‘Hockey WC to boost Odisha tourism’

The 14th Men’s Hockey World Cup, to be held in the Odisha capital from November 28 to December 16 this year, would present an excellent opportunity to focus on the State’s tourism potential and market the same, former Indian Ambassador to Portugal and Laos, author and an expert on the game Dr Jitendra Nath Mishra said on Thursday.

“International hockey can spin off on tourism and has enormous potential,” Dr Mishra said while addressing the Orientation Programme for freshers at the School of Hotel Management at the SOA here.

Several thousand people from other countries will converge in Bhubaneswar for the hockey showpiece having 16 countries in the fray and they would need hotel rooms, excellent cuisine and relaxation avenues, he said, adding the State Government might have to step in to bolster infrastructure.

Dr Mishra, who has been appointed advisor by the Odisha Government on sports and tourism, said many of these tourists would be interested in the city, tourist places, food and fabrics.

The meeting, presided over by SOA VC Prof Amit Banerjee, was also addressed by Director, Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar SC Hota, Corporate Chef at the Mayfair Hotels and Resorts Nisar Ahmed and Accommodation Manager at the Fortune Park Sishmo, Bhubaneswar Prasanna Ray.