Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Sept 27: A mega carnival was organised in the capital city on the occasion of World Tourism Day by the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI) in association with the state tourism department Sunday. The sheer scale of the carnival stole the hearts of the citizens.
A posse of vans portraying cultures of various states from India participated in a procession from Master Canteen Square to Rupali Square. Navy and CRPF troops also participated in the march, with spectators cheering along the route.
The highlight of the carnival was a rally of superbikes and vintage cars. Tribal dances from several states were also widely appreciated.
The carnival was inaugurated by Governor SC Jamir. Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Patsani, state tourism minister Ashok Panda and tourism secretary LN Gupta attended the inauguration.
‘Investors willing to put their money in Orissa’
FHRAI, the third largest hospitality association in the world, said many investors are now willing to invest in the state. “Sunday marked the concluding day of our three-day national convention. In the last three days, many stakeholders of the tourism and hospitality sector discussed a host of issues with each other and also with the state government. Emboldened by a positive response from the state government, many investors are now keen to invest in the state,” said FHRAI chairman TS Walia.
State tourism secretary LN Gupta said the new policies launched by the government would boost tourism in the state. ‘”Our new tourism policy 2013 envisages growth of tourism and talks about incentives and other aid for investors,” Gupta said.
JK Mohanty, chairman, Hotels & Restaurant Association of Orissa said: “The tourism and hospitality sector acts as an employment generator. We are thankful that now the ban on entry to tribal areas has been lifted. Investment at these places and henceforth generation of employment can to a large extent solve the Maoist problem.”