Tourism Minister assures safety amid US travel fia

Bhubaneswar : In response to the recent US State Department advisory urging its
citizens to “exercise increased caution” while traveling to Indiaincluding parts of OdishaTourism Minister Pravati Parida on Monday sought to reassure visitors of the state’s safety and hospitality.”As the Tourism Minister, I have reviewed the data from the past three days regarding the arrival of US tourists in Odisha. The number is currently
negligible,” Parida stated. “While the advisory cites concerns over crime and terrorism in specific regions, I believe such statements may be influenced by India’s rapid pace of development, which could be perceived as a challenge by some countries,” she said. The minister emphasized that Odisha remains a safe destination for international travelers.”There is no alarming situation in Odisha or other Indian states. Tourists from the US are welcome here. However, their government sets guidelines which their citizens are expected to follow,” she said. Parida also expressed confidence in the state government’s efforts to maintain law and order. “The ‘Mohan’ government in Odisha is
functioning effectively and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India remains a safe and secure nation,” she added.The US State Department recently issued a Level 2 travel advisory for India, specifically highlighting concerns in southwestern Odisha and other regions, citing rising incidents of crime and terrorism. The advisory
urges American travelers to exercise increased caution while visiting the country. The advisory issued on June 16 further adds that the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in rural areas, which stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. The advisory also tells U.S. citizens not to travel to parts of Central and East India “due to terrorism.” “Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal,” the advisory said.

About Post Author