Berhampur: Tourism experts have highlighted the need to showcase the unique attractions of states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh to enhance their appeal among domestic and international travelers. The recommendations came during the Tourism Exchange, organised by Tourism India Alliance, held from January 8 to 10 in Gopalpur, Ganjam district.

Odisha: Beyond Puri and Konark

Rajeev Kohli, a senior executive from a travel firm, noted that many participants were visiting Gopalpur, a serene sea beach town, for the first time. He said:

“When people think of Odisha, they usually consider Puri or Konark. But the state has beautiful and calm beaches, ideal for tourists who want to spend quality time away from crowds.”

Experts emphasised that Odisha has vast tourism potential, including:

• Beach tourism – tranquil coastal destinations beyond popular beaches
• Eco-tourism – leveraging natural reserves and forests
• Buddhist tourism – historical and spiritual sites
• Cultural and heritage tourism – ancient temples, monuments, and festivals
• Tribal tourism – promoting indigenous communities and their traditions

They urged that these features be actively promoted to differentiate Odisha from other tourist destinations in India.

Chhattisgarh: Focus on Sustainable Tourism

Poonam Sharma of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board said the state has been actively developing a sustainable tourism ecosystem. Key initiatives include:

• Granting industry status to tourism in 2024
• Implementing a homestay policy to promote local experiences
• Supporting infrastructure and ecosystem development for tourism

Sharma stressed that highlighting the state’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and tribal experiences could attract a broader visitor base.

Need for Strategic Promotion

Jagdeep Bhagat, president of Tourism India Alliance, stressed the importance of local and international promotion. He noted:

“Even frequent visitors to Odisha may not be aware of Gopalpur or other hidden gems like Taratarini and Jirang, which are within 100 km of the beach town. Such destinations need visibility to attract tourism.”

Bhagat urged the Odisha government and other stakeholders to actively explore and promote these lesser-known attractions.

Tourism Exchange: A Platform for Collaboration

The three-day event brought together professionals from state tourism departments, global tourism organisations, industry experts, and travel companies. It aimed to identify untapped destinations, share best practices, and foster collaboration to strengthen India’s tourism sector.

The experts concluded that Odisha and Chhattisgarh could significantly increase tourist footfall by highlighting their distinctive attractions and integrating them into broader national and international tourism campaigns.

By focusing on unique cultural, ecological, and tribal experiences, these states can offer travelers authentic and diverse experiences, setting them apart in India’s competitive tourism landscape.