Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday inaugurated the seventh edition of the Odisha Travel Bazaar, calling upon investors, hospitality brands and tourism stakeholders from India and abroad to explore the state’s tourism potential and invest in the sector.
Addressing the tourism conclave, Majhi said the state government was taking several measures to accelerate tourism development. As part of the initiatives, the minimum room requirement for star hotels has been reduced from 50 to 10 rooms, while the capital subsidy ceiling has been increased from ₹20 crore to ₹120 crore.
"Odisha offers every natural marvel imaginable on earth, barring a desert. Guided by our ‘Viksit Odisha Vision 2036–2047’ roadmap, we are creating an investor-friendly ecosystem where quality hospitality infrastructure can thrive rapidly across our 575 km coastline, mangrove forests, and historic hubs,” said Majhi.
The government has also approved a ₹1,500-crore budget and a 5,500-acre land bank for tourism infrastructure development during 2026-31, the Chief Minister said.
Majhi further announced Tourist Police arrangements at 29 major tourist destinations and the deployment of 1,000 trained lifeguards through OSWALI at coastal and water-sports locations. Destination Managers will also be appointed at high-footfall tourist destinations.
Urging people to uphold the Jagannath culture’s principle of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, Majhi said tourists and devotees should be treated with warmth and respect so that they become “brand ambassadors” of Odisha.
“Except deserts, every form of natural wealth and beauty is present in Odisha,” he said, highlighting attractions including the Sri Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, 575-km coastline, Bhitarkanika mangroves, Chilika Lake and Hirakud Reservoir.
He said the state’s tourism sector was being strengthened in line with the Developed Odisha Vision 2036-2047, while local artisans, guides and tour operators were being equipped with digital skills to enhance the tourist experience.
Odisha Tourism Push
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said Odisha was “not merely a destination” but a “world experience”, highlighting its Buddhist heritage, handlooms, heritage sites, Chilika and eco-tourism.
She said the government was working to create a favourable ecosystem for sustainable tourism, with emphasis on employment, skill development and adventure tourism.
Former India cricket captain Kapil Dev, who attended the event, said sports and sportspersons play an important role in giving countries global recognition. He credited Odisha with contributing significantly to the growth of Indian hockey and said the state could emerge as a major sports hub while further strengthening its tourism profile.
New Tourism Initiatives Launched
Also Read: Odisha ready to lead India’s tourism growth: Dy CM Pravati Parida
During the event, Majhi launched several tourism initiatives, including the new Odisha Tourism Portal and the web application of the Odisha Tourism Investment Incentive Management System.
He also unveiled the coffee-table book ‘Pitha, Mitha Pana’ and the jersey for the upcoming Puri Coastal Marathon.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, Director of Tourism Deepankar Mahapatra, FICCI National Tourism Committee Co-Chairman J.K. Mohanty, celebrity chef and Odia cuisine brand ambassador Ranveer Brar, and Asian Games pole-vault national record holder Baranika Elangovan were among those present.
