Bhubaneswar, Sept. 18: The state tourism department is organising a number of competitions for those with an artistic inclination to mark the World Tourism Day on September 27.

Like every year, there is a distinct theme revolving around tourism for the different competitions this time too.

The tourism authorities have announced three contests for the occasion, which include a photography competition, a painting competition and a debate competition.

Director of Odisha Tourism Development Corporation Manoranjan Patnaik said the contests were being with the co-operation of the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Bhubaneswar. The theme for this year’s contests is “Tourism and Water – Protecting Our Common Future”.

“We are focusing on preservation and promotion of the state’s water bodies this year. We have already completed the application procedure for the debate competition since the last day for submission of forms for it was Tuesday. The debate will be held on the campus of the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management in Dumduma on Saturday,” he said.

The last date for sending entries for the photography and painting competitions are Septmeber 19 and September 20 respectively. Anyone with a flair for photography and painting can send in their entries, said the tourism officials.