Tourists From 18 Countries Visit Eco-Spots In Odisha, Revenue Crosses Rs 8 Cr In 2020-21 Fiscal

Bhubaneswar: In an encouraging news for tourism sector in Odisha, the state government on Thursday stated that tourists from 18 countries visited the eco-spots with night halts while the revenue from eco-tourism crossed Rs 8 crore in 2020-21 financial year.

Chairing a high-level meeting on the issues relating to development and management of the eco-spots, chief secretary Suresh Mahapatra said Community Based Management (CBM) model of the government launched in 2016 for eco-tourism has become highly successful.

It was revealed at the meeting that the eco-tourism website showed around 22.82 lakh hits from 30 countries of the world. Tourists from 18 countries including France, Germany, Iran, Australia, Netherland, Belgium and South Africa visited the eco-spots with night halts.

The revenue generated from eco-tourism increased from Rs 1.57 in 2016-17 to Rs 3.40 crore in 2017-18, Rs 5.61 crore in 2018-19 and Rs 8.32 crore in 2020-21.

Considering the response from foreign tourists, the proposals for developing new eco-spots with night stay facilities at Deomali, Karlapat and Nawana were approved in the meeting. The chief secretary directed the department to release funds immediately for development of the spots.

Stating that the CBM has provided alternative and sustainable livelihood to many people who otherwise were dependent on forest, Mahapatra asked IDCO to acquire non-forest land near popular eco-tourism centres and develop those for setting up the tourism and hospitality units.

Under the CBM model, 90% of the revenue generated from the eco-spots was shared with members of the respective communities managing the spots.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Sashi Paul said 47 eco-tourism destinations were developed and operationalised in 18 revenue districts. The activity added to the income of tribal families in Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Bargarh, Nayagarh and Koraput districts.

Additional chief secretary, Forest and Environment Dr Mona Sharma; principal secretary, Tourism Surendra Kumar and senior officers of departments concerned participated in the meeting.