Speaking on the occasion, Director of Tourism and Managing Director of OTDC Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav said, “OTDC has been the change agent when the nation was grappling with pandemic, as it aimed to promote the huge untapped potential in the travel and tourism sector. I’m happy that OTDC is continuously launching new products like Odisha Walks, Boat Clubs in Silver City and Taladanda as well as putting in great efforts for the promotion of culinary tourism in the state. OTDC is undoubtedly the face of Odisha Tourism and is the flag bearer of tourism across the State. OTDC is not just a corporation but a mission which continuously strives for promotion of tourism in the State”.

Chairman of OTDC Dr. Lenin Mohanty spoke on the various initiatives taken up by OTDC and how OTDC has achieved so many milestones in the tourism sector. “Over the years, OTDC has not only promoted tourism but has also contributed significantly to the state’s economy by creating employment opportunities and boosting state’s businesses. It has played a pivotal role in preserving our cultural heritage and natural beauty, making Odisha a jewel in India’s tourism crown”, said Dr. Mohanty.

The best-performing units of OTDC which have excelled in the last financial year were awarded. While Puri and Gopalpur were adjudged as Best Performing Accommodation Units, Nimantran at Bhubaneswar was awarded as Best Performing Transport Unit. Similarly, 12 newly renovated rooms of Panthanivas were inaugurated and made open for public booking on the occasion.

Chairperson of Odisha State Commission for Women Dr. Minati Behera, Addl. Secretary of Tourism Balamukunda Bhuyan, Addl. Secretary of Tourism Ananta Narayan Singh Laguri, noted Odia actress Elina Samantaray, General Manager of OTDC Dr. Lalatendu Sahoo, senior officials of Tourism Department, bloggers and social media influencers, members from the tourism and travel fraternity of the state and media personnel were present. Divisional Manager (Marketing) of OTDC Prashant Kumar Panda delivered the vote of thanks.

The event also featured the felicitation of food-travel bloggers and social media influencers who have been instrumental in showcasing the beauty and cultural heritage of Odisha to a global audience.

The ceremony resonated with patriotic fervour, as attendees paid their heartfelt tributes to the countless sacrifices made by freedom fighters.

The 77th Independence Day was also celebrated in Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC). As part of the festivities, OTDC Chairman Dr. Lenin Mohanty unfurled the National Flag at Panthanivas Bhubaneswar and addressed the gathering. Divisional Heads, Officers & Staff of OTDC attended the celebrations. The Independence Day celebration at the Department of Tourism and OTDC united citizens in the spirit of patriotism and camaraderie.

The programme was being organised by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Odisha in association with Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.

Prof. Annapurna Panda, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour was Prasant Panda, Company Secretary and Division Manager (Marketing), OTDC.

In his welcome address Dr. Md. Sabir Hussain, Nodal Officer and Head, IITTM welcomed all the guests present on dais and congratulated the participants on successful completion. He elaborated the outcome of the MDP and the significance of training.

In her concluding remarks Adyasha Das, Coordinator MDP presented a detailed report of the various sessions, interactive activities and study visits that were components of the training programme.

Dr. Annapurna Panda gave an eloquent address about how OTDC represented a home away from home for diaspora Indians. She gave several comparative examples about tourism and hospitality in the USA and India. The formal vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. B Swajan Assistant Professor and S. Pradhan, Assistant Professor, hosted the event. Certificates were distributed to all successful participants.

Inaugurating the workshop, Chairman of OTDC Dr. Lenin Mohanty emphasized on training as a tool for organizational effectiveness and complimented team OTDC for their enthusiastic participation.
Organised by the Department of Tourism in association with Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM), the training session witnessed the participation of 30 Managers and Assistant Managers of OTDC across Odisha.

The objective of the programme is to provide an in-depth understanding of various models of conducting business in a variety of situations, with specific emphasis on marketing and hospitality. It also aims at creating competencies in anticipating, defining and solving problems, meeting challenges thrown up by emerging trends and to enhance and strengthen the leadership capabilities.

Addl. Secretary to Govt., Dept. of Tourism Balamukunda Bhuyan spoke about the role of managers in spearheading OTDC to be a front-runner. Dr. Md. Sabir Hussain, Nodal Officer and Head, IITTM elaborated the essential components of the MDP while Dr. Adyasha Das, Coordinator, MDP highlighted the design of the programme and discussed the modalities. Dr. B Swajan extended the vote of thanks & Mrs. S. Pradhan conducted the inaugural event.

Devotees from Sambalpur can board a Volvo bus of the tourism corporation from Sambalpur Panthanivas at 9 pm on June 30. They will arrive in Bhubaneswar Panthanivas the next day and board another Volvo bus for Puri after breakfast to witness the Rath Yatra on July 1. They will leave Puri on the same day in a special bus for Bhubaneswar Panthanivas. The bus for Sambalpur will depart at 10 pm.

The OTDC’s tour packages for those leaving from Sambalpur Panthanivas, Bhubaneswar Panthanivas and Puri Panthanivas are priced at Rs 8,300, Rs 5,800 and Rs 5,000 per person respectively.

According to OTDC, tea, breakfast and lunch will be provided to the persons availing special tour packages. For further information on the Ratha Yatra tour package and booking people can visit www.panthanivas.com, it added

By Nilanchal Naik