The tourism sector in Odisha is facing a potential setback as concerns mount over the possible withdrawal of IndiGo's Dubai-Bhubaneswar flight service. Following an alert raised by the Odisha Samaj UAE to chief secretary Anu Garg, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) has taken decisive action by writing to chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday, seeking his urgent intervention on this critical issue.
Growing Tourism Industry at Risk
In their letter, the HRAO emphasized that the timing of this potential withdrawal is particularly unfortunate. Odisha's tourism industry is currently experiencing rapid growth, with the state government making concerted efforts to attract more inbound tourists. The association highlighted that losing connectivity to key international destinations like Dubai and Singapore could significantly hamper these initiatives.
Impact on Viksit Odisha Vision
The letter specifically noted that such a move would not align with the progressive vision of Viksit Odisha. The withdrawal of these flight routes could undermine the state's ambitions to become a more developed and globally connected destination. The HRAO stressed that maintaining robust international air connectivity is crucial for sustaining tourism momentum and economic development.
Industry Concerns and Government Appeal
The hospitality industry in Odisha views this potential flight withdrawal as a major concern that could affect hotel bookings, restaurant traffic, and overall tourism revenue. By appealing directly to Chief Minister Majhi, the HRAO hopes to prompt government action that might help retain or restore these vital flight connections, ensuring that Odisha's tourism growth remains on track.
