Odisha shines at ITB Berlin

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Tourism has added yet another feather in its cap by bagging the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) International Award under the category ‘Best Heritage State in India’ for 2012.The award was received at the prestigious ITB Berlin by Tourism Director H S Upadhyay and president of Tour Operator Association Simon Benjamin on Thursday. ITB Berlin is the world’s biggest travel fair, attended by tourism exhibitors from 180 countries.The PATWA award is given in recognition of governments’, individuals’ and private organisations’ involvement in promotion of tourism from various sectors such as aviation, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators and government agencies.The PATWA is the world’s biggest ‘Travel Writers’ organisation, represented by members from 70 countries across the world.