Successful UK Tour completed by Odisha Tourism
Bhubaneswar (09/11/2024): The delegation from Odisha Government completed a successful tour of the United Kingdom, promoting Odisha as a premier destination for tourism and investment. From 5th to 7th November, Odisha Tourism participated in WTM London, holding over 50 productive meetings with tour operators, destination management companies, and other tourism industry leaders. Focus was on promoting Odisha’s eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and potential as a unique wedding destination, with a very positive response. The team visited pavilions of various countries and Indian states to learn effective tourism marketing and branding strategies. They met with Minister of Tourism, Government of India Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and discussed outstanding tourism-related matters. Productive engagements with travel writers and influencers generated valuable ideas for Odisha’s hotel and resort development. The team gained insights into global tourism marketing strategies, which will strengthen Odisha’s brand in international markets. The tour commenced with a meeting with India’s High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami, who shared insights and expressed support for Odisha’s UK initiatives. In Edinburgh, the team met with Consul General Shri Siddharth Malik, fostering ties with Scotland and discussing potential UK collaborations for Odisha's socio-economic infrastructure development. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, along with the Odisha delegation, connected with the UK-based Indian diaspora, acknowledging their contributions to Odisha’s cultural influence and economic potential. They encouraged the diaspora to join Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) from 8th to 10th January 2025 in Odisha and participate in the state’s development initiatives. Odisha Tourism, in collaboration with FICCI India, hosted the Tourism Odyssey event attended by over 160 diaspora members. Vision 2036, Odisha’s roadmap to become a tourism and economic leader by its 100th statehood anniversary, was presented, inviting diaspora involvement. One-on-one discussions were held with investors in sectors such as integrated steel, AI, port development, mining, metallurgical industries, education, health infrastructure, and smart city technology. Investors were invited to the Utkarsh - Make in Odisha event, promoting Odisha’s investment-friendly climate. The Odisha delegation met renowned painter and writer Prafulla Mohanti in the UK, honoring his contributions to the Odisha brand globally. Extensive interactions with UK-based wedding planners were conducted to position Odisha as a premier wedding destination. Invitations were extended for participation in PBD and Utkarsh Make in Odisha. The team visited prominent sites like the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, UNESCO World Heritage Site - Stonehenge, the Tower of London, and the Thames River Cruise to study tourist infrastructure, design, and marketing models. Through connections with Indian communities and potential investors, Odisha’s global visibility and appeal as a tourism and investment destination have been significantly enhanced. The team sought diaspora’s support and remains optimistic about Odisha’s growing global stature in tourism and investment.
This visit underscores Odisha’s commitment to becoming a global tourism and investment hub.
