Sudam babu state bureau odisha

Hit and hot news

Boudh, Odisha | September 27, 2026

World Tourism Day was observed with enthusiasm and community participation in Odisha’s Boudh district on Sunday, with a series of activities aimed at highlighting the region’s tourism potential and encouraging young people to take an interest in local heritage, culture and natural attractions.

The programme was organised by the District Tourism Department as part of efforts to create greater awareness about Boudh as a tourism destination. A major attraction of the celebration was a 5-kilometre marathon, in which more than 100 young men and women took part and carried a message of tourism awareness and development across the district.

The event brought together senior district officials, students, sports enthusiasts, media representatives and local residents. The participation of young people was particularly significant as the organisers sought to connect the younger generation with the cultural and environmental assets of Boudh.

Collector Bibhuti Bhushan Nayak Attends Programme

Boudh Collector Bibhuti Bhushan Nayak attended the World Tourism Day programme as the chief guest. Several other officials and representatives were also present during the event.

Among the distinguished guests were Jugal Kishore Samal, representative of the Kandhamal Member of Parliament, Additional District Magistrate Aniruddha Pradhan, Tahasildar Anita Kumari Sahu and District Sports Officer Jyotiranjan Bhue.

Their presence underlined the importance being given to tourism-related activities and public awareness initiatives in the district. The programme also provided an opportunity for officials to discuss the possibilities of strengthening tourism promotion through greater public participation.

5-Km Marathon Highlights Celebration

The 5-kilometre marathon was one of the central attractions of the World Tourism Day observance. The race began at the local stadium and concluded at Marjakud.

More than 100 participants, including young men and women, joined the event with enthusiasm. Apart from promoting physical fitness and youth participation, the marathon was used as a platform to spread awareness about Boudh’s tourism opportunities.

The participants carried forward the broader message that tourism development is not limited to government departments alone. Local communities, students, young people and visitors can all play an important role in showcasing the district’s attractions and preserving its cultural identity.

At the conclusion of the marathon, the top 10 performers were felicitated for their performance. Each of the selected participants received a cash prize of Rs 500.

The recognition added an element of encouragement to the sporting event and motivated participants to take part actively in future programmes organised to promote tourism and public awareness.

Focus on Boudh’s Tourism Potential

During the programme, the guests spoke about the importance of World Tourism Day and the opportunities available for tourism development in Boudh district.

Boudh is known for its combination of natural landscapes, historical locations, religious sites and cultural traditions. The district’s forests, hills and rivers contribute to its scenic character, while its temples and heritage sites provide opportunities for cultural and religious tourism.

The speakers emphasised that these attractions could play an important role in strengthening the local tourism economy if promoted effectively.

Tourism can also generate opportunities for local communities by supporting transport services, accommodation, food businesses, handicrafts, local markets and other visitor-oriented activities. Greater awareness among residents and young people can therefore contribute to the long-term development of the sector.

The programme highlighted the need to present Boudh’s attractions in a manner that encourages visitors while also maintaining the cultural and environmental character of the region.

Students Take Part in Tourism Quiz

The World Tourism Day celebrations were not limited to the marathon. The District Education Department also organised a tourism-themed quiz competition at the local J.D. High School.

Students selected from different blocks of Boudh district participated in the competition. The initiative was designed to increase students’ knowledge of local tourism destinations, historical heritage, cultural practices and other aspects of the district.

Such activities can help introduce young people to the history and identity of their own region. By learning about local attractions at an early stage, students can become more aware of the importance of protecting cultural and natural heritage.

The quiz also provided an educational dimension to the celebrations, linking tourism awareness with school-level learning and participation.

Youth Participation Given Importance

The involvement of more than 100 young participants in the marathon reflected the emphasis placed on youth engagement during the celebration.

Young people can play an important role in tourism promotion through awareness campaigns, cultural activities, responsible travel initiatives and digital platforms. Their involvement can also help create greater interest in lesser-known destinations within the district.

The combination of sports and educational activities allowed the World Tourism Day programme to reach different sections of society. While the marathon encouraged physical participation, the quiz competition focused on knowledge and awareness.

Together, these activities conveyed the message that tourism development can involve education, culture, sports, community participation and environmental awareness.

Programme Conducted by Information and Public Relations Officer

The programme was conducted by District Information and Public Relations Officer Bidyapati Panda. The overall World Tourism Day celebration was organised under the leadership of District Tourism Officer Prabhakar Kahar.

District-level officials, media representatives and tourism enthusiasts attended the programme in large numbers. Their participation contributed to the overall public engagement surrounding the event.

The presence of representatives from different departments also reflected the multi-sectoral nature of tourism development. Tourism is closely connected with education, sports, transport, culture, heritage conservation and local economic activity.

Tourism Awareness and Future Prospects

The World Tourism Day programme in Boudh served as an opportunity to draw attention to the district’s tourism resources and the need for wider awareness about them.

The celebration also highlighted the importance of involving local residents in tourism-related initiatives. Visitors are more likely to explore destinations when information about their history, accessibility, cultural significance and attractions is readily available.

At the same time, sustainable tourism requires responsible management of natural and heritage resources. Boudh’s forests, rivers, hills and historic sites represent valuable assets that can support tourism while requiring appropriate protection and conservation.

The participation of students and young people in the day’s activities provided an important platform for building awareness about these responsibilities.

A Community-Focused Celebration

The World Tourism Day celebration in Boudh combined sports, education, public participation and tourism awareness in a single programme. The 5-kilometre marathon brought young people onto the streets with a message promoting tourism, while the quiz competition encouraged students to learn more about their district’s heritage.

The felicitation of the marathon’s top 10 performers added encouragement for participants, while the presence of district officials and representatives from different sectors strengthened the programme’s institutional support.

The event ultimately placed Boudh’s tourism potential in the spotlight and encouraged the younger generation to become more familiar with the district’s natural beauty, historical places, temples and cultural traditions.

As awareness about these attractions grows, such community-oriented programmes can help create greater public interest in tourism and contribute to discussions about the future development and promotion of Boudh as a destination in Odisha.