Odisha to offer e-tourist visa before Hockey World Cup begins
Bhubaneswar: Tourists’ footfall in Odisha is growing at the rate of 9 per cent per annum which is more than global average of 4 per cent, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while inaugurating the Second Odisha Travel Bazaar in city, Friday.
Patnaik said, “Odisha has drawn tourists from across the globe for its rich art, culture and heritage. Our new tourism products like ethnic tourism, Buddhist tourism and ecotourism have gained popularity and attract a large of tourists every year.”
The chief minister also highlighted air connectivity boost to Odisha tourism. “With AirAsia introducing its flights from Bhubaneswar to Malaysia, more international air operations are expected in coming days. Development of Jharsuguda airport as a commercial airport will provide connectivity with western Odisha which will boost tourism in that region.”
It is learnt that Air India is planning to resume its Bhubaneswar to Bangkok flight December 1, 2018. Over 150 countries have e-tourist visa facility in India but Odisha tourism is yet to introduce e-tourist visa.
Meanwhile, Vishal Kumar Dev, commissioner- cum-secretary of Tourism department, has recently said that the e-tourist visa issue will be launched before the Hockey World Cup begins. “We are in touch with the Centre and are hopeful that the facility will be in place before the Hockey Men’s World Cup begins.”
Chairman of Tourism committee JK Mohanty said that Odisha tourism is trying to include Biju Patnaik International Airport for introduction of e-tourist visa facility.