Bhubaneswar: The much-anticipated 6th Odisha Travel Bazaar began today in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant step towards promoting the state’s vibrant tourism offerings. Organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), the three-day event aims to bring together global stakeholders, industry leaders, and investors to explore business opportunities and foster collaboration within the tourism sector.
The Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, inaugurated the event and highlighted the significance of Odisha as a unique and culturally rich destination. “Odisha is rich in cultural heritage and world-renowned temples, making its mark globally,” said Shekhawat. He emphasized the importance of enhancing Odisha’s tourism offerings by expanding its product range and improving infrastructure. “We must establish Odisha’s flavors in the global market,” he added, urging the Odisha Government to showcase its diverse tourism assets on national and international platforms.
Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of private sector participation in realizing the state’s tourism potential. “Odisha offers a diverse range of tourism experiences, from nature tourism to heritage and spiritual tourism,” said Parida. “Now is the time to develop new ideas, and we welcome the private sector to invest and contribute to the growth of tourism in Odisha.” She emphasized that a thriving tourism sector will lead to increased employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and help propel the state toward its vision of a Vikshit Odisha (developed Odisha).
She also highlighted the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism, focusing on the creation of a tourism ecosystem that benefits local communities, preserves cultural heritage, and protects the environment. “We aim to unveil the secret gems of Odisha while ensuring sustainability,” she said.
Manoj Ahuja, IAS Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, spoke about the transformative role of tourism in the state’s economic development. “Private sector investment is fundamental to driving growth in the tourism sector, and the government’s role is to provide the necessary infrastructure and policy support,” he said.
The event also saw Balwant Singh, IAS Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Tourism, share the state’s vision for tourism, emphasizing Odisha’s rich diversity of destinations and improving infrastructure. Samarth Verma, IAS Director, Department of Tourism, highlighted the progress made in strengthening the sector and expressed confidence in the event’s ability to generate impactful collaborations.
In a bid to increase Odisha’s visibility, J.K. Mohanty, Co-Chair of FICCI’s Tourism Committee, proposed an extension of the event for next year. “We propose inviting travel agents and tour operators to stay for at least seven nights in Odisha. This will allow them to experience the state’s diverse attractions and gain a deeper understanding of its culture,” he said.
The event also featured several industry leaders, including IATO Odisha Chapter Chairman Gagan Sarangi, Distinct Destination CEO Nitesh Kakkar, and Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar, who praised Odisha’s culinary heritage. Chef Brar, in particular, lauded the variety and richness of Odia cuisine, highlighting it as an essential part of Odisha’s tourism appeal.
In addition to business meetings, the Travel Bazaar hosted competitions such as the Explore Odisha Quiz and Odisha Tourism Tagline Competition to engage participants. Over 3,000 pre-scheduled B2B meetings are expected to take place between 70 sellers from Odisha’s tourism sector and domestic and international tour operators, aiming to establish long-term partnerships and boost the sector’s growth.
As part of the event, familiarization trips have been arranged to some of Odisha’s key destinations, including Bhitarkanika, Raghurajpur, Puri-Konark, and the Diamond Triangle, providing attendees with a firsthand experience of the state’s unique and diverse tourism offerings.
The event’s opening ceremony was also attended by various dignitaries, including MLA-Ekamra Babu Singh, Manav Majumdar, Senior Advisor at FICCI, and other prominent officials. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth, the 6th Odisha Travel Bazaar is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening Odisha’s position on the global tourism map.
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