Odisha holds tourism roadshow in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: WITH big plans to explore its potential to the full, Odisha Tourism organised a roadshow here on Monday. The event, held in association with FICCI, saw about 100 travel operators from Andhra Pradesh and 30 host counterparts from Odisha engaged in a series of BRB interactions.

Aimed at strategic promotion of the travel, tourism and hospitality sector in the domestic markets, Odisha is extensively marketing its flagship campaigns, Odisha By Road complemented by the highly acclaimed Eco Retreat Odisha, a 3-month festival which is set to begin on December 15.

"Andhra Pradesh and Odisha not only share a border but also similar cultures with deep-rooted commonalities. Despite this, we have our own unique offerings to exhibit to explorers. With the international travel on the backfoot again, together, our States can make this region the most sought-after winter destination for domestic tourists who are looking forward to a getaway after reeling under the pandemic", said Additional Secretary of Tourism Durga Prasad Mahapatra while addressing the roadshow.

Deliberating on the excellent road network Odisha has that connects with neighbouring States, he said that Odisha Tourism is promoting various road trip itineraries under Odisha by Road Campaign. Visitors from Vizag can easily travel by road to Odisha via Araku Valley and visit key destinations like the Deomali hills and Duduma waterfall in Koraput, the picturesque valleys of Daringbadi, sandy beaches of Gopalpur-on-sea and Chilika-Asia's largest brackish water lagoon that turns into a winter paradise for migratory birds, among others.

Providing a glimpse of the upcoming Eco Retreat Odisha, Divisional Manager Odisha Tourism Development Corporation PK Chand said, "Eco Retreat Odisha in its 3rd edition will be held across 7 exotic locations in the State including three beach destinations of Konark, Pati-Sonapur in Ganjam and Pentha in Bhitarkanika National Park, hill stations of Daringbadi and Putsil in Koraput, and near the banks of Mahanadi in Satkosia and Hirakud. Eco Retreats at Koraput, Pati-Sonapur and Daringbadi are easily accessible by road from Vizag."