Playing For High-Stakes

Vishal K. Dev speaks to Gurmeet Sachdev about Odisha's decision to offer land on concessional rates to hotels to boost the tourism sector, the state's ambition to be India's sports capital, and its use of modern technology to enhance a traveller’s experience.

- Gurmeet Sachdev

How has Odisha leveraged its homegrown industries and local economy to aid tourism? What are the initiatives that been adapted to grow tourism?

We have a comprehensive approach to push all our home-grown industries, from handlooms to handicrafts and tribal art. We are in talks with brands (both retail and e-commerce) to come on board to further enhance our reach. We rolled out a progressive and investor-friendly tourism policy in 2016, which many recognise as one of the best in the country. The policy has identified a number of sectors for investments by private sectors such as hotels and resorts, amusement and theme parks, water sports, MICE tourism, wellness tourism, etc. Local and indigenous industries such as patta paintings, applique works, terracotta, dhokra & bell metals, silver filigree, horn & stone works, handloom and handicraft products are some of the well-known home grown products with worldwide popularity. Tourists visiting the state like to carry back these as souvenirs which further strengthens the economy.

You have been efficaciously working towards creating one of the most advanced sports hub in the country. What are the biggest planning strategies and challenges?