Odisha tourism festival

• Odisha’s tourism festival began on December 15.
• The tourism department is hopeful of witnessing more than 70% footfall this year, compared to pre-covid times.
• The tourism department has planned events to attract tourists from across the state and its neighbors.
• To do so, it has joined hands with Odisha by road campaign and Eco Retreat Odisha.

Odisha Tourism Festival’21

• The festival aims to boost domestic tourism and help in reviving the tourism sector post covid.
• It also aims to attract tourists and private sector investment.
• The Odisha by Road campaign aims to revive the domestic tourist movement between the neighboring states.
• It promotes road trips and tourism products of Odisha.

Eco Retreat Odisha

• Eco Retreat Odisha hosts a glamping festival, a festival meant to explore the hidden beauty of Odisha for its tourists.
• This year, Eco Retreat features Konark, Satkosia, Bhitarkanika, Daringbadi, Hirakud, Pati-Sonapur and Koraput.

Best Tourism State

• Recently, Odisha was adjourned as the best State for most outstanding domestic destinations.
• Further, Odisha’s Mayurbhanj was voted the ‘Best Offbeat Destination’ at India’s Best Awards 2021 by Travel+Leisure India.
• This aligns with the Government of India promoting rural and domestic tourism in the country to boost the rural economy and explore the prospects of tourism in rural areas.
• ‘Ganjam Darshan’ bus has been initiated by the State to connect tourists and better tourism in the State.