Bhubaneswar: The seventh edition of the Odisha Travel Bazaar (OTB) 2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar on Monday, generating more than 9,000 structured B2B and B2G meetings as the state sought to expand its tourism footprint in domestic and international markets.
The three-day event, organised by the Odisha Department of Tourism in partnership with FICCI, brought together more than 200 buyers and over 100 tourism businesses at MAYFAIR Sanctuary, creating a platform for tourism enterprises, travel operators, hospitality companies and destination partners to explore new business opportunities.
The event saw participation from 145 domestic tour operators from 32 cities and 45 international tour operators representing 27 countries, giving Odisha’s tourism industry access to a wider trade network.
Business connections at the heart of OTB
The structured business meetings formed the central focus of this year’s Travel Bazaar, enabling tourism businesses from Odisha to directly engage with tour operators and other trade partners from India and overseas.
The interactions were aimed at developing new commercial partnerships, expanding market reach and creating greater visibility for Odisha as a tourism destination.
Over the three days, the state’s tourism offerings were showcased across segments including heritage, spirituality, beaches, wildlife, nature, adventure, culture, tribal experiences and cuisine.
The event sought to position Odisha as a destination capable of offering diverse and distinctive experiences to different categories of travellers.
Investment opportunities take centre stage
Investment in tourism and hospitality also featured prominently during OTB 2026.
Around 40 leading national hospitality brands and 250 state investors participated in investment-focused discussions on opportunities in Odisha’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The state government highlighted its efforts to create a more investor-friendly environment through progressive policies, investment incentives, land availability, streamlined clearances and investor facilitation mechanisms.
The investment discussions were aimed at encouraging greater private-sector participation in the development of tourism infrastructure across the state.
Odisha steps up MICE tourism push
The MICE tourism segment—covering Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions—was another major focus of the event.
A high-level roundtable involving policymakers, industry representatives and other stakeholders examined ways to strengthen Odisha’s capacity to host national and international business events.
Discussions covered infrastructure development, professional service standards, policy support and measures to attract more conferences, corporate meetings and exhibitions to the state.
The Odisha MICE Incentive Portal was also inaugurated during the roundtable. The digital platform is intended to promote Odisha as a destination for corporate conventions and facilitate applications for eligible financial incentives.
Culture and cuisine promoted as tourism assets
OTB 2026 also highlighted Odisha’s cultural and culinary identity, with a focus on cuisine, crafts, culture and local experiences.
Celebrity Chef and official Brand Ambassador for Odia Cuisine Ranveer Brar participated in the event, drawing attention to the potential of Odisha’s culinary heritage as an important part of its tourism offering.
The event promoted an experience-led approach to tourism, with an emphasis on giving visitors opportunities to engage with local culture, food, traditions and communities.
Buyers explore destinations beyond established circuits
Hosted buyers and tourism professionals were also given opportunities to experience destinations beyond Odisha’s better-known tourist circuits through familiarisation (FAM) tours and curated destination experiences.
Eight FAM tours were organised as part of the pre- and post-event programme, covering different tourism experiences across the state.
The tours were aimed at helping participating travel professionals gain first-hand knowledge of Odisha’s destinations and incorporate new experiences into their travel products.
The successful conclusion of the seventh Odisha Travel Bazaar further strengthens its position as a major tourism business platform for the state, connecting tourism enterprises, buyers, investors and industry stakeholders while creating greater national and international visibility for Odisha’s tourism potential.
