Bhubaneswar: In a virtual inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the 5th Edition of Odisha Travel Bazaar at Eco Retreat Konark, marking the commencement of a three-day extravaganza. The event garnered significant interest, with over 70 Domestic Tour Operators from 18 states participating in the exhibition, showcasing an array of tourism products.
Addressing the occasion, Chief Minister Patnaik highlighted Odisha’s recent strides in developing niche tourism experiences. He expressed confidence that the state, with its globally aligned tourism offerings, would attract leading brands in the travel and hospitality industry and cater to tourists seeking bespoke experientials with a fresh perspective.
During his speech, Patnaik welcomed the tourism fraternity and urged their active contribution to market the state’s diverse tourism offerings. Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Director-Tourism, presented Odisha Tourism’s initiatives, focusing on innovative products such as Eco Retreats, Boat Clubs, Yachts, Caravans, and Camping to cater to the preferences of new-age travelers. The emphasis was on sustainable and responsible tourism, exemplified by the Eco Tour nature camps operated by the Forest Department through local community participation.
Lenin Mohanty, Chairman of Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) and CMD Swosti Group, emphasized the significance of Odisha Travel Bazaar as a platform for interaction within the global travel and tourism industry. He stressed its role in providing stakeholders with an opportunity to experience the state’s tourism products efficiently, facilitating effective marketing to the target audience and potential investors.
CMD Swosti Group, J.K. Mohanty, underscored the importance of the participation of tour operators and travel agents in creating business opportunities and presenting a diverse range of tourist destinations and experiences.
The event also featured a panel discussion on “Unlocking Odisha’s Tourism Potential,” led by Director Tourism Sachin R Jadhav, IAS. The discussion included insights from various domains such as MICE, Luxury Cruises & Houseboats, Heritage Palaces, and DMCs. Panelists included J.K. Mohanty (CMD Swosti Group), Souvagya Mohapatra (Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts), Vishal Kamat (Director Kamat Hotels), Manoj Kumar Gouda (President and Director, Mayfair Hotels & Resorts), Amaresh Tiwari (MD, A.T. Seasons & Vacations Travel Pvt. Ltd), Gagan Sarangi (Chairman, IATO Odisha Chapter), and Mrinalika Bhanj Deo (Director, Belgadia Palace).
The day’s events concluded with a cultural program showcasing Odisha’s performing arts, including Odissi, Chhau, and Sambalpuri folk dance. Earlier in the day, Lenin Mohanty and Director Tourism Sachin R Jadhav, IAS, inaugurated the B2B exhibition at Eco Retreat Konark. The exhibition facilitated pre-scheduled, structured B2B meetings between buyers from various cities and sellers, further enhancing the platform’s networking and business collaboration opportunities.