( Experts advice to for collaborating for a brighter tourism future, event sponsored by India Tourism Kolkata)
By DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
BHUVANESWAR | 30 JUNE 2025
Ministry of Tourism, India Tourism Kolkata office sponsored 6th Odisha Tourism Conclave, held on 25 th June 2025 at Swosti Premium Hotel, Bhubaneswar.
The event was organised by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) with strategic focus on promoting Odisha’s heritage, eco-tourism, adventure, wellness, and MICE tourism highlighting improved connectivity like international flights to Bhubaneswar (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi), expansion of electric buses, ropeways, and enhanced waterways (Chilika, Bhitarkanika).
Smt.Mansi Nimbhal, Director, Odisha Tourism inaugurated the event which was followed by panel discussions and Question and Answer (Q&A) sessions.
In the closing ceremony Governor of Odisha, Mr.Hari Babu Kambhampati emphasized Odisha’s transformation toward a world-class tourism hub by 2036, underscoring its abundant nature, wildlife, temples, and cultural assets.
Mr. Ravi Gosain, President of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) said that it is a good step for promoting tourism products of Odisha and also connecting stakeholders with different expert speakers, and people from the tourism background and also enhancing their knowledge.
“ IATO is in forefront for promoting inbound tourism to India and we are very happy to announce that we have worked very closely with Odisha Tourism department to promote the state as a major tourism destination in India,”Mr. Ravi Gosain added.
He further said that IATO is conducting FAM Trip bringing 200 to 300 different delegates to different parts of Odisha to showcase Odisha’s beaches, culture, food, art, religious tourism, wildlife etc so it will be a great opportunity for the tourism stakeholders to get business from the delegates.
The annual Odisha Tourism Conclave brings together professionals from the travel, trade, and hospitality sectors to explore ways to enhance tourism in the state.” said Milind Gupta, Secretary General, HRAO. The conclave supports the broader vision of ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Odisha’ by 2036.
Mr. Abhijnan Talukdar, member of HRAO and hospitality consultant, shares insights from this year’s conclave themed on positioning Odisha on the Indian and global tourism map. He highlights how stakeholders across sectors—from infrastructure to wildlife—came together to chart a comprehensive roadmap, with their inputs feeding directly into government action for positioning Odisha in the Global Tourism map.
Prof. Asutosh Kar, founder of Pure Odisha, emphasizes the need for world-class marketing and deep understanding of tourism dynamics to position Odisha as a premier destination in Eastern India and beyond. He highlights how ongoing deliberations aim to shape concrete policy suggestions for the government. Prof. Asutosh Kar Advocates Strategic Marketing & Policy Framework for Odisha Tourism Growth.
“Tourism is one of the most promising sectors for generating huge revenue. Conclaves like these play a crucial role in showcasing Odisha’s vast tourism potential to the world, paving the way for sustainable growth and global recognition,” said Mr. Pradipta Mohanty, Former President, CII Odisha.
Mr. Vishal Vithal Kamat, Executive Director of Kamat Hotels, highlights how the Odisha Tourism Conclave by HRAO and the Government of Odisha brings together key stakeholders, tour operators, hoteliers, and financial institutions for collaborative problem-solving. He emphasizes the importance of such platforms in identifying growth pathways for the tourism industry.
Tourism Education Will Drive Odisha’s Viksit Future said Smt. Sharada Ghosh , Principal, Institute of Hotel management (IHM), Bhuvaneswar. “Sky is not the limit—there are countless opportunities for students pursuing tourism or hospitality management,” said Sharada Ghosh, Principal of the Institute of Hotel Management,”she concluded.
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