In a bid to boost tourism, Orissa government has invited private players to develop, operate, manage and transfer its existing properties in about 30 locations, official sources said today.

These properties would be leased out initially for 10 years which will be extended by two terms of 10 years each subject to fulfilment of the conditions laid by the Tourism Department, they said.

This investment and business opportunity is opened to both existing tourism players as well as new ones.

Earlier, the State Tourism was not able to operate these properties to its full potential due to infrastructure deficiency and shortage of manpower.

The private investor is required to upgrade, augment and operate these facilities, a senior official said adding that for each property, separate minimum development plan has been prescribed by the Tourism Department which the private investor is bound to fulfil within a time frame.

The private investor is also allowed to create additional facilities beyond the minimum development plan, subject to prior approval of the Tourism Department.

Selected private partner is required to pay a lump sum amount at the time of signing of the agreement and 10 per cent of the lump sum amount every year as annual fees.

The new initiative will provide better facilities to the tourists, create employment and boost investment in tourism sector, they said.

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