Puri: In a bid to revive the tourism sector amid the Covid-19 shadow, the State Tourism Department has decided to organise the second ‘Eco Retreat Festival’ near Kushabhadra Mouth at Ramachandi beach here in the district, starting from December 1.
According to sources, the State Tourism Department Director Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav and Puri Collector Balwant Singh have reviewed the preparations for the three-month long festival.
During this fest, the tourists will be provided accommodation in around 50 luxury tent cottages and associated facilities such as restaurant and sports activities besides cultural events. However, according to the guidelines issued by the Central Government and the State Government, tourists from outside the State will not be allowed to take part in the event this year due to the Covid-19 norms in place.
Like the Konark Eco Retreat Festival organised last time, the event this time also promises to be a unique experience of glamorous camping in luxury cottages, delectable cuisine, spa, adventure and water sports activities, nature trails and wholesome day itineraries and cultural evenings.
“We are bringing more value addition to the Eco Retreat Festival at Ramachandi this time. We need cooperation from one and all to make the event a grand success. I am quite sure that the event will certainly help to revive our livelihood and economy, which has been hit hard by Covid-19,” stated Singh.
Organised for the first time in the State, the event at Konark was highly successful last year with record occupancy and it evolved as a distinct tourism brand. The cottage occupancy was around 89 per cent with over 4,000 tourists spending times in camps besides on an average 5,000 visitors a day enjoying the cultural evenings organised during the two-month period.
(Edited by Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)