Bhubaneswar: Odisha has begun charting a comprehensive roadmap to emerge as a world-class tourism destination, with the first meeting of the State Tourism Advisory Council (STAC) focusing on investment, infrastructure development, diversification of tourism offerings and stronger stakeholder participation.
The meeting, held at Tourism Bhawan on Thursday in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, deliberated on strategic interventions to develop the state’s tourism sector in alignment with the vision of ‘Viksit Odisha 2036’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
Highlighting Odisha’s diverse tourism assets, including its historical and spiritual heritage, beaches, Buddhist sites, biodiversity, tribal traditions, handicrafts and natural landscapes, Parida stressed the need to translate the state’s tourism potential into employment opportunities, stronger local livelihoods and preservation of its cultural heritage.
The Council discussed measures to diversify the state’s tourism portfolio, with emphasis on eco-tourism, heritage and religious tourism, adventure tourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), destination weddings and development of new tourism circuits.
Infrastructure development and improvement of basic amenities at key tourist destinations also figured prominently. The discussions covered better connectivity, accommodation facilities, tourist safety, cleanliness and development of skilled human resources to enhance the overall visitor experience.
The Council also examined ways to facilitate private investment by simplifying inter-departmental coordination and regulatory procedures, including building plan approvals, Fire NOCs, licences and other statutory clearances. The need for stronger public-private partnerships (PPP) and greater participation of tourism and hospitality industry stakeholders was emphasised.
As part of Odisha’s international tourism outreach, the proposed ‘Odisha Parab’ in Bali, Indonesia, on November 23 and 24 was discussed. The event is expected to provide a global platform to showcase the state’s art, culture, handicrafts, cuisine and tourism offerings while strengthening its international tourism profile.
The Council also deliberated on strengthening STAC as an institutional mechanism for policy guidance, stakeholder consultation and monitoring the timely implementation of tourism initiatives under the ‘Think India, Think Odisha’ vision.
Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh presented the meeting’s agenda and outlined the department’s vision document and strategic priorities for the sector.
Tourism Director Deepankar Mahapatra, Special Secretary Lipsa Das, HRAO Chairman J.K. Mohanty, OTDC General Manager Dharmendra Mallick, Additional Secretary Rudra Narayan Das and other representatives of the tourism and hospitality industry attended the meeting and offered their suggestions.
The inaugural STAC meeting marks an effort to institutionalise industry consultation and build a coordinated, investment-oriented approach to tourism development in Odisha.
