Bhubaneswar: Odisha took the global spotlight at the World Tourism Market (WTM) 2024 as Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated the Odisha Pavilion at the prestigious event held at the Excel Centre in London. Parida’s presence was honored with a special felicitation, underscoring Odisha’s growing significance in global tourism.
Parida was joined by several notable dignitaries, including Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami; Telangana’s Tourism Minister, Jupli Krishna Rao; and Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism from India’s Ministry of Tourism, enhancing India’s representation on this global platform.
Leading a high-level delegation to London, Parida engaged with major investors and tourism stakeholders to advance Odisha’s tourism sector. During a meeting with Yashin Zargar, Director of Indus Experience, the Odisha team discussed strategies for promoting Odisha tourism in the UK. Talks with Ramesh Arora, CEO of Signature Hospitality Group, and Manish Gupta, Chairman of PIO TV, focused on increasing Odisha’s presence in Europe, enhancing tourism assets, and developing hospitality skills.
In interviews with UK media outlets Sky News and NBC Channel, Parida highlighted Odisha’s unique offerings, from its cultural heritage to its natural beauty. Addressing the press at WTM, she invited UK and European investors to join Odisha’s tourism ventures, and encouraged the Odia diaspora to attend Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Odisha in January 2025 to celebrate their cultural heritage.
The delegation also explored new opportunities with Deepak Deva, Managing Director of SITA and Chairman of FICCI Tourism Sub-Committee, discussing strategies to boost Odisha’s visibility and attract global attention. Meetings with Chetan Bohora, MD of Weddingline Events & Hospitality, and a roundtable with 17 wedding and event planners opened doors to expand Odisha’s appeal as a wedding destination, bolstering both tourism and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector.
Samarth Verma, Director of Tourism, presented Odisha’s offerings and the state’s readiness to support wedding and event tourism. Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Tourism, Balwant Singh, invited UK tourism professionals for familiarization trips to experience Odisha firsthand, and Anu Garg, Development Commissioner, extended invitations to participate in the upcoming Make in India program, aimed at fostering global partnerships.
The Odisha Pavilion, open through November 7, highlights the state’s iconic sites, including the Konark Sun Temple, Puri Jagannath Temple, Chilika Lake, and Odisha’s beaches and wildlife. Featuring eco-retreats, nature camps, and water sports, the pavilion reflects Odisha’s dedication to building international partnerships and expanding its tourism footprint to support cultural and economic development.