Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Sept 19: Investors from across the country Saturday met a delegation from Orissa to discuss the prospects of investment in the tourism and hospitality sector in the state. This comes in the light of the upcoming mega convention of Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI) in Bhubaneswar from September 25.
Some hoteliers such as Lemontree hotels group, Jaypee hotels, Newport Group and Brahmaputra Group have shown special interest and are likely to sign MoUs with the tourism department shortly.
The meet on tourism was organised jointly by the department of tourism and FHRAI at New Delhi. The objective of the meet was to brief the big hotel chains and corporate brands about the tourism potential, policy framework and land parcels available in the state for possible investment in the hospitality sector in Orissa.
The meet was chaired by state tourism minister Ashok Chandra Panda. He called upon all the investors to come to the coastal state and invest in the tourism and hospitality sector, especially in the light of the state tourism policy and recently-launched Industrial Policy Resolution 2015.
He also highlighted the glorious past of Orissa, the Buddhist treasures, the eco-tourism potential and the rich cultural heritage of the state. He assured that the state government would take all steps to materialise the investment proposals offered by hoteliers.
A comprehensive presentation was made by LN Gupta, principal secretary, tourism, followed by Anil Kumar Samal, director, tourism on the immense tourism potential of the state and opportunities in the sector.
The unique tourism products of the state were also highlighted through a video film. The flagship projects of the government like Shamuka Beach Project and Chilika Tourism Development Project were also highlighted before the investors. More than 40 renowned hoteliers and investors attended the meet and participated in the discussion.
TS Wallia, president, FHRAI, appreciated the efforts of Orissa Tourism and stated that Orissa today has an investor-friendly environment.
The meet was organised in view of the forthcoming 50th Annual Convention of FHRAI to be held in Bhubaneswar in collaboration with the department of tourism.
