Odisha Celebrates World Tourism Day 2026 with Digital Innovation and Community-led Tourism

Odisha celebrated World Tourism Day 2026 with a series of initiatives aimed at promoting digital innovation, sustainable tourism, heritage conservation, adventure tourism and greater community participation in the State’s tourism sector.

The state-level celebration was held at the State Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Chief Secretary Anu Garg. The celebrations were organised around the 2026 World Tourism Day theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”

Focus on Technology and Inclusive Tourism

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida highlighted the role of tourism in generating livelihood opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship and enabling local communities to participate in Odisha’s economic growth.

She stressed the need to integrate technology, sustainability, heritage and innovation to improve visitor experiences across the State. She also emphasised creating opportunities for youth, women, artisans, entrepreneurs and tourism service providers.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships and coordinated efforts to strengthen Odisha’s tourism ecosystem. She stressed the need to balance quality

visitor experiences with sustainable management of tourism destinations.

MoUs for Homestays, Heritage and Adventure Tourism

As part of the celebrations, the Department of Tourism signed an MoU with the State Bank of India (SBI) to facilitate financial support for homestay operators.

Another MoU was signed with the Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association to promote adventure tourism in Odisha. The Department also entered into an MoU with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to strengthen heritage tourism initiatives.

ASI Director General Yadubir Singh Rawat addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting heritage assets as part of the tourism experience.

New Tourism Mobility Initiatives

OTDC luxury coaches were flagged off during the programme to enhance tourist mobility and travel experiences.

The OTDC electric boat at Barkul and a catamaran by Swosti at Chilika Lake were also virtually flagged off. The initiatives are aimed at adding new mobility and visitor experience options at Chilika, one of Odisha’s major tourism destinations.

176 Homestay Beneficiaries Receive Certificates

Provisional Registration Certificates were distributed to 176 beneficiaries under the Odisha Homestay Scheme. The initiative is aimed at encouraging community participation and creating livelihood opportunities through accommodation and experiential tourism.

Licences and registrations were also distributed to adventure tour operators to support the formalisation and expansion of adventure tourism activities in the State.

Workshops Promote Capacity Building

A capacity-building workshop was organised for homestay owners to strengthen their skills and help them provide quality and visitor-friendly experiences.

A sensitisation workshop on the Ethnic Tourism Initiative was also conducted to encourage greater awareness and participation in community-based and ethnic tourism opportunities.

The celebrations also featured a video presentation on “Redesigning Tourism with Digital Innovation”, highlighting the growing role of digital technology in destination discovery, tourism services and visitor experiences.

Khandagiri Light and Sound Show to Conclude Celebrations

The day-long World Tourism Day celebrations will conclude with the formal inauguration of a Light & Sound Show at Khandagiri by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.

The new attraction is designed to combine heritage interpretation, technology and immersive storytelling to present the history and cultural significance of the historic site to visitors.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Tourism Balwant Singh said the initiatives launched during the celebrations reflect Odisha’s efforts to create diverse visitor experiences while strengthening local entrepreneurship, institutional partnerships and community participation for inclusive and sustainable tourism growth.