Bhubaneswar: The State Cabinet of Odisha has approved the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy-2026, a significant reform initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s tourism sector and aligning it with the State’s Vision- 2036 and 2047.
The amendments build upon the Odisha Tourism Policy-2022 and seek to enhance investment competitiveness, promote sustainable and experiential tourism, encourage private sector participation, and ensure balanced regional development.
Key highlights of the policy include:
– Reduced Investment Threshold: The minimum investment threshold for 3-Star and above hotels and resorts has been reduced from 50 keys to 10 keys.
– Rationalized Expansion Norms: Expansion norms for existing tourism units have been rationalized by reducing the eligibility threshold from 50% to 25% of existing capacity.
– Capital Investment Subsidy (CIS): Tourism projects will be eligible for CIS at 30%, capped at INR 50 Cr for investments up to INR 200 Cr and INR 100 Cr for investments above INR 200 Cr.
– Special Zones: The policy expands Special Zones to include high-potential tourist destinations like Hirakud, Satkosia, Similipal, Ratnagiri-Udayagiri-Lalitgiri, and Bhitarkanika.
– Targeted Subsidies: Museums and heritage properties are eligible for capital support of up to 40%, while electric boats, electric caravans, and art and craft theme complexes are eligible for capital support of up to 50%.
The policy is expected to attract substantial private investment, support the creation of 15,000 star-category hotel rooms by 2036, and generate lakhs of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
