The 3rd HRAO Odisha Tourism Conclave is set to take place on 24th August 2018 in Bhubaneswar. The event aims to promote Odisha Tourism in the national and international markets. The annual conclave presented by Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) is centered around the theme ‘Tourism – the Driving Force of Future Economy’
Ahead of the conclave, OdishaLIVE had an exclusive talk with HRAO Chairperson and Swosti Group Head honcho Mr. JK Mohanty. He discusses various issues and the way forward for Odisha Tourism as well as the event in discussion.
What is the idea behind organizing ‘HRAO Odisha Tourism Conclave’?
JKM: To give a boost to the tourism sector of Odisha, the HRAO is always working in close cooperation with the state tourism department. The HRAO had successfully conducted this conclave twice before by inviting many distinguished experts in the field of tourism along with Politicians, bureaucrats, senior government officials, hoteliers, tour operators, travel writers to deliver their expertise on the prospect of tourism in Odisha.
The travel writers and journalists had nicely covered the Conclave in their national and international magazines which would go a long way in promoting Odisha Tourism in global market.
The 3rd Odisha Tourism Conclave is also being organised in a big way by highlighting the themes like ‘Branding of Odisha’, ‘Infrastructure to boost Tourism’, ‘Richness of Eco & Wildlife Tourism’, ‘Creating Tourism Friendly Awareness’, ‘Odisha a Buddhist Tourism Circuit’ and ‘Enhancing Skills & Training in Hospitality Education in Tourism Promotion’ etc. to give a boost to the tourism sector of Odisha.
The 3rd edition of the event is going to take place this year. What is the outcome of the previous conclaves and the road map for this year?
JKM:During the 1st Tourism Conclave we are obliged to the Government of Odisha for accepting our recommendations and incorporating the same in the new Tourism Policy 2016.
During the 2nd Odisha Tourism Conclave recommendations such as creation of the land bank for tourism projects in all tourist locations, relaxations in the norms of foreign tourists visit to the tribal areas, more advertisements in the national and international television networks, more thrust to Eco Tourism, international air connectivity, opening up of airports at Rourkela, Jharsuguda and Jeypore were definitely taken seriously by the government and we are glad that a lot of progress has been done on the recommendations.
At the end of every conclave, as a result of the deliberation, a series of recommendations are presented to the Govt. by HRAO. How it helps to take the industry forward?
JKM: The suggestions of the experts in the field of travel and tourism are deliberated seriously in the conclave and the best of the suggestions are put forward to the State Government for action.
Odisha is today showcased as ‘India’s Best Kept Secret’ by the Govt. How do you wish to take this idea forward through the agenda of Odisha Tourism Conclave?
JKM: At the Odisha Tourism Conclave, experts deliberate, debate and brainstorm how to promote Odisha as a sustainable tourist destination rather than promoting Odisha as any other ordinary product.
The Tourism domain seems to be a main bread earner of the state’s economy in the future. How about the ease of doing travel and hospitality business in Odisha?
JKM: Tourism can be the largest employment generator of the state if good hotels which are highly labour intensive are added to the State in every tourist district. It can generate very high income for the State.
In your calculation, what growth Odisha Travel and Tourism industry can reach in the coming 10 years of time?
JKM:As per statistics of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) the tourism industry globally would double by 2031 in generating more than USD 3 trillion in tourism export revenues. The international tourist arrivals will increase to 43 million a year on an average into Asia.
There will be a 9% growth in the millennial travel. India’s tourism sector attracted capital investments of US$ 47.8 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach US$ 95.30 billion by 2028.
From the concept of monuments, temples and religious tourism and natural treasures today the global tourist is looking at unique experience. How do you see the potential of Odisha in this regard and how far is the Govt. and the industry ready to cope with this changing pattern?
JKM: Today there is a market shift from the older generation traditional travelers visiting the pilgrim centers, temple, architectural sites to Millennials and Millennially-Aligned Travellers with choices onLocal and Adventure travel, nature, culture, entertainment, biking, surfing, hiking, LocalCommunity Based Tourism etc.
The Millennial travel, the youngsters are looking for joy of consumptions, fashion and trends, culture sampling and novelty. Technology has also taken over the trends of travel.
What are the key challenges the Tourism industry in Odisha is facing today which would reflect in the discussions at the Conclave? Do you feel that all the stakeholders, especially the Govt. and HRAO is prepared to face the points and take them forward?
JKM: Some of the key challenges today are addition of high standard hotels at all tourist locations in the State, need for foreign language speaking guides, need for development of good quality infrastructure for entertaining tourists, more airconditioned coaches for mass movement of tourists, developing service standards in the eco tourist centers, addition of more skilled manpower in the tourism sector. We are working in close cooperation with the State government for meeting the needs of the tourism sector.
The time has gone when we were primarily showcasing the golden triangle and most of the tourist movement was limited to Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark. How best to explore, link and promote potential destinations for the interest of the national and international tourists?
JKM: We have already suggested to the State government that focus for promotion of Odisha tourism should shift from Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark to other destinations like Bhitarkanika, Similipal, Satkosia, Chilika Lake, Debrigarh etc., which have more eco-tourism potential and people can experience life in nature and wilderness. The younger generation today is looking for more of experiences than just staying in a hotel room which is same all over the world.
It is observed that scores of local tourists head to international locales while being unaware of the hidden treasure in their home state. Don’t you think that we should focus on developing our own destinations and spread word to pull local tourists exploring them? Because, the state tourism economy might not completely thrive on international tourism alone!
JKM: The potential of Odisha Tourism is yet to be publicized in full strength in the national market to capture the affluent Indian tourists from going abroad and spending money rather than staying back in their own country and enjoying the rich tourism potential that lies in Odisha.
In the current internet and smart phone era, how best Odisha Tourism should be showcased and explored through videos and web and social media?
JKM: Social media platforms like facebook, twitter, linkedin, instagram, youtube etc., are a powerful tool in the tourism sector. Most of the millennial travellers spend more than 50% of their time online looking at the content on their mobile phones.
Almost 50% of the air tickets and hotel bookings are made on mobile apps by the younger generation. To sell a destination proper visibility through website, digital marketing / social media / Television networks is a MUST. According to a travel show survey, 43% of the business is generated through social media, so the more one is on social media, the more enquiries will they get.
Various events are being organized by the govt. and other industry bodies to promote travel, tourism and hospitality sector of Odisha. What impact do you wish to achieve by HRAO Odisha Tourism Conclave, by hosting it year after year?
JKM: The recommendations of the 3rd Odisha Tourism Conclave will be presented to the Government which would go a long way in helping the state government for preparing a master plan for sustainable tourism growth of Odisha.
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