Nuapada Eyes Tourism Hub Status; Collector Calls for Collective Efforts to Unlock District’s Tourism Potential

Nuapada, Aug 20: With its rich natural beauty, forests, waterfalls, reservoirs, heritage sites and vibrant cultural diversity, Nuapada district is looking to emerge as a prominent tourism hub in Odisha. In this regard, a key meeting with hotel owners and travel agency representatives was held at the district headquarters conference hall under the chairmanship of Collector Madhusudan Dash. Welcoming the participants, the Collector highlighted the immense tourism potential of Nuapada and stressed the need to showcase the district’s attractions in a systematic and professional manner. He called for coordinated efforts to develop tourism as a major economic sector, with the potential to generate employment and strengthen the local economy. The meeting focused on promoting major tourist destinations including Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, the picturesque Patora Reservoir, Godhas and Beniadhus waterfalls, and the historic Pataleshwar Temple at Budhikomna. The administration also proposed developing a dedicated district tourism website where visitors can access information about tourist destinations, accommodation, transportation and other essential facilities at a single platform. Investment and private-sector participation in tourism development also figured prominently in the discussions. Participants were briefed about the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy, 2026 and the Capital Investment Subsidy available for eligible tourism units. Potential investors interested in setting up new tourism projects can apply through the government’s Go-SWIFT portal and avail themselves of the incentives available under the policy. The Collector also emphasised linking the skills and creativity of local artisans with tourism. By promoting locally made handicrafts and products among tourists, the initiative aims to create additional livelihood opportunities for artisans and give a boost to the local economy. The potential for developing agri-tourism in the district was also discussed. Sustainable tourism and environmental protection were given equal importance. The Collector urged hotel owners to support the creation of a single-use plastic-free environment and play an active role in maintaining cleanliness and the aesthetic appeal of tourist destinations. The meeting also discussed the formation of a coordinated organisation of hotel owners to strengthen cooperation within the tourism sector. The meeting was attended by Additional Collector Subash Chandra Rait, Sub-Collector Surmi Soren, Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife) Samir Sahu, Divisional Forest Officer (Territorial) Aziz Khan, Additional Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad Kshamanidhi Bhoi, District Tourism Officer Roshan Jena, Deputy Collector Sheikh Nasim, along with officials from various departments, hotel owners and representatives of travel agencies. The initiative is expected to provide a structured push to Nuapada’s tourism sector by combining destination promotion, investment, local entrepreneurship, better visitor facilities and environmental sustainability.