A host of steps are being taken to give a facelift to the tourism sector in Koraput district which is endowed with exotic sites to attract visitors.
"There are breathtaking sites in the district and these can make for a grand tourism package. We have chalked out several measures to put Koraput on the national tourism map," said district Collector Jaya Kumar V.
These efforts were aimed at attracting tourists to the district and ensuring sustainable income for the tribal community, he said.
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The administration recently held a meeting with various stakeholders, including hoteliers, tour operators, guides and officials concerned, to prepare a blueprint on ways to revamp the tourist spots in the district.
The collector said tourism spots in the district had been divided into four zones and the stakeholders were asked to prepare tour packages for their respective zones. "These will be uploaded in the tourism section of the district's official website," he said.
An amusement rides would be installed at Kolab reservoir and safe drinking water and rest sheds put up at all tourist spots. This apart, booklets would be published to make people aware of the tourist spots in the district. "To allow tourist a glimpse of tribal life, night stay will be arranged in a tribal village in each zone," the collector said.
Gupteswar Cave Temple, Duduma Waterfalls, Sabara Srikhetra, Deomali (the highest peak of Odisha) and Maliguda (a small hilltop village where India's highest broad gauge is located) are the main tourist attractions of the district.
According to official data, 1,169 foreign tourists visited Koraput in 2014-15. Duduma Waterfalls were the main attraction for 638 of them.
Meanwhile, Tourism Department Director Sajiv Gauns
Desai said tourists tend to take a break from adventure sports and beach holiday during monsoon and department's focus will be to now promote monsoon tourism.
"Summer time in Goa has always been a season of joy and fun with all the adventure and water sport activities available across the state. However, monsoon also has a special place in thecalendarfor touristslooking for relaxation," Desai said.
"Goa is at its best during the monsoonsforits greenery, picturesquelandscaping and more. It is that time when nature flourishes. Goa takes on a more traditional flavour," he said.
Desai said tourist arrivals during monsoon (June, July and August) last year recorded 22 per cent increase as against an 18 per cent rise in 2014, which indicates that Goa is as much as a favoured destination to visit during rainy season.
"The downpour have already started and soon we shall start various monsoon adventure activities carried out in the hinterland such as eco-trekking, adventure expeditions, white water rafting, which are greatly enjoyed and loved by the locals as well as tourists," Desai said.
Goa also has plethora of natural sights ranging from various waterfalls to springs that come alive along the hilly terrains, he added.
