Bhubaneswar: A total of 48,410,131 domestic and international tourists visited Odisha’s renowned tourist destinations between the financial years 2019-2024 and up to December 2024-25, as informed by the Tourism Minister Pravati Parida in the state assembly on Saturday.
In a written reply to a question from Nayagarh MLA Aruna Kumar Sahoo, the Tourism Minister stated that from FY 2019-2024 to FY 2024-25 till December, a total of 48,184,513 domestic tourists visited tourist destinations in Odisha. Similarly, a total of 223,625 international tourists (foreign tourists) visited tourist destinations in the state.
Here is the tabular data of tourist visits in Odisha from FY 2019-20 to FY 2024-25 till December.
The Tourism Minister also highlighted that foreign visitors predominantly flock to iconic locations such as Puri, Konark, Bhubaneswar, Dhauli, and other areas, including Berhampur, Gopalpur, Kendrapara, Parlakhemundi, Bhanjanagar, Aska, the Chilika region, Phulbani, Baliguda, Boudh, Bhawanipatna, Khariar, Junagarh, Kesinga, Balangir, Titilagarh, Kantabanji, Harishankar, Nrusinghanath, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Rourkela, Sundergarh, Keonjhar, Anandpur, Badabil, Ghatgaon, Baripada, Similipal, Bangiriposhi, Khiching, Balasore, Chandipur, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Panchalingeswar, Jajpur, Paradip, Dhenkanal, Talcher, Koraput, Jaipur, Raigarh, Gunupur, Nabarangpur, Chandikhol, Chandbali, Burla, Hirakud, Angul, Chandaneshwar, Sunabeda, Semiliguda, Gupteshwar, Malkangiri, Umarkot, Muniguda, Dhabaleswar, Joda, RD, Kapilas, Taratarini, Rairangpur, Sonepur, and Sambalpur. The state’s vibrant cultural heritage, beaches, and historical sites continue to attract large numbers of international tourists.
To bolster Odisha’s position on the global tourism map, the government has implemented a comprehensive strategy, which includes:
- Tourism Infrastructure Development: A phased beautification program is underway at key tourist sites.
- International Engagement: Participation in major international tourism events like WTM London, ATM Dubai, and ITB Berlin, as well as roadshows in Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand.
- Promotional Campaigns: The state government is using multi-channel branding strategies, including television, newspapers, digital platforms, and social media, to promote Odisha’s tourist destinations.
- Innovative Tourism Products: Special initiatives such as the Eco Retreats at seven picturesque locations, the “Odisha Walk” heritage tour in Bhubaneswar, and light and sound shows at major temples.
- Cultural Festivals: Hosting significant events like the Konark Festival and International Sand Art Festival to attract tourists globally.
- Buddhist Circuit Development: Focused efforts to develop the Diamond Triangle (Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, Lalitgiri) as a key attraction for Buddhist tourism.
Additionally, the Odisha Tourism department is working on creating new avenues for niche tourism, such as yacht and caravan tourism, alongside promoting nature camps in the state’s protected areas and national parks.
The state is also investing in human resources, with training programs for aspiring tourist guides, having already trained 373 state-level guides and 434 eco-tourism guides.
With these comprehensive efforts, Odisha is poised to see continued growth in both domestic and international tourist arrivals, further solidifying its place as one of India’s premier travel destinations.
