Bhubaneswar: In a bid to boost Odisha tourism, authorities are planning to start flights from Bhubaneswar to international destinations like Dubai and Colombo.

The plans are being made for flight operations to Dubai and Colombo from the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) shortly, informed Odisha Tourism Minister Ashok Chandra Panda.

Gracing the closing ceremony of Odisha Tourism Conclave held by the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) at Swosti Premium on Friday, Panda said that focus is being made to provide basic facilities at 357 tourist destinations across the State.

The government is developing the coastal tourism at investment of Rs 90 crore under Swadesh Darshan Yojana, he said.

On closure of flight services to Bangkok from Bhubaneswar, he said that the State government has demanded the Civil Aviation Ministry to restart the service.