Bhubaneswar, Sept. 7: Union minister of state for tourism (independent charge) K.J. Alphons today added to the beef debate in India and advised foreign tourists to eat beef when they were not in the country.

Speaking on whether the beef issue was adversely affecting tourism in the country, Alphons said: 'They can eat beef in their country and come to India.'

He was speaking at the annual convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators that began here today. His today's statement was contradictory to his earlier to his earlier statement where he had asserted that the Modi government was inclusive and 'doesn't really have a problem with beef being consumed in Kerala and Goa'.

It was revealed at a number of ASI-protected sites in the country, including few from the state, would shortly be put up for adoption.

The Union tourism ministry was planning to launch a campaign where around 116 such sites will be put up for adoption for better maintenance. 'A number of private organisations will be roped in. They will collaborate with the central and state governments for management and infrastructure development at these sites,' said central tourism secretary Rashmi Verma.

The ministry will launch an Incredible India 2.0 campaign that will be market-specific and will target thematic circuits. 'The earlier campaign was very generic but we are working on a campaign that will be useful in promoting India in a better manner,' she said.

Alphons said: 'We are getting people to come and give us ideas. Within a month, we will have some plan of action for the tourism sector.'

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik requested the Union minister to improve air connectivity to the West Asian and South Asian countries from Bhubaneswar. He also asked him to facilitate provisions for e-visa at the city airport here.

'Odisha has a lot to offer and I am hopeful this convention would be a catalyst for attracting more tourists to the state in the long run,' said Naveen.

The association has been holding its annual convention since 1983 in various cities of India to showcase new and emerging destinations to its members.

The event is an industry event dedicated to bringing together hundreds of travel experts from all over India to learn and share and network over business sessions related to the latest trends and developments in the travel and tourism sector.

'The state government, during our last convention held in September 2016, had mentioned that a lot of developments had taken place in Odisha in the tourism sector. Following full assurance from the state government, we thought of coming back here,' said Indian Association of Tour Operators president Pronab Sarkar.

Over 900 tour operators from across the country are taking part in the convention. This apart, travel writers, airline companies, hoteliers and other stakeholders in the field are also taking part.