Bhubaneswar: As part of the 6th Odisha Travel Bazar, jointly organized by the Odisha Tourism Department and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), a familiarization tour was arranged for Foreign Tour Operators (FTOs) from various countries.
The tour aimed to provide the delegates with a firsthand experience of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and natural wonders, enabling them to design tailored travel packages for international tourists.
The FTOs explored several iconic destinations across the state. Their itinerary included Lalitgiri, a key site in Odisha’s Diamond Triangle, renowned for its ancient Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and relics.
They also visited Bhitarkanika National Park, where they navigated mangrove creeks, spotted crocodiles, and toured the Crocodile Breeding Centre. The pristine Pentha Beach, famous for its scenic beauty and red crabs, was another highlight of the tour.
The delegates also marveled at the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, which feature intricate Jain sculptures dating back to the 1st century BCE.
At the Kala Bhoomi Craft Museum, they gained insights into Odisha’s traditional handicrafts and tribal artifacts.
The tour included a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Konark Sun Temple, celebrated for its architectural grandeur, followed by an immersive experience of the Light and Sound Show at Konark.
Further enriching their journey, the FTOs explored Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts village known for its Pattachitra paintings and Gotipua dance.
They also visited the Mukteswar and Rajarani Temples, which exemplify Odisha’s unique temple architecture, and the Dhauli Peace Pagoda, a symbol of the state’s Buddhist heritage.
By fostering collaborations with international tour operators, the initiative aims to attract a greater number of foreign tourists and showcase Odisha’s diverse cultural and natural attractions.
