Bhubaneswar, June 23 (IANS) The Odisha government on Thursday said it will bring a new tourism policy to attract more tourists to the state and develop infrastructure at tourist destinations.
"A new tourism policy would come up soon that would provide incentives for infrastructure development at the tourist destinations in the state. Presently, the finance department is analysing the incentive proposals," said Tourism Secretary Gagan Kumar Dhal.
After the policy is announced, land will be identified within three months at the tourist destinations for infrastructure development, including setting up star-rated hotels, said Dhal.
The new policy envisages more attractive offers to invite investments in tourism sector. The government would provide incentives relating to land allotment, capital investment subsidy, interest subsidy, VAT reimbursement, reimbursement of entry tax, environmental protection infrastructure subsidy and entertainment tax.
The issues were discussed at the Tourism Advisory Committee meeting chaired by Odisha Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi here on Thursday.
Reviewing the progress of various projects, Padhi directed that a structured trip package for various eco-tourism spots in Odisha should be worked out.
He further directed involving local people in the management of hospitality and accommodation centres in eco-tourist spots through appropriate training and motivation.
Padhi also directed the tourism department to complete identification of the land for tourism land bank within three months.
Besides, it was decided that the government would organise road shows in various states to showcase the tourism potential of the state.
Padhi advised that eco-tourism spots should also be advertised and popularised through domestic tour operators so as to attract more tourists from various parts of the country.
Notably, the state government has already started a project for development of various eco-tourism spots. Around 20 eco-tourism sites have been taken up with estimated investment of Rs 100 crore over a period of five years.
