Bhubaneswar, Aug 27: Employees working with tourism service providers and tour operators in Odisha will now undergo a mandatory three-month certification course to improve their knowledge of tourism, hospitality and tourist safety.

The initiative has been introduced by the Odisha Tourism Department under the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy 2026, with the aim of ensuring better and safer services for tourists visiting the state.

The course is primarily intended for tour operators who do not have professionally trained or certified staff. Before granting final recognition to a tourism service provider, the department will make completion of the certification mandatory for their employees.

According to the new guidelines, the Tourism Service Provider Certification Course will be conducted in hybrid mode through the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Bhubaneswar, or other eligible institutions. The course will cover key areas required for operating a tourism business.

What will the course cover?

The minimum three-month programme will include training on:

· Ticketing and travel-related services

· Foreign exchange

· Accommodation and hotel bookings

· Transportation logistics

· Arrangement of tourist guides

· Basic English communication

· Guest relations and public interaction

· Dos and don’ts for dealing with tourists

· Safety and sanitation

· Guidelines for adventure tourism activities

· Other essential aspects of running a tourism business

The department has clarified that completing the certification will be mandatory before final recognition is granted to tourism service providers in Odisha.

The cost of the training will be borne by tourism service providers who receive temporary recognition. Other tourism operators may also voluntarily sponsor their employees for the training.

An eight-member committee, headed by the Director of Tourism, has also been constituted to review the documents submitted by tourism service providers, including certificates forwarded by District Tourism Development Officers.

New conditions for tourism transport operators

The Tourism Department has also prescribed specific conditions for tourism transport operators. Start-up operators must have a minimum of two tourist vehicles, while experienced operators are required to have at least four tourist vehicles.

Drivers operating these tourist vehicles will also be required to wear appropriate uniforms and display their identity cards while on duty.

The new measures are aimed at making Odisha’s tourism sector more professional, organised and tourist-friendly while strengthening safety and service standards across the state.