EKTTA holds successful AGM and ‘Connect’ event in Bhubaneswar; launches official website

The Enterprising Knot of Travel and Tourism Associates (EKTTA), Odisha’s premier travel trade society, successfully conducted its Annual General Body Meeting as part of its flagship event ‘Connect 2024’. The event was hosted at Hotel Swosti Premium, Bhubaneswar, and saw a strong turnout of EKTTA members and distinguished guests, reflecting the society’s growing influence in the region’s travel and tourism industry.

The meeting was presided over by the office bearers and Executive Committee (EC) members, including Debasis Mishra, President, Chandi Prasad Pattnaik, General Secretary, Ashiwini Kumar Mohapatra, Vice President, Debakant Nayak, Treasurer, Santosh Kumar Panda, Joint Secretary and EC Members Dipti Prakash Das, Amar Kumar Sahu, and Paremashwar Panda.

In his welcome address, Debasis Mishra, President lauded the resilience of EKTTA members, who had successfully revived their businesses in the last financial year despite the severe challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic over the previous three years. He acknowledged the collective efforts that led to this resurgence and commended the members for their commitment to the industry’s recovery.

Chandi Prasad Pattnaik, General Secretary, presented the annual report, highlighting the initiatives undertaken by EKTTA in its pursuit of excellence. He emphasised the need to foster an ecosystem that positions Odisha as a prominent tourist destination and a key source market. Pattnaik stressed that balanced growth in both inbound and outbound tourism is essential for the region’s long-term success.

Treasurer Debakant Nayak presented the financial report, which detailed the society’s robust financial health. Following this, Debasis Mishra, President proposed a resolution to standardise a brand template for EKTTA, which members can utilise in their marketing efforts both nationally and globally. This resolution, aimed at establishing a credibility signature for EKTTA members, was unanimously approved by voice vote.

One of the event’s highlights was the official launch of EKTTA’s website, www.ektta.in, marking a significant step towards enhancing the society’s digital presence and outreach.

The meeting featured inspiring speeches from key industry leaders. JK Mohanty, CMD, Swosti Group, praised EKTTA members for their unity and resilience, encouraging them to continue supporting each other to maintain their strong market position. Bipasha Mohanty, Executive Director, Swosti Travels, expressed her appreciation for the society’s activities and officially welcomed new members by presenting them with EKTTA badges.

Guest speakers included Sushant Bhandari, Country Head-India, Dubai Tourism, and Sidhartha Bose, Director General of Durgapur Airport. Bhandari discussed the growing potential of Odisha as a key source market for Dubai Tourism, while Shri Bose announced the upcoming daily direct flight connection between Bhubaneswar and Durgapur, starting August 30, 2024, which is expected to boost cross-traffic for tourism, business, and education between the two cities.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Santosh Panda, Joint Secretary, followed by a business networking session. This session provided a platform for prominent local, national, and global tourism exhibitors, including Red Apple Travel, Travel Mudra, Jagsons Travels, Bhitarkanika Eco Resorts, Odisha Vacations, and Tata AIG Insurance, to showcase their offerings and engage with the participants.