Odisha Launches MICE Incentive Portal to Attract Corporate Events

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has launched a dedicated digital portal to promote the state as a destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), while simplifying incentive applications for event organisers and tourism operators.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated the Odisha MICE Incentive Portal at a roundtable discussion on “Inputs on Creating Robust MICE Policy for Odisha and Collaborations”, held at Mayfair Sanctuary on Sunday. Organised by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the meeting was part of the Odisha Travel Bazaar 2026.

With the launch, Odisha has become the first state in the country to establish a dedicated digital mechanism to market its destinations for corporate conventions and streamline applications for financial incentives, according to the organisers.

Addressing industry representatives and officials, Parida said the government’s regulatory framework and incentives were transparent and aimed at enabling private partners to contribute to the state’s economic growth. She said the administration was working to expedite approvals for MICE events, destination weddings, sports events and cultural heritage ventures.

“Our dedicated tourism team works tirelessly to actively reach out, follow up and facilitate project approvals, ensuring a seamless journey for representing the changing face of a progressive Odisha,” she said.

Parida also pointed to the growing domestic market for destination ceremonies and immersive travel experiences, including temple weddings and celebrations rooted in local culture. She said Bhubaneswar, known as the Temple City and home to thousands of protected historical monuments, had the potential to offer distinctive experiences for younger visitors.

From scenic locations for photoshoots to regional food tours, Odisha offers opportunities to host a range of events, she said, assuring stakeholders that the government would consider private sector recommendations, address administrative bottlenecks and provide targeted capital subsidies.

Tourism Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh presented the Odisha Tourism Investment Policy and outlined business opportunities across the state. He said the policy offered targeted support for heritage, sports and business events, backed by investor outreach and faster project clearances.

Sabbas Joseph, Co-Founder of Wizcraft Group and Chair of the FICCI MICE Tourism Committee, presented an industry perspective on using Odisha’s cultural heritage to develop distinctive event experiences. He suggested integrating local customs, artisan traditions and culinary identity into corporate conferences and hospitality programmes.

Celebrity Chef and Odisha’s official Brand Ambassador for Odia Cuisine Ranveer Brar emphasised the importance of cultural authenticity in building the state’s global tourism appeal. He said high-end travel was increasingly shaped by unique experiences and cultural connections rather than spending alone.

Brar proposed a 100-day mapping campaign to document not only event venues but also local storytellers, recipes, cooks, markets and regional festivals. He said these elements were central to the visitor experience and urged event planners to directly support indigenous artisans. He also called for language and interpretation services to help local talent present and preserve its heritage.

The roundtable provided a platform for policymakers and private sector representatives to discuss infrastructure, professional service standards and operational guidelines needed to attract national and international conventions, incentive tours and experiential festivals to Odisha.