BHUBANESWAR: On the occasion of World Tourism Day Orissa POST talked to some key players in the tourism industry about Digital Transformation, the UN theme for this year’s celebration.
Pravir Chakravorty, Manager/Asst Director, ITDC
In the days of globalization the role of digitalization is crucial in the tourism and hospitality industry. The India Tourism Development Corporation is extremely digital friendly and is helping tourists to go digital. The introduction of digital payments in tourism is a revolutionary change. Now it is possible for one to pay before a trip for the entire journey. The digital platform is also a huge stage for promotion. In order to promote tourism on social media, we invite blog writers and YouTubers from all over the world and pay for viewing Incredible India. The process of e-Tourist Visa has helped travellers to a great extent. One can just register online and get a travel authority to any country in 24 hours. In January-August 2018 a total of 14, 18, 534 tourists arrived on e-Tourist Visa registering a growth of 49.5%.
U.K. Pati, the Joint Director/Deputy Secretary, Odisha Tourism
Odisha Tourism has always welcomed digital transformation. We are progressing step by step. We have started cooperating with private companies like OYO, GoIbibo and others to help tourists in Odisha. Odisha Tourism organises Odisha Travel Bazaar, where we invite tour operators, top agents and bloggers from all over the world, and take them to tourist spots. In 2017, Odisha had 70,000 foreign visitors. Last year it was 1, 00,000 and this year we are expecting more. Odisha Tourism is growing at an increasing rate.
Dr Sarat Kumar Lenka, Professor and Nodal Officer, Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management
The tourism industry players face many challenges. But nowadays this has been solved by digital transformation for both tourists and tourism service providers. The introduction of GPS has simplified all modes of travel. The power of social media has increased the sales of service providers. At present the industry is using digital platforms to get feedbacks from clients and is preparing to meet any challenge. It is expected that the future of the tourism industry will be completely digital.
Dr Dillip Kumar Das, Associate Professor, HoD, Tourism Department, Burdwan University
From exploring destinations to making flight arrangements, everything can be done from home due to digitalisation. Now we can apply for passports and visas online. Digitalisation is not only cost effective but also fast and convenient, making travel formalities easier. The development of high quality and people friendly travel websites as well as competitive travel businesses results in increasing footfall of tourists.
Dipti Ranjan Das, OP