Odisha Tourism's flagship - Eco Retreat second edition started in the state on Wednesday. The three-month-long glamping festival has kick-started in major tourist destinations in Konark, Bhitarkanika, Daringibadi, Hirakud and Satkosia this year.
The festival that will continue till February 28, will be offering accommodation facilities and services in luxury tented cottages to all tourists.
The first eco-retreat was held in Konark, last year.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated all the Eco Retreats simultaneously at all the 5 locations through virtual mode.
"The success of the Eco Retreat model is evident from the enthusiastic response received by each of the Eco Retreats, across diverse locales - Bhitarkanika, Daringbadi, Hirakud, Konark and Satkosia. Eco Retreats 2020 will go a long way in encouraging tourists from across India to explore these beautiful destinations set deep in the hinterlands of Odisha," said the Chief Minister.
Union Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, who attended the inauguration through virtual mode, said that the Eco Retreat at Konark and Rann of Kutch in Gujarat are two glamping events in India which have attracted the attention in the country and outside and appreciated the state government on organising this event amid the pandemic situation.
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Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in his message, highlighted the tourism potentials of the state and hoped that such a glamping event will unlock the tourism potentials of the state.
This year, a total of 145 cottages of different categories have been put up in five locations. The additional features in the current year at Ramchandi are sea surfing session, parasailing, e-scooter, open-air restaurant, beach shack etc.