BROUGHT TO YOU BY ASIA REGION 67 CULTURE TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN ODISHA Madhya Pradesh targets more European visitors At ITBBerlin, a delegation representing the Tourism Board of Odisha is looking to meet and introduce a number of initiatives planned by the state for the upcoming year. Trade partners from the tourism industry in Odisha, including travel agents, hotels/resorts and DMCs will also be exhibiting at the pavilion to showcase their products. Odisha, an eastern Indian state on the Bay of Bengal, is known for its tribal cultures and its many ancient Hindu temples. Odisha is also blessed with abundant natural beauty. Its offerings range from sun-kissed and uncrowded beaches such as Gopalpur, Chandipur, Puri and Konark to wildlife havens such as the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Chilika, the largest brackish water lake in Asia is home to a wide variety ODISHA IS A HUB OF CULTURE, EDUCATION AND SPORTS TOURISM Madhya Pradesh plans to expand promotional campaigns to people living in main European cities, with the belief that the close links between the two countries and their cultures will encourage repeat visitors. Europe is an important potential source market for tourists and Madhya Pradesh will look to sign deals at ITBBerlin2019 with European tour operators that will see the number of visitors from the region increase further. Madhya Pradesh is showcasing its diversity of wildlife and rich cultural heritage at ITBBerlin. The state is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the 10th century temples of Khajuraho, covered in ecstatic erotic sculpture, is a reminder of India’s ancient artistic heritage. Millennia old Buddhist monuments can be found at Sanchi and Paleolithic cave paintings at Bhimbetka. At ITBBerlin, Madhya Pradesh is showcasing its 25 wildlife sanctuaries, 10 national parks and six Tiger reserves, covering an area of about 10,000 sq km. Madhya Pradesh also accounts for almost 20% of India’s tiger population. The vast tracts of forested land are also a refuge for barking deer, leopards, cheetal, wild boars, MADHYA PRADESH IS SHOWCASING ITS 25 WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES, 10 NATIONAL PARKS AND SIX TIGER RESERVES blackbucks, nilgais and crocodiles. Barasingha (literally translated to “one with 12 horns”) is a swamp deer, the state animal of Madhya Pradesh. The Madhya Pradesh stand at ITBBerlin will see participation from some of the best accommodation providers and travel agents/tour operators from the state. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) will present its range of picturesque and locallyflavored hotels and resorts. Madhya Pradesh MP has already held roadshows in Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Munich to promote the destination in these places. There are currently more than 20 flights from Germany to India every day, from a variety of airlines including Lufthansa, Air India, Emirates, KLM, Jet Airways, Finnair and British Airways Hall 5.2b / Stand 246 A land steeped in history and mythology, Odisha is already well known within India for its immense art and architecture, scenic and uncrowded beaches and unspoilt natural beauty. The ITBBerlin pavilion is highlighting the varied offerings of India’s eastern state with focus on the heritage and culture which is reflected through Konark Sun Temple, built in the 13th century. Bhubaneswar, the state’s capital, is often referred to as the “city of temples” as it is home to more than 5,000 places of worship. Taking place on July 4 this year, the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra is described as being one of the largest religious gathering on Earth. of migratory birds and dolphins. The state was title partner for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup in Bhubaneswar in 2018. Odisha Tourism said that event provided an exciting opportunity for the state to reveal its beauty, as thousands of fans from across the globe and across the country went to Bhubaneswar for the event. Odisha is a hub of culture, education and of course, sports tourism has taken this state to new heights of popularity Hall 5.2b / Stand 242 ITB BERLIN NEWS • Wednesday 6 th March 2019
