In a recent development, Odisha announced ten new spots for the development of eco-retreats with night stay facilities and three new spots for development as nature-camp for day tourists. As of now, 50 eco-retreat destinations and nature camps are operating in the state.
With 13 new approvals, the total number of spots would increase to 63. As per government records, eco-tourism spots in Odisha are gaining popularity resulting in increased footfalls and revenue generation. An online booking facility has also been rolled out. So far, around INR 95 crore has been invested in the development of eco-destinations.
It is amply clear from the government data, that eco-destinations are witnessing a constant growth in footfalls across the country. Footfalls have registered a jump of around 142 percent in the last five years, increasing from 11,500 in 2017-18 to 29,024 in 2018-19, and then to 57,000 in the year 2020-21.
“The year 2021-22 witnessed a surge in footfall to 70,216. Concomitantly, the revenue generated from eco-tourism increased from INR 3.40 crore in 2017-18 to INR 8.32 crore in 2020-21 and then to INR 10.52 crore in 2021-22. If not all, Odisha is surely taking the data seriously!Since the beginning, the tourism policy of Odisha was formulated to promote sustainable and green tourism to create employment opportunities. The Policy promotes Odisha as a one-stop destination to experience cultural heritage and eco-tourism. Tourism in Odisha has grown considerably in recent years on account of good infrastructure facilities, favourable government policies, improvement of existing tourist locations, development of new tourist destinations and strong growth of the hotel and restaurant industry in the state. Puri, Gopalpur and Chilika have been betting high on occupancies but destinations like Deomali hilltop in Koraput, Jakam of Kalahandi, Nawana of Similipal north, Silviculture garden of Phulbani, Muhana Muhana at Astaranga in Puri, Kotia in Koraput, Khadakhai dam in Rairangpur, Mahendragiri from Ganjam side in Berhampur, Kanjipani Ghat and Hadagarh dam in Keonjhar forest divisions are the emerging demand drivers. Sharing positive insights on the overall tourism sentiments, stakeholders in the industry have confirmed that the room rates are up by almost 15 to 20 percent and so are the occupancies as compared to the pre-pandemic level. And for investors who have their inklings towards eco-tourism, the state is providing single window clearance for time-bound clearance of all applications. Additionally, the government is providing a subsidy of 20 percent for investments of up to INR 50 crore and above and an additional five percent subsidy for projects near Chilika Lake, KBK, Kandhamala and Gajapati districts. Presenting an all-time high outlay for tourism sectors, the state government proposed INR 590 crore for tourism development in the last budget. Until now eco-retreats were developed and taken care of by the government authorities but the scope of private investments is immense. Many boutique brands are eyeing the opportunity for participating and taking the lead in establishing eco retreats/resorts in the state. Private hospitality giants like ITC, Mayfair, Swosti and IHCL have had a dominant presence so far in the coastal state.