Odisha Tourism organises Orientation Programme for Auto Drivers in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Oct 30: Odisha tourism organised  one day Orientation Programme  for the first batch of more than 220 auto  drivers  at the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) with a view to  orient  them to  become  “tourist friendly”  and “Ambassador of Odisha Tourism”. The orientation  programme included  lessons on “Atithi Debo Bhava”,  important  tourist spots and rich heritage  of Odisha, basic etiquette  and mannerism,    maintaining basic  hygiene   and also  help the tourists in appreciation of  Odisha handloom and handicrafts.

Shri Ashok Chandra Panda, Minister, Tourism & Culture  while  inaugurating  the Orientation Programme stated that  the role  of auto / taxi drivers  in promotion of Odisha tourism, culture  and heritage is very important  as they are the “first  point of contact  and interaction”  with both domestic  as well as  foreign tourists. He added that  it is the behavioural  aspects  like manners, etiquettes, hygiene of drivers  which will  help in  leaving  a lasting  imprint  in the minds of  tourists visiting  the State.  He also stated that it is our primary responsibility to ensure that the tourist visiting the state derive maximum value from the tour and return with satisfaction and happiness.

Principal Secretary, Tourism, Shri L.N. Gupta in his presidential address emphasized the need for training of human resources at the ground level like   auto / taxi drivers, tour guides, tour operators, travel agents, hawkers  etc.  and described them  as “ground ambassadors”  of Odisha  tourism.  He stated that  the similar orientation programes   will be held at regular interval  to cover around  15000 taxi/ auto drivers  of  Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark, Sambalpur, Balasore, Gopalpur and other towns in a phased manner. He also made a presentation on various popular tourist sites of the State.

Among others, Shri P.S.Ranpise, Addl. Commissioner of Police highlighted the significance of the Pink Auto Drivers’ scheme as an effective tool for empowerment   of youth and their role in promoting Odisha Tourism and rich cultural heritage.

Shri Anil Kumar Samal, Director & Addl. Secretary, Tourism  explained  the objectives  behind the orientation programme  and stated that  such programmes will be  taken up  in a “mission mode”  throughout the State to cover the major tourist attractions.  Dr. S.K. Lenka, Director, IITTM who was coordinating the programme stated that they would like to offer the services of IITTM on full time basis for the cause of promoting Odisha tourism.