Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: Odisha could soon emerge as a major destination for family entertainment and adventure tourism, with the tourism industry seeking government support for a Disneyland-style amusement park, a regional film city and new adventure activities across 12 eco-tourism destinations.

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) has proposed the development of a world-class entertainment park at the 7th Odisha Tourism Conclave 2026. The association has urged the state government to provide 200–300 acres of land for the proposed project.

HRAO has also recommended developing a world-class theme park and a regional film city, potentially modelled on Universal Studios, at Shamuka Beach near Puri. These projects could be developed through the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The proposals aim to strengthen Odisha’s tourism infrastructure, attract more visitors and encourage tourists to extend their stays in the state.

‘Odisha: 21 nights of tourism’ proposed

To encourage longer tourist stays, HRAO has proposed launching an initiative titled ‘Odisha: 21 Nights of Tourism’. The plan aims to increase tourist footfall, boost hotel occupancy and encourage investment in accommodation facilities.

According to the association, the initiative could support the state’s target of adding around 15,000 new hotel rooms by 2036.

Meanwhile, around 1,500 acres of land at Shamuka Beach have reportedly been identified for an international airport and cruise terminal. The proposed infrastructure is expected to attract international investment, create employment opportunities and improve tourism connectivity.

Adventure tourism planned at 12 destinations

In another major initiative, the Odisha Forest Department has identified 12 eco-tourism destinations for introducing adventure-based activities. The programme aims to offer visitors exciting experiences while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.

The identified destinations include:

- Similipal

- Satkosia

- Mahendragiri

- Jirang

- Deomali

- Barabara

- Hirakud

- Bichitrapur–Kuldiha

- Gandhamardan

- Karlapat

- Chandaka

Proposed activities include zip-lining, Burma bridge crossings, commando nets, mountain biking, archery, kayaking, canoeing, boating, river crossings and rock climbing.

Camping facilities, walking trails, viewpoints and adventure play areas for children are also being considered.

According to the Forest Department’s eco-tourism wing, the objective is to diversify tourism experiences while minimising the impact on the environment.

Some activities, including wall climbing, elevated walking trails and boating, have already been introduced at Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary. Similar experiences are planned at the newly identified destinations.

Floating jetties planned in three districts

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is exploring locations for additional floating jetties in Bargarh, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts, with a particular focus on the Hirakud Reservoir.

The state government has asked the respective district collectors to identify suitable locations and conduct field surveys before submitting recommendations.

Kainsir Square in Sambalpur and Rampela in Jharsuguda have been identified for jetty and terminal infrastructure, while a location in Bargarh is yet to be finalised.

The initiative aims to improve rural connectivity, create local employment, promote tourism and support ongoing island development projects.

IWAI is also preparing a detailed project report to explore extending the Mahanadi waterway towards Nava Raipur via the Hirakud Reservoir. The report is expected by November, according to the information provided.

The authority has sought amendments to the state support agreement to include Hirakud in the proposed project.

Together, these proposals signal a broader push to diversify Odisha’s tourism sector through entertainment infrastructure, eco-adventure activities and inland water transport.