Sudipta Dev – Mumbai
Odisha has recently relaxed the restrictions on tribal tourism in the state, which will go a long way in attracting inbound tourists. Currently, the state witnesses more than 70,000 foreign tourist arrivals and the numbers are expected to grow in the near future. “After the abduction of two Italian tourists, there were restrictions but with the improvement in law and order situation, the norms have now been relaxed. The local youth are the best facilitators for this,” said Ashok Chandra Panda, minister for tourism and culture, Odisha. He informed that the local youth who are acquainted with the culture, etiquette, mannerisms of the tribals are trained to accompany foreign tourists who visit the areas and weekly haats of tribals. This is to ensure that the sensitivities of the tribals are maintained.
Currently the tourists who are visiting the areas inhabited by primitive tribal groups are mostly interested in seeing the local markets. “We have not reached a stage where they can stay among the primitive tribal groups in their villages as these are sensitive issues. Currently they just visit the haats and cultural centres where they can get an insight into tribal cultures,” stated Panda, informing that on Republic Day (January 26th), in the state capital of Bhubaneswar, an Adivasi exhibition takes place. It showcases their culture, their habitat, and art, etc, are displayed. Both foreign as well as domestic tourists who visit Bhubaneswar around that time can also get to experience the many facets of tribal culture.
Odisha conducted a 10 city roadshow across the country in a concerted effort to showcase its cultural, architectural and natural attractions to the domestic travellers. The state is keen to attract tourists from western India who are still not aware of the many facets of the state’s tourism offerings.