By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, June 18, 2017: The Industry Body, Confederation of Indian Industry [CII] will develop an index of ease of travel and tourism to market Odisha better. Besides, it will give push for promotion of brand Odisha in tourism by organizing workshops, conferences, exhibitions and also programmes for tour operators who play critical role in making tourists travel to Odisha, CII chairman and Nalco CMD Dr Tapan Kumar Chand said on Saturday while addressing the inaugural session of Odisha Tourism Conclave.

“Tourism sector in India is an entrepreneur’s paradise. As a green approach to development, it is considered as one of the key driving force that contributes in accelerating economy as well boosting employment” said Dr. Chand.

Citing Odisha as a spiritual, cultural and eco-tourism hub, Dr Chand, stressed on promoting the state from one of the tourist destination to the first choice as tourist destination. Dr Chand outlined on the various plans and activities of CII in promoting and boosting the tourism sector.

Travel and tourism are sure drivers of growth and employment that’s why close on the heels of Odisha Investors’ Summit last year, CII Odisha has given focus on promotion on tourism and has created a theme for the year – Odisha Ahead: Inclusive and Responsible. “Inclusive growth and spread of employment among people in the marginal sections of the society is possible through promotion of travel and tourism” Dr Chand added.

He also emphasised on the need of ease of travel and tourism in Odisha by providing better connectivity, accommodation, safety and security of tourists.

Dr. Chand also shared the plan of Aluminium Association of India (AAI), for promoting Odisha as the Aluminium Capital of India, for which AAI is actively considering a proposal to set up an Aluminium Museum in Bhubaneswar for which it would soon approach the State Government for allocation of land.