LexThe Odisha Tourism Policy 2016
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EXTRAORDINARY
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
No.2164, CUTTACK, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2016/MARGA SIRA 5 1938
[No. 11487–T.TSP.II 19/2016/TSM.]
TOURISM & CULTURE (TOURISM) DEPARTMENT
RESOLUTION
The 24th November, 2016
Sub: Odisha Tourism Policy, 2016.
The Government of Odisha have taken various steps f rom time to time to promote
tourism by pronouncing progressive policies on tour ism. The last Tourism Policy of the
State Government was announced in 2013. Since then, Tourism Sector has grown
manifold and it is recognised as a major instrument of employment creation and inclusive
growth. The Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2015 was announced in August, 2015. In
the IPR, 2015, Tourism was declared as a priority s ector Industry. In IPR, 2015, the fiscal
incentives proposed for priority sector industries are lucrative than the Tourism Policy,
2013. Therefore, there is a need for developing a n ew Tourism Policy to address specific
sectoral issues in the Tourism sector.
In order to make tourism an important part of econo mic activities, promote brand
image of Odisha nationally and internationally, dev elop and promote the prime tourist
products, conserve heritage, natural environment an d to ensure beneficial outcome to all
the Stake holders, the State Government have been p leased to publish the Odisha
Tourism Policy, 2016 which is annexed herewith.
The resolution shall come into effect from the date of publication in Odisha Gazette .
The resolution is issued with the concurrence of Fi nance Department vide their
U.O.R No.198/GS. II, dated the 16th November, 2016 and this has been approved in the
Cabinet meeting held on dated 22nd November, 2016 c ommunicated vide Parliamentary
Affairs Department Memo No.9594, dated the 23rd November, 2016.
O
RDER
Order that the Resolution be published in an Extr aordinary issue of the
Odisha Gazette and copies thereof forwarded to the A.G (A&E) Odis ha, Bhubaneswar / all
Departments of Government / all Heads of Department / all RDCs /all Collectors.
By Order of the Governor
G. K. DHAL
Principal Secretary to Government
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ODISHA TOURISM POLICY, 2016
1. INTRODUCTION:
The Tourism industry is a major propeller for economic growth throughout the world.
Over past decades, tourism has continuously expanded and d iversified, to become one of
the dominant and fastest growing economic sectors. Tourism makes culture, art and
history accessible to World at large. While generating direct income employment, it has
tremendous potential to create indirect employment and income due to higher multiplier
effect. Economies of many countries in the World are pro pelled by the tourism sector
alone.
The Travel and Tourism (T&T) industry is the largest co ntributor to employment and
economy which is 9.8% of the global GDP (US $ 7.2 tril lion) in 2015 including direct,
indirect and induced impact (World Travel & Tourism Cou ncil). Tourism added 7.2 million
jobs to the global economy, about 1 in 11 jobs glob ally (United Nations World Tourism
Organisation – Tourism Highlights 2015).
Tourism is a growing industry in India. India has moved up 13 th position to 52 nd rank
from 65 th in Tourism & Travel Competitive Index. As per the Min istry of Tourism,
Government of India (GoI) Report, the number of foreign tourist arrival in India during 2015
is 8 million and that of domestic tourist visits to all St ates / UTs is 1432 million. The foreign
exchange earnings from tourism sector was INR 1,35,193 cror e during the same period. It
is expected that the number of arrivals in India will i ncrease further into the future with the
World Travel and Tourism Council making the country the e leventh fastest emerging
tourism destination in the world.
Odisha, the soul of Incredible India has tremendous pot ential in tourism sector,
because of its golden history, strategic geographical location, diverse demography and
profound bounties of nature. Puri, the shrine of Lo rd Jagannath, one of the oldest
pilgrimage centers, famous for the Car festival, attracts lakhs of pilgrims round the year.
The world famous Sun Temple, a UNESCO heritage sites a t Konark (12 th century), the
temple city of Bhubaneswar (9 th century) & Puri (11 th century) are widely popular as the
golden triangle which draws tourists, both Domestic & International in hordes.
Odisha has a long tradition of Buddhism starting from 1st century BC. The Golden
Casket containing the Buddhist relics, excavated Buddhist S tupas, Monasteries & Viharas
discovered at Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri & Udayagiri are fa mous, all over the world. The Ashokan
rock inscriptions of 3rd Century BC at Dhauli where the historic war of Kalinga was fought
is the testimony to the existence of strong Buddhist trad ition in Odisha. In addition, as
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many as 200 Buddhist heritage sites have also been iden tified in different parts of the
State.
The State is bestowed with profound bounties of nature . Odisha is India’s bridge to
her own golden past and a resurgent present. The grand scenic beauty of nature, historic
monuments, exotic sea beaches, luxuriant forest, majestic mountains, captivating wildlife,
mystic waterfalls, beautiful handicrafts, vast water bodie s, famous classical and folk
dances, enchanting music and most importantly, its hospitab le people are the wonders
that make the State as the supreme tourism destination of the world.
The State has made great strides in various sectors of its e conomy in tune with the
progressive globalization and the changing demands of t he tourists to make tourism a
sustainable industry in the State. Tourism in Odisha is o ne of the main contributors to the
economy of Odisha (13% of GDP of Odisha). The State o f Odisha secured 3 rd rank in
terms of intensity of overnight domestic tourism, with a n average of 541 trips per 100
households, as compared to the all India average 418 tr ips per 100 households.
Therefore, the tourism intensity in Odisha is 29 perce nt higher than the national level
tourism intensity (National Council of Applied Economic Research, 2015). The
Government of Odisha has undertaken many historic reforms in all sectors of its economy
for Ease of Doing Business in the State. It has implemen ted the momentous Right to Act,
2012, the progressive Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2015. These important steps have
boosted the economy of the State and placed tourism in the forefront as a major factor in
accelerating the progress of the State.
The tourist arrival to the State has increased manifol d in last decades. In last six
years the tourist arrival to the State has shown an in creasing trend which is a result of
aggressive campaign undertaken by the State Tourism Department.
Tourist Visit In Odisha During Last 6 Years
Year Domestic Foreign Grand Total
2010 -11 77,70,741 53,212 78,23,953
2011 -12 84,72,208 62,816 85,35,024
2012 -13 92,91,734 65,522 93,57,256
2013 -14 100,64,072 67,400 101,31,472
2014 -15
2015-16
110,51,351
120,67,695
72,215
67,364
111,23,566
121,35,059
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The present policy envisages an aggressive, dynamic and lon g term approach to
achieve the growth potential in tourism by initiating identified policy measures, framing the
required statutory framework, ensuring large scale invest ment support through
professional management and private participation, estab lishing the required synergies
among various sectors through appropriate institutional a rrangements and focused in
tervention for improvement of value and quality in tourism sector.
2. VISION:
To develop Odisha as the supreme tourist destination and to place it prominently on
the domestic and global tourism map.
3. THE MISSION:
(a) To promote tourism in a mission mode for economic develop ment, inclusive
growth, employment generation, social equity, integrat ion, resulting in
eradication of poverty and raising the income levels of the people of the State.
(b) To promote the brand image of Odisha nationally and internationally.
(c) To give high priority to development and promotion o f prime tourism products,
conservation of heritage, natural environment, etc.
(d) Ensuring beneficial outcome to all the stakeholders.
4. THE OBJECTIVES:
(a) To promote Sustainable & Green Tourism with a view to create employment
opportunities and to bring about socio-economic benefits to the community.
(b) To preserve, enrich and promote Odisha’s unique cultur al heritage, natural
resources and environment with a view to achieve incl usive development;
addressing the regulatory & tourism promotion/ developm ent functions in
Private Public Partnership (PPP) mode at all levels in a n effective & well
coordinated manner.
(c) To promote Odisha as one stop destination to experience its great history,
culture society and natural beauty so as to boost forei gn & domestic tourist
arrival in the State.
(d) To promote circuit tourism in association with other St ates of the Eastern Zone
of the country to facilitate easy arrival and movement of the tourist.
(e) To upgrade skill & professionalism and promote employmen t opportunities in
tourism sector.
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(f) To promote digital tourism.
(g) To promote responsible tourism and develop tourism prod ucts in an
environment friendly manner.
(h) To promote barrier-free tourism.
(i) To promote (1) Beach Tourism, (2) Eco-Tourism, (3) Bud dhist Tourism, (4)
Heritage Tourism, (5) Religious Tourism, (6) Knowledg e Tourism, (7) Medical
Tourism, (8) Travel Tourism, (9) Caravan Tourism, (10) W ellness Tourism, (11)
Cruise Tourism, (12) Sand Art Tourism, (13) Adventure Tourism, in a mission
mode.
5. STRATEGY:
a. Inter-Departmental Support:
Tourism requires a strong multi modal approach. With th is objective in view, the
State government will synergize all the activities of d ifferent departments and
stakeholders to achieve the overall objective.
b. Statutory Regulatory Framework:
Apart from the necessary statutory framework for policy coordination, there is
utmost necessity to ensure synergy at the field level. To achieve the objectives, similar
statutory framework is required at the implementation level, in the form of local tourism
councils/ bodies. The policy aims at enhancing the value o f tourist destination in the
form of improving local sanitation, making the destinati on beautiful by enforcing
uniform facade, removing cable clutters and checking encroa chments etc. The policy
aims at bringing synergy among the local bodies, poli ce and public representatives to
work in tandem, within a statutory regulatory frame w ork. The Tourism Advisory
Committee (TAC) shall recommend to enforce these regulations from time to time.
c. Development of Infrastructure:
Development infrastructure in tourism sector is one of the critical components for
developing tourism in the State. Government would str ongly to provide an
atmosphere & framework for private sector participation in infrastructure development
to reinforce the efforts made by the Government in thi s regard. Both domestic &
foreign private investment shall be encouraged to part icipate in joint venture or in
Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode for development of long term infrastructure in
the tourism sector.
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d. Land:
Department of Tourism shall indentify & earmark suita ble land parcels in
important tourist locations for development of tourism projects. The detail land
schedule reserved for the tourism projects shall be availa ble in Departmental website
which will be allotted to private sector investors thr ough a transparent mechanism
after studying techno-economic feasibility & employment generating potential of the
concerned projects.
e. Road Transport:
Department of Tourism shall identify important state highways, roads connecting
important tourist destination and recommend the appropriate department for widening,
beautification & high-quality maintenance of these ro ads. The Government shall
encourage private sector for providing tourist ameniti es centre like public
convenience, parking, cafeteria, souvenir shop, medical f acilities etc. alongside
important roads. The State will encourage private sector investment for boosting the
transport service for various categories of tourists.
f. Air Connectivity:
The State Government shall endeavour to have direct air connectivity to
important cities and major tourist destinations of the co untry. State Government shall
encourage developing small air strips inside the state on PPP mode. Thrust shall be
on providing more international air linkage, to Bhuba neswar by alluring Airlines
through underwriting of tickets/ incentives or any other mode as may be necessary to
increase foreign tourist arrival in the State.
g. Rail Connectivity:
The State Government shall pursue with the Indian Rail way for expansion of
railway network inside the State especially to the important tourist destinations. Efforts
shall also be made to pursue Ministry of Railway for pr oviding more superfast / luxury/
special train to different important tourist destinatio n of the State. The State shall
encourage luxury trains in line of Palace-on-Wheels mo del in association with Indian
Railway, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corpora tion (IRCTC) and other
neighboring States.
h. Quality Power Supply:
Department of Tourism shall end eavour to ensur e 24 X 365 power supply in
important tourist destinations. The grid & Lilo line shall be strengthed to ensure quality
power supply in important tourist destinations.
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i. Civic Amenities:
Highest priorities shall be accorded to ensure healthy & sanitary conditions in all
important pilgrim centres & tourist locations beaches t hrough direct intervention by the
Tourism Department, Urban Development Department, Pub lic Health Department,
Local Bodies, Non-Government Organisations & Corporate Bodies. Beach cleaning
authority will be created to oversee the cleanliness of major beaches.
j. Accommodation:
Efforts shall be made to encourage private sector inve stors to create Star
category hotels, convention centres, heritage hotels, eco camps by granting different
fiscal incentives, single window clearances facilities, marke ting supports, media
campaign etc.
k. Eco -tourism:
The State Government has created a eco-tourism cell under the Forest &
Environment Department of the State Government. A sep arate eco-tourism policy has
been launched for promotion of eco-tourism in the Stat e. Eco-tourism shall be made
more robust and popularized as an important means to pr omote tourism in the State
considering its vast potential.
l. Rural Tourism:
The State Government shall identify model vill ages which are rich from the
point of view of handicraft and handloom, rural life, social habits & culture. These
villages shall be developed to model villages to provide unique experience to the
tourist.
m. Utilization of inspection bungalows and circuit h ouses & Government
accommodations:
Department of Tourism shall maintain an inventory of inspection bungalows,
circuit house and other Government accommodations available under water resources,
works, revenue, forest etc. and shall explore the possibil ity of developing them under
PPP mode / any other mode for use of the tourist.
n. Home Stay Facilities:
Private house owners shall be encouraged to provide hom e stay facilities for the
use of the tourist under bed and breakfast scheme.
o. Ease of Doing Business:
For speedy clearance of Tourism Projects single window clearance authority
has been created which will issue deemed approvals as pr ovided in Odisha Industries
Facilitation Act, (OIFA) 2004. The Single Window Clea rance Authority shall be made
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more effective, robust and more investor friendly. Righ t to service has been
implemented in the state and the Department of Touri sm shall rigorously implement
the Right to Service Act for quick clearance of the projects.
p. Marketing & Promotion:
Department of Tourism shall organize various t ourism promotion events to
attract tourists to the State.
•• •• The Department of Tourism shall participate in differ ent leading national &
international tourism fair and shall provide incentiv es to the tourism
stakeholders to participate in international tourism eve nts to increase tourists
arrival in State.
•• •• Organize familiarization tours for leading tour oper ators, travel writers of the
country and abroad to attract more foreign & domestic tourists.
•• •• Extensive outdoor marketing within the country & abro ad which include
signages in airports, branding of trains, hoardings in strategic locations etc.
•• •• Media campaign both in print & electronics within the country & abroad shall be
done by the Government to attract more tourists to the State.
•• •• Brand ambassador will be appointed for strengthening t he brand name of
Odisha Tourism.
q. Capacity Building:
Capacity building in hospitality sector shall be the topmost priority to build
highest form of professionalism to create a strong ambie nce of comfort, confidence
and communication among the tourists. Department of T ourism shall encourage
private sector investment in Tourism & Hospitality Sector Institutes for capacity
building to ensure availability of more skilled manpo wer required in tourism sector.
Efforts shall be made to synergize all government scheme s and private sector
initiatives to develop skill in Tourism & Hospitality sector.
r. Public Awareness:
The most important aspect of tourism develop ment is to bring in the necessary
behavioral and attitudinal change in the society to m ake it tourist friendly and create a
strong receptive atmosphere. People’s participation th rough Panchayati Raj
Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, Co-Ops and NGOs shall b e encouraged for
development of tourism and to create public awareness to achieve a broader goal of
high quality tourist services .
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s. Wayside Amenities:
The Government has taken a policy decision to establish modern wayside
amenities to provide quality services to the highway and r oadside tourists. More
wayside amenities shall be developed by synchronizing the activities of various
Government Department such as Works, Transport, Forest and other concerned
Departments.
t. Right to Service:
The State Government have implemented th e Right to Service Act, 2012. The
Department of Tourism have been brought under the Rig ht to Service Act, which shall
be rigorously implemented for timely clearances of all tourism projects.
u. Buddhist & Heritage Tourism:
The State of Odisha is known for its rich h eritage. The State Government shall
promote heritage tourism to propagate its rich culture and heritage among the people
of the world. State Government shall promote Buddhist tourism in view of the historical
significance of Buddhism in the State. Special Buddhist Circuit will be developed by
linking all the Buddhist sites.
v. Cruise Tourism:
Considering the vast coastline, Chilika la ke, long stretch of water bodies,
lakes, there is vast scope for cruise tourism in the State. The State Government shall
promote cruise tourism by bringing in modern cruises and technology.
w. Religious Tourism:
Religious tourism has vast potential in the State in view of the presence of
historic temples and monuments which shall be developed in a big way in the State.
x. MICE Tourism:
The State houses major IT and ITES compan ies. The State shall promote
meeting incentive conference and events tourism, to cat er the need of multinational
companies and NGOs.
y. Knowledge Tourism:
The State has become the knowledge hub o f Eastern India. Many centres of
higher learnings, university, institutions of national and international repute have come
up in the State. Large number of students, intellectua ls visit the State for acquiring
knowledge. The State shall promote knowledge tourism an d facilitate activities of all
stakeholders.
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z. Barrier-free Tourism:
The State Government shall assiduously promo te barrier-free tourism
especially for differently-abled tourist. Incentives shal l be provided to entrepreneurs /
people for making innovation and setting innovative pr ojects for barrier free tourism in
the tourism sector.
6. DEFINITIONS:
6.1. Tourism Unit:
Tourism Unit means a legal entity under the relevant law, engaged or to be
engaged in providing any service related to travel and t ourism. Following units will be
considered as Tourism Units:
a) Star Category Hotels
b) Heritage Hotels
c) Apartment Hotels
d) Motels
e) Convention Centres
f) Resorts
g) Tented Accommodation
h) Tourism & Hospitality Training Institutes
i) Amusement parks / Water Parks / Theme Parks
j) Adventure Sports
k) Wayside Amenities
6.2. Effective date:
Effective date means the date that starts after the gazette notification of Odisha
Tourism Policy, 2016. The operative period of the policy starts after the effective date.
6.3. New Tourism Unit:
A ‘New Tourism Unit’ means a Tourism Unit which is set up and which
commences commercial operation during the operative period of this Policy.
6.4. Existing Tourism Unit Undergoing Expansion:
Existing Tourism Unit taking up expansion of more than fifty per cent of its
existing capacities (e.g. Rooms / Riders / Tents, etc.) afte r the effective date. Only one
expansion project of an existing tourism unit will be e ligible for incentive during the
operative period of the Policy.
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6.5. Commercial Operations:
Date of Commercial Operations of a Touri sm Unit is the date on which the
Tourism Unit opens to tourists on a commercial basis, after due testing, trial running
and commissioning under relevant Government rules. A comm ittee consisting of
District Tourist Officer, an Officer from Department of Tourism to be nominated by the
Government and representative of principal financing B ank of the project shall certify
the date of start of commercial operation.
6.6. Eligible Tourism Unit:
New Tourism Unit and Existing Tourism Unit Und ergoing Expansion during the
operative period of the Policy would be considered as E ligible Tourism Units as
defined in Para. 6.3 and 6.4.
6.7 . Apartment Hotel:
Apartment Hotel unit should have facilities a s per the prevailing Guidelines for
Apartment Hotels laid down by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Such
Apartment Hotels should obtain necessary category certif ication from the competent
authority.
6.8. Tented Accommodation:
Tented Accommodation unit should have facilit ies as per the prevailing
guidelines for Tented Accommodation as laid down by th e Ministry of Tourism,
Government of India. Such Tented Accommodation should ob tain necessary category
certification from the Competent Authority.
6.9. Tourism & Hospitality Training Institute / Uni versity:
The institute / university must be offering to urism / hospitality courses that are
recognized / certified by regulatory authorities.
6.10. Mega Tourism Unit:
New projects capable of creating new employm ent of more than 150 persons
with investment of Rs.75 crores and above (excluding the cost of land) will be
construed as Mega Tourism Units. Units which are set up and which commence
commercial operations during the operative period of this Policy will only be eligible
under this category. The proposals of Mega Tourism Units would require due approval
of the Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC).
Hotels and Resorts, Multiplexes and Malls shall be excluded from the definition
of Mega Tourism Unit.
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6.11. Theme Park:
Theme Park should be based on a single or se ries of themes having a plot
measuring atleast 10,000 sq.m. (about 2.5 acres). It may have amusement rides,
water slides, accommodation (at least ten lettable room s), restaurant, theatre,
shopping area, activity area and theme areas. It is, howe ver, not mandatory to have
all these features.
6.12. Hotel:
Hotel projects should have facilities of 1 t o 5 star categories hotel as per the
prevailing guidelines of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India. Such hotels should
obtain category Certificate from the Competent Autho rities. These units should have
a minimum of 20 let table rooms with attached bathro oms. The hotels should have
adequate provision of toilets for visitors. Size of the ro oms and bathrooms, AC
facilities should be as per the norms prescribed by the De partment of Tourism, Govt.
of India for such hotels.
6.13. Resort:
The Resort project should have a minimum of 20 lettable rooms with attached
bathrooms. Unless it is a hill station or a beach or a lo cation, which, in the opinion of
the Department of Tourism, does not require air cond itioning, at least 35% of the
rooms should be air conditioned. The bathroom carpet ar ea should measure at least
3.5 sq.mt. It should have restaurant / dining hall wit h a seating area of minimum 40
sq.mt. (excluding kitchen and storage). It should have a te lephone with STD facility.
The plot on which resort is located should admeasure at least 10,000 sq.mt. It should
have, on its plot, a minimum open space (unbuilt are a) of 6,000 sq.mt. It should have
at least 4 of the following facilities:—
• Indoor games (e.g. Table – Tennis, Squash, Billiards, Bowling Alley, etc.). with
a minimum built up area of 25 sq.mt.
• Conference room (Minimum Carpet area of 30 sq.mt.)
• Swimming pool
• Tennis or badminton court or golf or other outdoor games area.
• A health club (minimum built-up area of 20 sq.mt.)
• A lounge (admeasuring at least 35 sq.mt.)
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6.14. Health Farm:
The Health Farm should be located in an area, which is free from pollution and
noise, and have a generally salubrious and health-pr omoting environment. There
should be at least 20 lettable rooms with attached bath rooms. It should have at least
six of the following facilities:—
• Health Club
• Gymnasium
• Yoga/Meditation Area
• Outdoor Exercise Areas
• Indoor Games
• Outdoor Games
• Swimming Pool
• Classroom
• Jogging Tracks
• Horse Riding facility
It should include a farm to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, and grains
(admeasuring at least 500 sq.mt.). It should be located on a plot admeasuring at least
5,000 sq.mt. It should have medical, paramedical person nel, alternative system of
medicine specialist, diet specialist, and such other full time staff of at least two
persons.
6.15. Motels and Wayside Amenities:
The Motel Project should be located on a National Highway, State Highway
or Main District Road (MDR). It should have at least 4 lettable rooms and all the
lettable rooms should have attached bathrooms. The plo t on which the motel is
located should admeasure a minimum of 1,500 sq.mt. I t should have
restaurant/dining hall with sitting area of minimum 3 0 sq.mt. (excluding kitchen &
storage). The double rooms and single rooms should have m inimum carpet areas of
12 sq.mt and 10 sq.mt respectively. The bathroom carpet area should admeasure at
least 3 sqmt. It should have public toilet and first aid centre. It should have car
parking area @ 5 sq.mt per room. The rooms should hav e adequate furniture,
fixtures and linen. The ownership/lease of land and land use should be in order.
Wayside amenities will be a common facili ty centre on the National
Highways, State Highways, and Major District Roads. They s hould ideally have (a)
Food Plaza; (b) Public Convenience; (c) ATM/Banking; (d ) Emergency/Medical
Facilities; (e) Communication Centre; (f) Petrol Filli ng Station and Auto Services. For
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wayside amenities to be eligible for these incentives, they must have (a), (b), (d) and
(e) among the facilities mentioned above.
6.16. Water Sports:
Water sports projects should be set up at a b each or lakeside or riverside
along with a pontoon/jetty. It should offer at least two water sports. Parasailing,
water-scooters, hovercraft and water-skiing are examples of such facilities. In
addition to investment in boats and outboard motors, it should make an investment of
at least Rs.20 lakh in water sports equipments. It should have adequate changing
rooms, showers, lockers and separate toilet blocks for ladie s and gents. It should
have a restaurant. It should have trained staff for i mplementation of safety norms
prescribed by the Government.
6.17. Houseboat:
House boat should be set up at backwater, l akeside, reservoir, riverside
location identified by Department of Tourism. It shoul d offer at least one room facility,
with on board restaurant in motorized boat, satisfyin g the safety norm prescribed by
appropriate authorities. Houseboat project includes pro vision of jetty/ pontoon,
parking, and off-shore infrastructure. It should have trained staff for implementation of
safety norms prescribed by the Government of Odisha.
6.18. Art & Craft Village:
The Art and Craft village project must be o n a minimum one acre compact
land with facilities like space to work for at least 10 artisans, an exhibition area of not
less than 1000 sq.ft, to display different crafts, a mu ltipurpose hall for folk shows,
performing arts and film screening etc. A restaurant and toilet blocks should also be
provided.
6.19. Golf Course:
A Golf Course Project should have a mini mum of 9 holes. The land area
should not be less than 10 Hectares. The design and drain age should be so worked
out that there is no water logging. There should be a reliable system for adequate
water supply. It should have a satisfactory club house. It should allow easy access to
tourists, who are not its members; to play golf and use other facilities and the charges
in this regard should be transparent and consistent. Ad equate parking for at least 50
vehicles and clean public toilet facility must be available.
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6.20. Camping and Tent Facilities:
Camping and tent facilities should have clear ground admeasuring at least
1,000sqmt. It should have tented accommodation capaci ty for at least 20 persons.
There should be a minimum of 10 tents. The gross carpet area of tents should
admeasure at least 200 sq.mt. All the tents should have a ttached toilets. The tents
should be put on a platform raised to a minimum of 2. 5 feet above the ground. The
tent site should have adequate security. The site shoul d have eco-friendly structures
admeasuring at least 200 sq.mt. for such purposes as food, recreation, relaxation
and lockers. It should have adequate electricity, water s upply, sewerage disposal
drainage and toilet facility. Space for own tents of tourists should also be available.
6.21. Amusement / Theme Park:
An Amusement Park should have at least 8 amu sement rides. There should
be a minimum investment of Rs.50 lakh in amusement rides/aids. This pertains to the
cost of equipment alone. It should have a minimum area of 20,000 sq.mt.
6.22. Aquarium:
An aquarium should have minimum 1,000 cubic meter water holding capacity
and should have at least 10 exhibits. It should be op en to public. It should have
trained supervisors for operation and maintenance of t he livestock. It should have
restaurants, adequate parking, and separate toilet blocks for ladies and gents etc.
6.23. Water Park:
A Water Park project should have minimum 5 a cre compact land and minimum
of five water sites. It should have the capacity to handle at least 100 slides
simultaneously. It should have trained supervisors for imp lementation of safety
norms. It should have restaurants and adequate changing rooms, lockers, showers
and separate toilet blocks for ladies and gents among other.
6.24. Ropeway:
The Ropeway should be mechanized and moto r driven. The horizontal length
may be 500 meters or more (but can be slightly less if t he location demands so). It
should be comfortable for the passengers and noise shou ld be within permissible
limits. It should have capacity to carry minimum 200 passengers per hour. The cabins
should leave at brief intervals so that transportation i s continuous and waiting time is
minimum. It should have thyristor control of main drive motor or comparable device to
ensure smooth acceleration and deceleration. It should have an emergency brake in
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addition to the normal brakes. The cabins should be stu rdy and aesthetic. It should
have full capacity generator set to drive the ropewa y in case of power failure. The
facilities should be created in compliance with the applicable security norms.
6.25. Heritage Hotel:
A Heritage hotel should be a palace, a h aveli, a darbar-grih of any building,
built in a traditional style, prior to 1950. The faça de, architectural features and
general construction should have the distinctive qualities, ambience, and décor
consistent with a traditional lifestyle. It should have m inimum 10 lettable rooms. The
facilities and the features along with the services should be as per the guidelines of
the Department of Tourism, Government of India as applicable from time to time.
6.26. Convention Centre:
A Convention Centre should be located on a plot admeasuring at least 5,000
sqmt. It should have capacity to seat at least 750 pers ons in the central column less
hall. The capacity should be so organized (partition-able) that it is possible for at least
5 separate conference events to run simultaneously.. At least 75% of the convention
centre's capacity should be air-conditioned. The Conventi on Centre should have
sufficient parking facility (minimum 2 sq.mt per person). All conference/convention
areas should be equipped with state-of-the-art conventi on facilities including modern
public address system, slide projection, video screening an d such other facilities. It
should possess its own equipments. It should have adequate arrangement for
secretariat support with Fax, e-mail and photocopying f acilities and first aid centre. It
should have a restaurant, cafeteria with adequately cov ered ,comfortable area to
cater to at least 500 persons simultaneously. The area exc luding kitchen, should
admeasure at least 500 sqmt. The quantum of such facilit ies should be consistent
with the size of the complex.
6.27. Caravan Tourism:
Caravan Tourism may be motorized/vehicle-based. It should have capacity to
handle simultaneously at least 30 participants, if it is o perated with the aid of
motorized vehicles. It should operate for at least t hree months in a year. It should
have operated for at least three months before seeking the approval of the DoT.
6.28. Adventure Tourism Projects:
Adventure tourism projects should have require d equipments and trained staff
to maintain and run the activity. All required permissi ons from various authorities
must be obtained. Minimum facilities like restaurant (wh erever required), drinking
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water supply, staying arrangements (wherever required) , toilet etc. should be
provided.
6.29. Medical Tourism:
Medical Tourism is a form of tourism, wher ein medical institutions / hospitals
shall be allowed concession under this policy to attract for eign tourists who may visit
for treatment and avail post treatment tours to different tourist places.
6.30. Other Projects:
Other projects not falling into any of the above categories will be considered as
tourism project subject to their approval by the Tourism Advisory committee.
7. INTERVENTIONS:
7.1. New investment:
The Tourism Policy envisages the development of tourism infrastructure
through collaboration between the government and th e private sector. The Tourism
Policy 2016 encourages private investment and provides attractive incentives for new
investment in tourism sector. The implementation of vario us provisions covering
incentives, concessions etc. will be based on the detailed operational guidelines /
statutory notifications by the Department of Tourism (DoT).
7.2. Land Bank:
The State Government with the objective of establishment and promotion of
tourism has developed a robust land bank at key tourist locations throughout the
State. Various parcels of land suitable for development of tourism projects and
currently being held by General Administration (G.A.) , Revenue, Odisha Industrial
Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) & variou s other government
agencies has been earmarked & reserved for tourism purpose. The land so reserved
will be allotted for tourism project as per IPR, 2015 rate as applicable. The Land Bank
is meant to:
• optimize the latent potential of land available all across the State and use it
for development of tourism infrastructure.
• and facilitate investors to get land for tourism proje cts.
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Though the DoT has developed a Land Bank, the eff orts to identify more land shall
be a continuous process. DoT / District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) shall prima
facie identify lands / sites appropriate for tourism deve lopment through site visits, site
studies and assessment of tourism development potential in the area.
The identified land parcels shall be reserved in th e form of a Land Bank for
development of appropriate categories of tourism proje cts as identified by DoT. The
details of the Land Bank for tourism projects would be m ade available on the websites of
DoT and the concerned District Administration.
The role of DoT shall be of a facilitator and woul d be the first point for receiving
applications for development of Tourism Projects on the land identified through the Land
Bank. On receipt of applications from private entrep reneurs, DoT shall facilitate the
grounding of the tourism project. The disposal of the land / property shall be in accordance
with the decision of the appropriate Committee to be formulated by the Department of
Tourism.
7.2.1. Land Recommendation Committee:
A Committee (Land Recommendation Committee) shall be formed for allotment of
land parcels from the Land Bank. The Land Recommendati on Committee shall meet at
least once in every three months and shall comprise –
• Chief Secretary, Odisha - Chairman
• Secretary, Department of Tourism - Member-Convenor
• Principal Secretary, Department of
Revenue & Disaster Management - Member
• Special Secretary, G.A. Department - Member
• Concerned RDC - Member
• CMD/MD,IDCO - Member
• Collector of the concerned District - Member
• Director, Department of Tourism - Member
DoT shall act as the secretariat for the Land Recommendation Committee.
7.3. Human Resource Development / Capacity Building:
This policy aims to streamline and strengthen t he human resource development
activities which include; capacity building programs, sen sitization of stake holders in
tourism industry and making available trained manpower for hospitality sector. This will
involve –
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• Setting up of new Hotel Hospitality and Hotel Mana gement institutes/Universities
through private participation.
• Industrial Training Institutes/Polytechnics would be enc ouraged to introduce
tourism related courses for subordinate staff of hotels / resorts / motels / lodges,
caterers, guides, cab and tourist coach drivers to enhance skills.
• Institutions running management courses in the state wil l be encouraged to offer
Hospitality and Travel Management related courses. Insti tutions / NGOs carrying
out sensitization programs related to tourism would be encouraged.
• Short term courses relating to capacity building for hospitality industries in rural
area with support of State Institute of Rural Development.
7.4. Safety & Security:
The DoT has established seven special Tourist Police Sta tions in the State in major
tourist destination. Department of Tourism (DoT) envisa ges ensuring safe tourism through
setting up of more Police Stations, provision of dedicat ed police personnel at major tourist
destinations, life-guards at beaches in coordination w ith local NGOs and SHGs. It shall be
the endeavor of the Government to pre-empt and preve nt abuse/ exploitation of women
and children in and around tourist destinations. For e nsuring the safety and security of
tourists visiting the tourism destinations across Odisha, the Tourism Policy, 2016 provides
for the following measures.
DoT shall take steps to employ personnel, preferably ex -servicemen, for provision
of security to tourists in specific tourism destinations. Do T shall also provide appropriate
training to the selected personnel for providing better services to tourists.
DoT shall organize training and sensitization program s for policemen posted at key
tourism destinations in association with the Department of Home for ensuring that
policemen empathize with genuine complaints and grieva nces of tourists. In order to
prevent exploitation of women and minors in any form, DoT, in conjunction with the local
police administration, shall take proactive steps to prevent such abuses.
7.5. Clean Tourism Sites Campaign.
As a part of Clean India Campaign, the Tourism Depart ment shall endeavor to
launch special drive for making the tourist destination cl ean. The Tourism Department
shall set up a beach cleaning authority comprising prominent persons having experience in
the field. The Tourism Department shall involve diffe rent tourism stakeholder to take
forward this initiatives. Special sensitization progra mme including awareness programme
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through electronic media shall be launched for this pur pose. The Department of Tourism
has started mechanized cleaning in Puri Sea Beach. Sim ilar cleaning operations shall be
made in all the Sea Beaches like Gopalpur, Talsari, C handrabhaga, Ramachandi,
Chandipur & other important tourism sites. The beaches in the State of Odisha are famous
for their beauty and efforts shall be made to keep them clean and beautiful for the tourist.
7.6. Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC)
• The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation shall be m odernised and
strengthened to make it a more effective tool for promotion of tourism.
• To develop and promote Odisha as one of the premier destination of the
country and to adopt such methods and devices necessary to attract tourists in
large numbers.
• To provide / operate quality tourism infrastructure on its own or through
appropriate PPP structures.
• To act as facilitator for development of tourism in the State.
• Continue with the existing properties with improved fa cilities, services and value
addition.
• Promoting star category hotels and other facility as gre en field project through
private participation.
• Marketing of lesser known tourist destination to bring i t to the lime light through
package tours and providing basic amenities.
• Providing a total travel solution to the tourists visiting the State.
• Selective privatization of the existing Units for profit optimization.
• Promoting Odisha as a favoured destination in general and OTDC hotels as
favoured host amongst the tourist through extensive mark eting, value addition,
quality infrastructure and improved services.
7.7. Tourism Units to avail incentives / subsidy:
A new Tourism Unit should be opened to all and shall not be confined to exclusive
use of members of any group or club or any such other restrictions.
A new tourism unit or an expansion of an existing touri sm unit will be eligible for
incentives provided they satisfy the following conditions:
• The new unit should obtain registration with the con cerned registering authority
to be detailed by the DoT.
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• The new project should have separately identifiable c apital investment and
should not be an extension of the existing project. The n ew project will not lose
its eligibility, if the utilities of existing units for water, electricity, steam, pollution
control, central facilities etc. are extended to the new projects. Expansion of
existing project will be eligible for incentives, Excerpt shown. Open the full act in Lexace.