Odisha Woos Tourism Investors with ₹1,500-Crore Budget, 5,500-Acre Land Bank

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is stepping up efforts to attract investment in tourism, with the state government earmarking ₹1,500 crore and creating a 5,500-acre land bank for tourism infrastructure development during 2026-31.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the measures while inaugurating the seventh edition of the Odisha Travel Bazaar in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. He called upon investors, hospitality brands and tourism stakeholders from India and abroad to explore the state’s potential and invest in the sector.

The government has also eased norms for star hotels by reducing the minimum room requirement from 50 to 10 and increased the capital subsidy ceiling from ₹20 crore to ₹120 crore, Majhi said.

Outlining steps to improve tourist safety and destination management, the Chief Minister announced Tourist Police arrangements at 29 major tourist destinations and the 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.

Urging people to uphold the Jagannath culture’s principle of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, Majhi said tourists and devotees should be welcomed 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, referring to the Sri Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, the state’s 575-km coastline, Bhitarkanika mangroves, Chilika lake and Hirakud reservoir.

He said tourism development was being pursued in line with the Developed Odisha Vision 2036-2047. Local artisans, guides and tour operators are also being equipped with digital skills to improve the experience of visitors.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said Odisha was “not merely a destination” but a “world experience”. She highlighted the state’s Buddhist heritage, handlooms, heritage sites, Chilika and eco-tourism, and said the government was working to create a favourable ecosystem for sustainable tourism, with emphasis on employment, skill development and adventure tourism.

Former India cricket captain Kapil Dev, who attended the event, spoke about the role of sports and sportspersons in giving countries global recognition. Crediting Odisha with contributing significantly to the growth of Indian hockey, he said the state could emerge as a major sports hub while strengthening its tourism profile.

During the event, Majhi launched 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.