The Odisha government showcases the state’s tourism potential to the UK and European markets at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 in London.
Deputy chief minister Pravati Parida inaugurated Odisha’s pavilion at ExCel Center, alongside High Commissioner of India to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, in the presence of Telangana tourism minister Jupally Krishna Rao and tourism ministry director-general Mugdha Sinha.
The Odisha pavilion at the WTM features immersive displays, engaging attendees with visuals of the Konark Sun Temple, Jagannath Temple in Puri, Chilika Lake, and the state’s pristine beaches and wildlife reserves along with niche tourism products such as the Eco Retreat, Nature Camps, water sports, etc.
The Odisha tourism delegation will be in London till November 7, engaging with leading tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), and tourism industry investors.
Addressing international media, industry leaders, investors, and delegates at a news conference hosted by India Tourism at WTM London, Parida said: “Odisha’s cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and rich traditions make it a uniquely appealing destination. We look forward to engaging with the UK and European tourism stakeholders to welcome more travellers to Odisha.”
She also invited the Indian diaspora to visit Odisha as the state will proudly host the 18th edition of “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas” from January 8 to 10 next year, providing an opportunity to reconnect with India and celebrate the cultural heritage in Odisha.
The delegation led by Parida met various dignitaries including Yasin Zargar, director of Indus Experiences; Ramesh Arora, founder and CEO of Signature Hospitality Group; Munish Gupta, chairman and managing editor of PIO TV and secretary and international coordinator of PIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PIOCCI); Deepak Deva, managing director of SITA India and chairperson of FICCI tourism subcommittee; Chetan Vohra, managing director of Weddingline Events & Hospitality and discussed promoting tourism, investment in redevelopment and augmentation of existing properties of department of tourism, increasing Odisha’s visibility in the European market and skill development initiatives in the hospitality sector.
The delegation also met a select gathering of 17 wedding and event planners over a round table meeting. Odisha tourism department director presented the opportunities, infrastructure availability, possible locations and support offered by the department in promoting wedding tourism and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) in the state.
