New Delhi: The Union Tourism Ministry may soon take a decision to develop Konark Sun Temple and Puri Srimandir as iconic tourist sites in the country.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of ‘National Conference of Tourism Ministers’, Union Minister of state for Tourism (Independent Charge) Prahlad Singh Patel said that the Union Tourism Ministry is taking steps to include Shree Jagannath Temple Puri and Konark Sun Temple in the list of iconic tourist sites.
“Puri and Konark are such sites which should be developed to show the world our culture. There may be some issues with regard to paper work but Puri and Konark are places which cannot be ignored. We have received so many letters from MPs and ministers to develop these two sites. It is under consideration and we will soon take a decision on it,” said Patel.
Meanwhile, Odisha Tourism Minister Jyoti Prakash Panigarhi apprised the Union Minister of the state’s potential in development of adventure sports.
“Odisha has a lot of potential in adventure tourism especially in Chilika Lake. There should be a comprehensive plan by the Union and state governments to develop adventure sports in the state. It will also attract more foreign tourists to the state,” said Panigrahi.
The state government, he said, has already taken steps to provide one-stop solutions to the tourists by developing a website to address the grievances of tourist and also provide them information regarding the state tourism.
“Our minister has inaugurated a website for the better experience of visitors. We have a toll-free number to address the issues of tourists and the department has over one million Twitter followers. I’m inviting you (the Union minister) again to our state. You will see Odisha has a lot of potential to become the No-1 tourism state in the country. There are sites like Chilka and Bhitarkanika apart from heritage sites and tourist villages in our state. We required Union government’s support in developing these sites,” said Panigrahi.
The state minister further said that the registrations of homestays have been increased in the state. He also suggested that there should be different standards for homestays at different places.
It is to be mentioned here that the conference was organised by the Union Tourism Ministry for coordinating with state governments to develop an all encompassing one-stop solution including information on tourism related services through a web based application and a grievance redressal mechanism through Twitter and Tourist helpline.