Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday inaugurated the seventh edition of the Odisha Travel Bazaar here, calling upon investors, hospitality brands and tourism stakeholders from India and abroad to tap the state’s tourism potential and invest in the sector.
Addressing the tourism conclave, Majhi said the government was taking several measures to accelerate tourism development, including easing norms for star hotels by reducing the minimum requirement of rooms from 50 to 10 and raising the capital subsidy ceiling from ₹20 crore to ₹120 crore.
The government has also approved a ₹1,500-crore budget and a 5,500-acre land bank for tourism infrastructure development during 2026-31, he said.
The Chief Minister announced the introduction of Tourist Police arrangements at 29 major tourist destinations and 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, he said.
Urging people to uphold the Jagannath culture’s principle of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, Majhi said tourists and devotees should be treated with respect and hospitality so that they become “brand ambassadors” of Odisha.
“Except deserts, every form of natural wealth and beauty is present in Odisha,” he said, highlighting the Sri Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, the state’s 575-km coastline, Bhitarkanika mangroves, Chilika lake and Hirakud reservoir.
He said the 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 improve the tourist experience.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said Odisha was “not merely a destination” but a “world experience”, citing its Buddhist heritage, handlooms, heritage sites, Chilika and eco-tourism.
She said the government was creating a favourable ecosystem for sustainable tourism, with focus 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 besides strengthening its tourism profile.
Majhi also 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.
