Bhubaneswar, Oct. 4 (UDN): Odisha has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to position itself as a leading global tourism destination, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announcing a series of policy, infrastructure and safety measures at the 7th Odisha Travel Bazaar in Bhubaneswar.
Pic Credit: x.com/CMO_Odisha
The event brought together investors, hospitality groups, tour operators and tourism stakeholders from India and abroad, providing a platform for the state to showcase its untapped tourism potential and attract fresh investment into the sector.
Big Push for Hotels and Tourism Infrastructure
The Chief Minister announced a series of changes aimed at making Odisha more attractive to hospitality investors.
Under the revised approach, the minimum room requirement for star-category hotels has been reduced from 50 rooms to 10 rooms. The maximum capital subsidy ceiling has also been raised substantially, from ₹20 crore to up to ₹120 crore.
The government has earmarked ₹1,500 crore for tourism infrastructure between 2026 and 2031 and approved a dedicated 5,500-acre land bank to facilitate hospitality and tourism-related projects.
Majhi said Odisha's long coastline, forests, wetlands, heritage sites and cultural traditions provide the state with a unique tourism advantage.
He highlighted the government's Viksit Odisha Vision 2036–2047 as a broader framework for building an investor-friendly ecosystem and expanding quality tourism infrastructure.
Safety to Get Greater Attention
With tourist safety emerging as a key component of the state's tourism strategy, the government plans to deploy Tourist Police at 29 important locations.
Around 1,000 trained lifeguards will also be deployed through OSWALI across coastal destinations and water-sports zones.
The government is additionally planning to appoint Destination Managers at major tourist locations to improve visitor experience and coordinate services at high-footfall destinations.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of treating visitors with warmth and respect, invoking the traditional Indian principle of “Atithi Devo Bhava.”
Tourism Goes Digital
Odisha is also looking to strengthen its digital tourism ecosystem.
A new Odisha Tourism Portal and the Odisha Tourism Investment Incentive Management System were launched to improve access to tourism information and streamline investment-related processes.
The initiatives are expected to make it easier for tourists, businesses and potential investors to engage with the state's tourism sector.
Culture, Heritage and Adventure in Focus
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida highlighted Odisha's rich cultural identity, Buddhist heritage, traditional handlooms, Chilika Lake and expanding eco-tourism opportunities.
She said the state's tourism strategy would focus on authentic experiences while maintaining an emphasis on sustainability, adventure tourism and employment opportunities for local communities.
The event also witnessed the unveiling of the coffee-table book ‘Pitha, Mitha Pana’, celebrating Odisha's culinary heritage, along with the official jersey for the upcoming Puri Coastal Marathon.
Kapil Dev Highlights Odisha's Sporting Legacy
Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev praised Odisha's contribution to Indian hockey and its growing sporting ecosystem.
He said Odisha's transformation could extend beyond tourism, with the state increasingly establishing itself as an important sports destination.
The Travel Bazaar brought together several prominent figures from government, tourism and the hospitality industry, including Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, Director of Tourism Dipankar Mohapatra, FICCI National Tourism Committee Co-Chair Dr J.K. Mohanty, chef Ranveer Brar and Asian Games pole-vault record holder Baranica Elangovan.
With expanded incentives, new infrastructure plans, digital platforms and stronger tourist-safety measures, Odisha is seeking to turn its natural beauty, heritage and sporting identity into a globally recognised tourism brand.
