Bhubaneswar, Mar 26: Provision of five eco-retreat around the scenic places of the state has been planned to compensate the loss of the department incurred due to the Covid 19 pandemic, said Tourism Minister Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi.

Replying to a question of BJD MLA Chakramani Kanhar, Minister Panigrahi said that Covid-19 pandemic affected tourism industry in Odihsa. The process of lockdown and shutdown throughout the nation totally barred visitors and foreign tourists to turn up, that incurred a huge loss of revenue during 2020-21.

However, the state tourism department has all set to compensate the loss in the coming days. On the other hand, development of the tourist spots is in the underway that was put on hold during the pandemic.

In order to cater to the need of overseas tourists, well equipped Eco-Retreat Centres have been developed at Konark,Hirakud, Daringbadi, Satakosia and Bhitarakanika. These tourist hubs are designed to promote eco-tourism culture of Odisha worldwide.

Odisha Tourism Development Corporation is proactively working to launch Homestay /paying guest mechanism in the villages near the scenic sites, said Panigrahi.