Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday called upon global and domestic investors to partner with Odisha in developing its tourism potential, asserting that the state offered opportunities for large-scale investment in hospitality and tourism infrastructure. “My State deserves more than any other State,” Mr Majhi said while inaugurating the seventh edition of the Odisha Travel Bazaar (OTB) 2026 here at a city hotel.
The three-day event, organised by the Odisha tourism department in partnership with FICCI, has brought together international and domestic tour operators, hospitality investors, hosted buyers and tourism industry leaders to promote Odisha as a major tourism destination and facilitate business and investment opportunities.
Mr Majhi said tourism was a key pillar of Odisha’s Viksit Odisha Vision 2036–2047 and could play a major role in generating employment, promoting sustainable economic growth and preserving the state’s cultural heritage.
He highlighted Odisha’s beaches, forests, tribal traditions, artistic heritage and biodiversity, particularly mentioning Bhitarkanika and Chilika, and said the government was preparing comprehensive master plans for 15 marquee tourism destinations to develop them as globally competitive attractions.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy, 2026, aimed at attracting larger investments. The minimum room requirement for star-category hotels has been reduced from 50 to 10, while the capital subsidy ceiling has been raised to Rs 120 crore. Museums and heritage properties are eligible for subsidies of up to 40 per cent, while electric boats, electric caravans and art and craft complexes can receive capital subsidies of up to 50 per cent.
The government has also approved an Rs 1,500-crore scheme for acquiring 5,500 acres of land bank for hospitality infrastructure. More than Rs 163 crore in capital subsidies has already been disbursed, Mr Majhi said.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said Odisha needed to move from conventional sightseeing to experiential tourism, with greater participation of local communities, women, artisans, guides and small entrepreneurs.
The event also saw the launch of the new Odisha Tourism website and Tourism Investment Incentive Management System. Celebrity chef Ranveer Brar released Pitha, Mitha & Pana, while cricket legend Kapil Dev unveiled the jersey and medal for the upcoming OMC Puri Coastal Marathon.
OTB 2026 has attracted 145 domestic operators from 32 cities and 45 foreign operators from 27 countries. More than 100 local tourism service providers are participating, with over 6,000 B2B and B2G meetings scheduled. Around 40 major hospitality brands and 250 state investors are taking part in a dedicated investors’ session.
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