Bhubaneswar, June 23: The state government today decided to focus on ecotourism by rolling out attractive packages.

Chief secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi directed officials to work out structured trip packages for various hotspots in the state.

The decision was taken at the state tourism advisory committee meeting, presided over by the chief secretary, today.

Forest and environment and tourism departments were asked to work out the packages. The officials were further directed to involve local people in management of hospitality and accommodation centres.

Odisha, which has 31 per cent forest cover, rivers, reservoirs, mountains and hills, rich flora and fauna, has tremendous ecotourism potential. The state is in possession of 86 species of mammals, 473 bird and 110 reptile species. Besides, it has 3,000 species of plants, including 132 orchid species, 60 mangrove plant species and 350 species of medicinal plants.

There are two national parks, 19 wildlife sanctuaries and three tiger reserves, which are ideal ecotourism sites.

The major ecotourism destinations include Similipal and Bhitarkanika National Park, Chilika Lake, Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Satkoshia Tiger Reserve, Kuldiha and Debrigarh wildlife sanctuaries.

Forest secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said steps were being taken to upgrade the infrastructure at the popular spots.

Official sources said 20 sites had been taken up for development with an estimated investment of Rs 100 crore over a period of five years. Available data shows that there has been constant increase in tourist footfall over the past three years.

In 2012-13, the total footfall at eco-tourist spots was 2.76 lakh, which increased to 3.13 lakh in 2013-14 and further to 3.46 lakh in 2014-15. This year, it is expected to cross last year's figure, said an official.

As Dangamal, Gupti, Daringibadi, Kanjiapani, Chilika and Talasari sea beaches have potential to attract tourists, it was decided that they would be popularised through various national and international tour agencies.

The tourism department officials were also asked to conduct more road shows and participate in international events.

It was also decided that the home department would relax restrictions on tourist trips to tribal areas.

Traditional beach tourism will also be promoted. A coastal tourism circuit comprising Gopalpur, Tampara, Barkul and Satapada has been approved by the Union tourism ministry.