“The state government has implemented various initiatives to draw foreign tourists to Odisha,” Parida noted.
The DyCM reported that a total of 1,33,161 foreign tourists traveled to the state, highlighting a consistent increase in international visitors since 2020. Nonetheless, in 2021, the number of foreign guests dropped to 2,269 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, there were 10,206 foreign tourists; this figure rose to 22,171 in 2022, 45,173 in 2023, and 53,392 in 2024, she mentioned, indicating that the influx of foreign visitors has grown following the pandemic.
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Parida noted that during the five-year span, 4,423 individuals from Japan visited Odisha, followed by 3,830 from Italy, 3,722 from Germany, 3,715 from the United Kingdom, and 3,008 from France between 2020 and 2024.
In response to another query, Parida reported that total tourist arrivals in the state surged to 1,13,83,556 in 2024-25 from 1,00,14,175 recorded in 2023-24.
Parida further informed the Assembly that the remarkable increase in visitor numbers was primarily due to the government’s initiatives to promote tourism within the state. She highlighted key efforts, including upgrading tourism infrastructure at major sites and ensuring basic amenities for visitors.
Alongside promotional activities across various media, Parida mentioned that the state government is hosting events like festivals, the International Sand Art Festival, and cultural activities to entice tourists.
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The state also engages in numerous national and international travel fairs to attract tourists and showcase its tourism potential, she added.
The deputy chief minister also indicated that the state is developing a policy aimed at attracting investments in the sector, as well as creating eco-retreats at picturesque locations such as Ramchandi, Bhitarkanika, Daringibadi, Satakosia, Hirakud, Putsil, and Sonapur to cater to varying tourist interests.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
