Odisha plans to develop 15 new tourism destinations and attract investment beyond established tourist centres, even as it works to improve air connectivity and build a skilled workforce for the sector. At Odisha Travel Bazaar, chief secretary Anu Garg tells TOI’s Diana Sahu about plans to promote the state’s Buddhist circuit, expand adventure and water sports, and develop new experiences for younger travellersWhat kind of investment and tourism opportunities do you hope the Travel Bazaar will generate for Odisha?Odisha aims to grow its economy from around $180 billion to $500 billion by 2036 and $1.5 trillion by 2047. To achieve this, we need sustained double-digit growth, and tourism will play an important role. We have also set a target of generating one crore jobs by 2047, with 25% of those expected to come from the tourism sector. A large number of tour operators and investors are participating in the bazaar. We expect them to see Odisha as a major tourism hub and explore opportunities to invest and operate here.How is Odisha seeking to move beyond the Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark circuit?We have identified 15 global-level tourism destinations for development. Besides the Puri-Konark-Bhubaneswar circuit, others include Kolab, the Buddhist circuit, Similipal and Hirakud. What is really encouraging is that the interest is no longer limited to the traditional destinations. We have received letters of intent from every district, including Boudh, Deogarh and Sonepur, where investors are coming forward to set up hotels and tourism properties.How will air connectivity to emerging destinations be strengthened?Connectivity will be the cornerstone of tourism growth. All clearances for Puri international airport are in place, and we hope the Airports Authority of India will begin work soon. We are expanding Jharsuguda airport, developing the SAIL airport in Rourkela as a commercial airport and extending the runway at Jeypore. The Amarda airstrip in Mayurbhanj is also on our radar.What tourism products are being developed to attract young travellers?We are focusing on experience-led products. We have tied up with Aero Club of India to introduce hot-air ballooning, while the Indian Mountaineering Federation is helping identify new trekking routes. We also want to expand water sports significantly. Alongside religious tourism, particularly around the Jagannath Temple, we want to offer adventure, nature and outdoor experiences.How will Odisha meet the demand for skilled tourism sector workers?At the Travel Bazaar today (Saturday), we received investment intents for 181 projects worth Rs 11,500 crore, with around 14,000 rooms planned. These projects will significantly expand the state’s hospitality capacity and, in turn, create a huge demand for skilled workers. We are preparing for this through the hospitality unit of the World Skill Centre. As water sports expand, we are also creating a trained cadre of lifeguards for beaches and water-sports sites through a specialised training centre. We are also working on a special tourist police force, for which govt clearance is expected soon.