BHUBANESWAR: For developing local tourism, Ektaa (Enterprising Knot of Travel and Tourism associates) is coming up with initiatives to explore new avenues of Odisha tourism. This was announced at a one-day conclave organised by EKTAA at a city hotel here Friday.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed participation of MLA Priyadarshi Mishra as chief guest while Sudarshan Patnaik, President, Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi, joined as the guest of honour.
In his inaugural speech, Mishra said, “It’s vital to enhance Odisha tourism in every possible way, so that the true gems of Odisha can be seen and experienced by visitors from across the globe.”
President, Ektaa, Sanjay kumar Mohanty said, “Ektaa aims to spread the importance of Odisha tourism globally and developing new points and ideas to create a proper mechanism and channel for tourism management. Proper investment and execution of plans will definitely enhance our tourism business.”
A special panel discussion was held on topics like man/woman on spot and tourism theatre to boost sector in Odisha. Sarat Kumar Lenka, Utpal Kumar Patti, Joint Director of Odisha Tourism, Lopamudra Tripathy C4D specialist UNICEF, Benjamin Simon, MD of Travel Link, Gagan Sarangi, Jeevan Patnaik, former Superintendent and archaeologist, Sunil Patnaik, Assistant director of Odisha tourism and senior journalist Jatindra dash attended the event.
The event also witnessed inauguration of B2B session and networking. Interacting with Orissa Post, Patnaik said, “The current scenario in tourism demands more networking and digital marketing. These would enhance the capacity of the state to cater to global tourists. The government is working on long term plans to bring in strategic investment into the tourism sector with the participation of private sector.”
The conclave saw felicitation of leading travel organisations and individuals who have performed extremely well in the development of Odisha tourism. Ektaa is a group of travel professionals who are dedicated to promote Odisha tourism. The conclave also witnessed active participations of Debabrata Das, Vice president, Ektaa and Ashwini Kumar Mohapatra, treasurer, Ektaa.