The Odisha government is taking significant steps to boost its tourism industry by launching direct flights connecting Bhubaneswar to key international destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore. Under the “Viability Gap Funding” scheme, the government is providing grants to airlines to bridge the gap between operational costs and expected revenues, facilitating these new flight connections. This strategic move is expected to have a substantial impact on foreign tourist arrivals in the state, with the government aiming to double the numbers by 2025.
Sachin Jadhav, the Director of Tourism Odisha, expressed great optimism regarding this initiative. He outlined the ambitious target of increasing foreign tourist arrivals to 2.5 lakh by 2025, which is a significant jump from the pre-pandemic peak of 1.2 lakh observed in 2019. To support this objective, the Odisha government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 660 crore for the tourism sector in the current financial year.
The launch of direct flights to Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore is expected to be a game-changer for tourism in Odisha. By providing convenient and seamless travel options, the state is poised to attract a larger number of international tourists. Jadhav highlighted the proactive approach taken by the government in initiating these flights, with the Dubai route commencing on May 15 and the Bangkok and Singapore routes commencing on June 3.
The benefits of these new flight connections extend beyond tourism, as they also have the potential to strengthen trade links. By facilitating easier access to global markets, the flights will create new opportunities for business and economic growth in Odisha.
Jadhav predicts an average annual increase of 10-15 percent in tourist arrivals, with a compound average annual growth rate of 25 percent by 2025. These figures demonstrate the significant potential for tourism expansion in Odisha. Additionally, Jadhav believes that the Odia diaspora will play a crucial role in promoting Odisha as a premier tourism destination. Their connections and familiarity with the state can serve as powerful ambassadors, further driving tourism growth.
In December 2022, the Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, approved Indigo Airlines’ bid to operate flights from Bhubaneswar to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok. This decision has laid the foundation for increased connectivity and accessibility to Odisha, making it easier for travelers from around the world to explore the state’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant tourism offerings.
In conclusion, with the launch of direct flights to Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore under the “Viability Gap Funding” scheme, the Odisha government aims to double foreign tourist arrivals by 2025. This strategic move is expected to not only boost tourism but also enhance trade links, promoting economic growth in the state. With a proactive approach, dedicated budget allocation, and the support of the Odia diaspora, Odisha is positioning itself as an emerging tourism destination with immense potential for growth and development.
