Odisha to develop beaches, monuments to attract tourists

"A progressive and investment-friendly tourism policy has been in operation in the state since April 2013.

"As per the policy, a state-level single window committee has been created for speedy implementation of the projects and several incentives have been announced for stakeholders as part of promotional initiatives," Deputy Director of Odisha Tourism U K Pati told reporters here.

The Odisha government will develop several beaches, monuments and wildlife sanctuaries as tourist spots, he added.

According to Pati, as part of tourism promotion, the department is holding roadshows in different cities.

"The department has already organised five roadshows last year and is planning organise eight such roadshows this year," he added.

Last year, over 1 crore domestic and 78 lakh foreign tourists visited the state, Pati added.

According to the officer, there are several scenic places in the state, like beaches at Puri, Chandipur and Gopalpur, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Simlipal National Park, Chilka lake, Sun Temple in Konark and Jaganath Temple in Puri, among others.