Bhubaneswar: Advocating a mechanism of inter-state coordination among Maoist-hit states to ensure safe tourism, Union tourism minister Subadh Kant Sahay on Tuesday ruled out any adverse impact of Odisha hostage crisis on the flow of foreign visitors to the country.
Maintaining that safety of the abducted Italian nationals was the "top priority" of the Centre, Sahay said the two foreigners were abducted from a forested place and not from any traditional tourist spot. "No abduction is made from any tourist destination.
he told reporters during a visit here.
"One of the two abducted Italian nationals has been staying in sea-side Puri town for a long time. So, only one tourist was involved in the incident," he said.
"Though the incident had no impact on tourism, the state governments of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal should set up a mechanism for better coordination among themselves for promoting safe tourism in the states," Sahay said.
PTI
