Latest news with #TourismPolicy2022
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Hoteliers urge state govt to address issues to boost tourism sector
Bhubaneswar: Members of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) on Saturday urged the govt to address challenges facing the tourism sector, including lack of land and infrastructure, to help the state become the 7th most popular destination for tourists by 2027. "The lack of proper infrastructure and land availability is severely hampering tourism development in Odisha. We are ready to invest, but there's a visible gap in demand and supply," said Milind Gupta, secretary general of HRAO, ahead of the 6th Odisha Tourism Conclave scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar on June 25. He added that the Tourism Policy 2022 did not yield results, and fresh proposals, such as simplifying approval processes and categorising tourism under the special economic zone (SEZ) framework, single-window clearance, and providing capital and interest subsidies for investors, have been submitted to the govt. HRAO members stated that Odisha remains among the states with the least number of hotel rooms, with just 16 classified hotels and 1,055 rooms available till 2023. However, a total of 97.25 lakh domestic and 0.45 lakh international tourists visited the state in 2023, as per the India Tourism Statistics Report 2024. "There was growth in the tourism sector, though the pace is slow. To increase the pace, there is a need for a policy overhaul. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo We have high hopes from the govt that they will consider our proposals and include them in the new tourism policy," said Debashis Patnaik, another HRAO member. "The govt identified land banks in 15 places across the state," he added. The conclave will bring together travel experts, investors, and industry leaders to discuss ways to boost infrastructure, attract investment and promote international tourism. According to HRAO, despite its rich cultural and natural heritage, including Asia's largest lagoon, Chilika, and a 480-km coastline, Odisha has been losing over Rs 9,000 crore annually in foreign exchange due to outbound Indian tourism. HRAO emphasised the need to capitalise on the momentum by investing in manpower training and integrating tourism-focused education from the school level.
United News of India
08-05-2025
- United News of India
Terai region in UP emerging as ecotourism hub
Lucknow, May 8 (UNI) While religious tourism continues to grow in Uttar Pradesh with destinations like Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura drawing visitors across India and abroad, the Terai region, featuring biodiversity hotspots like Dudhwa, Pilibhit and Katarniaghat, is rapidly emerging as a top ecotourism destination, sources said here on Thursday. Sources said that major projects such as the Ramayana Circuit, Krishna-Braj Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Shaktipeeth Circuit, Sufi-Kabir Circuit and Jain Circuit have elevated religious tourism to new heights. Sources said that Lakhimpur Kheri has emerged as an eco-tourism hotspot. "The state government is developing modern facilities near Chandan Chowki and Sharda Barrage at Lakhimpur Kheri. Eco lodges, tenting and glamping at Chandan Chowki, along with a tent city and water sports at Sharda Barrage, are set to boost nature and adventure tourism in the area," they said. Sources said that visitors will also immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous Tharu community. "Cultural programmes and exhibitions of traditional crafts will provide an authentic insight into the Tharu way of life, creating a vibrant and educational experience for tourists," they said. Sources said that these initiatives aim to attract tourists, generate employment for local communities and promote environmental stewardship. "With the support of trained nature guides, visitors will gain deeper knowledge about the area's diverse flora, fauna and birdlife," they said that the Yogi government has taken robust policy measures to institutionalise ecotourism. "The Tourism Policy 2022 prioritises wildlife and ecotourism circuits and such sites are being developed in each district under the 'One District, One Destination' scheme. Establishing the UP Eco-Tourism Development Board has further accelerated efforts in this direction," they said. Sources said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has often emphasised that UP is abundantly blessed by nature and divinity. "With this guiding vision, the state is steadily moving toward becoming the nation's leading ecotourism destination," they said. UNI AB KK
