Deputy CM showcases Odisha’s tourism potential in UK, inaugurates Odia restaurant

Bhubaneswar, Nov 5: In a major push to boost Odisha's visibility in the UK tourism market, a high-level delegation from Odisha Tourism, led by the Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, met with the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, H.E. Vikram Doraiswami.

The delegation included senior officials such as Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Tourism Balwant Singh, Director of Tourism Samarth Verma, and Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister Anupam Saha.

The discussions centered on strategies to promote Odisha’s cultural heritage, arts, and natural beauty to travelers from the UK and Europe. Doraiswami offered guidance on building connections with Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and tour operators to draw more tourists to Odisha.

Deputy CM Parida highlighted Odisha’s Tourism Policy, which offers attractive incentives for investments, particularly in eco-tourism, heritage tourism, and wellness sectors. She showcased Odisha’s distinctive assets, including its beautiful beaches, rich forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and iconic temples, as well as its craftsmanship and performing arts.

In Kent, the Deputy CM connected with the Odia community, inaugurating ‘Chilika,’ a new Indian restaurant inspired by Odisha's Chilika Lake. The restaurant offers authentic Odia dishes and celebrates the state’s culinary heritage. The event saw the presence of Bexley Mayor Councillor Sue Gower MBE JP, Councillor Rags Sandhu, Councillor Avtar Sandhu, and members of the Odisha Society of the UK (OSUK).

This visit aligns with Odisha Tourism’s participation at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London 2024, where the state seeks to showcase its unique attractions to an international audience and explore partnerships in global tourism. This initiative marks a significant step in Odisha Tourism’s global outreach, fostering cultural exchange and investment opportunities with the UK.