Impact of Destination Marketing on Odisha Tourism

Tourism is the second biggest industry in service sector after software in India. ‘India’ which is promoted with the theme of “Incredible India” campaign by the Tourism ministry had been incredible since ages which has attracted travellers like Hiuen Tsnag from China in 07th century and the destination has been the major portion of the “Tsang Records of the West”. Prior to him the famous Buddhist monk Fa Hien travelled to India by foot from china in early part of 05th century. Marco polo and Nicolo Conti from Italy, Ibn-e-Battuta from Morocco, Meghasthenes and Ptolemy from Greece and the list is endless. The heterogeneity in language, culture, beliefs and the widespread geographical landscape with 7517 km of coastline makes it a natural destination for any traveller across the Globe. The macro scape of the country also reflects in almost each and every state of the country so do Odisha. Known as ‘Kalinga’ in the ancient times this state has a heritage of maritime trade which dates back to 350 B.C. So high was the trade activities that even in the 06th Century script “Manjushrimulakalpa” mentions the Bay of Bengal as Kalingodra or Kalinga Sagar. With trade links with the entire south East Asia this land also attracted many travellers since ancient times.