Odisha made a strong impression on the global tourism stage at the World Tourism Market (WTM) 2024, held at London’s Excel Centre, with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida leading the way. Parida’s presence, along with a high-level delegation, marked a significant moment for the state’s tourism promotion, focusing on Odisha’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and tourism potential. Through strategic engagements, media outreach, and collaborative discussions with international investors and industry leaders, Odisha showcased itself as a prime destination for cultural, eco, and wedding tourism.
Odisha Pavilion Inauguration and Recognition
The inauguration of the Odisha Pavilion was a notable event at WTM, attended by distinguished figures including Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami, Telangana’s Tourism Minister Jupli Krishna Rao, and Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism from India’s Ministry of Tourism. Parida was honored for inaugurating the Odisha Pavilion, an exhibition featuring the state’s premier attractions such as the Konark Sun Temple, Puri Jagannath Temple, Chilika Lake, and Odisha’s pristine beaches and wildlife. The pavilion highlighted Odisha’s ecotourism offerings, nature camps, and adventure activities, aiming to captivate and engage an international audience.
High-Level Engagements with UK Investors and Media
In London, Deputy CM Parida led Odisha’s delegation in key discussions with tourism stakeholders. Meeting with Yashin Zargar, Director of Indus Experience, Parida explored strategic approaches to boost Odisha’s visibility in the UK market. Further discussions with Ramesh Arora, CEO of Signature Hospitality Group, and Manish Gupta, Secretary of the PIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized enhancing Odisha’s hospitality assets and promoting skill development in tourism.
Parida’s media outreach included interviews with major UK networks, Sky News and NBC Channel, where she emphasized Odisha’s unique tourism offerings and the state’s investment-friendly policies. At a WTM press conference, Parida extended an invitation to European investors and the Odia diaspora in the UK to attend the upcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Odisha, scheduled for January 8-10. The event is expected to strengthen cultural ties and bolster Odisha’s international tourism profile.
Focus on Wedding and MICE Tourism
Expanding Odisha’s appeal in niche tourism, the delegation engaged in talks with Chetan Bohora, Managing Director of Weddingline Events & Hospitality, to explore the potential of wedding tourism in Odisha. A roundtable with 17 event and wedding planners allowed Samarth Verma, Director of Tourism, to present Odisha’s extensive tourism infrastructure, promoting the state as an attractive destination for wedding tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). The delegation highlighted the growth opportunities within these sectors, aiming to establish Odisha as a competitive option for destination events and corporate gatherings.
Invitation to the UK for FAM Trips and the Make in India Program
To foster hands-on experiences, Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Tourism, extended an invitation to UK representatives for familiarization (FAM) trips to Odisha. These trips would allow them to experience first-hand the state’s tourism potential and opportunities in the wedding tourism sector. Anu Garg, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, also encouraged UK investors to participate in Odisha’s upcoming Make in India program, signaling the state’s commitment to cultural exchange and economic development.
Odisha’s proactive participation at WTM 2024 underscores its commitment to positioning the state as a global tourism destination. Under the leadership of Deputy CM Pravati Parida, Odisha’s delegation succeeded in attracting attention to the state’s diverse attractions and investment potential. By promoting its rich heritage, natural beauty, and emerging wedding and MICE tourism sectors, Odisha is paving the way for meaningful partnerships and global visibility. The state’s efforts at WTM not only showcased Odisha’s unique tourism offerings but also demonstrated its determination to foster international collaborations that will drive economic growth and cultural exchange.
(With inputs from agencies)
