Odisha Tourism Wins Top Honours at Great Indian Travel Bazaar 2026

Bhubaneswar: Marking a major boost to its global tourism ambitions, Odisha Tourism bagged two prestigious awards at the Great Indian Travel Bazaar in Jaipur, including the Travel & Tourism Excellence Award 2026 for “Outstanding Contribution in Tourism Development.”

The state was also recognised for having the “Best Stall in the Public Sector Category,” with its pavilion drawing praise for immersive design, innovative presentation and experiential storytelling that highlighted Odisha’s diverse tourism offerings.

With a strong and strategic presence at the event, Odisha positioned itself as a high-potential global destination. The state’s participation was bolstered by a delegation of 11 co-exhibitors, including tour operators, hospitality players and tourism service providers, showcasing a comprehensive and market-ready ecosystem.

The Odisha Pavilion emerged as a key attraction, generating significant interest among international buyers, Foreign Tour Operators (FTOs) and Destination Management Companies (DMCs). Officials said over 120 focused G2B meetings and networking sessions were held, promoting the state’s strengths across heritage, spiritual, coastal, eco and experiential tourism segments.

The state also highlighted its preparedness to tap global travel and MICE opportunities, backed by the recently amended Odisha Tourism Policy 2026 aimed at improving infrastructure, attracting investments and enhancing competitiveness.

Participating stakeholders from Odisha engaged in a series of business discussions with international buyers, paving the way for potential collaborations and partnerships.

Officials noted that the outreach is expected to boost Odisha’s global visibility and strengthen ties with international tourism stakeholders. It also sets the stage for the 7th edition of the Odisha Travel Bazaar, scheduled from October 3 to 5, 2026, which aims to bring leading global buyers and tour operators to the state.

The twin recognitions underline Odisha’s growing appeal on the global tourism map, with the state now looking to build on this momentum by expanding partnerships, improving visitor experiences and attracting fresh investments in the sector.