destinations compared to those arriving indicates the lack of a robust tourism foundation in our country and state. This not only causes a financial drain but also limits job creation and infrastructure development.”

The tourism sector contributes around 6% to Indiaโ€™s GDP, yet neighboring countries like Thailand and Turkey see 20% and 15%, respectively. Mr. Mohanty proposed measures such as:

Subsidies for Investors: Odisha’s government should provide up to 40% subsidies for tourism-related investments.
Land Banks: Offering land at concessional rates to eligible investors to boost infrastructure development.
Global Outreach: Strengthening connections with Indian embassies to promote Odisha’s tourism internationally.

He also cited Goa’s success in leveraging its beaches and luxury hotels, urging Odisha to similarly develop its coastal gems like Chandipur. By creating world-class facilities and aggressively marketing its heritage, Odisha can emerge as a preferred destination for domestic and international travelers.

With strategic initiatives and government backing, Odishaโ€™s tourism could transform into a vital economic engine, creating millions of jobs and uplifting the stateโ€™s economy.

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