Odisha Travel Bazaar 2026: CM Launches New Tourism Portal, Investment System

The seventh edition of the Odisha Travel Bazaar was inaugurated in Bhubaneswar on Saturday with a focus on giving the state’s tourism sector a global identity, attracting investment and strengthening tourist infrastructure.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the event and invited national and international investors, hospitality brands and tourism partners to explore Odisha’s tourism potential and invest in the state.

Tourism Infrastructure and Investment Push

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Majhi said the government was working to develop Odisha as an attractive destination for tourists and improve facilities across major tourism locations.

He said the minimum room requirement for star hotels had been reduced from 50 to 10 under the new tourism policy. The maximum limit for capital subsidy has also been increased from ₹20 crore to ₹120 crore.

The government has approved a ₹1,500-crore budget for tourism infrastructure development between 2026 and 2031. A land bank spread across 5,500 acres has also been approved to facilitate the development of new hotels and resorts in the state.

Tourist Safety to Get Greater Focus

The Chief Minister announced several measures aimed at improving tourist safety and visitor management.

Tourist Police facilities will be introduced at 29 major tourist destinations across Odisha. In addition, 1,000 trained lifeguards will be deployed at beaches and water-based tourism destinations through OSWALI.

Destination managers will also be appointed at locations that experience high tourist footfall to improve visitor management and coordination.

Majhi appealed to people across Odisha to follow the principle of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and extend warm hospitality to tourists and devotees visiting the state.

He said positive visitor experiences could help tourists become ambassadors for Odisha, particularly in the age of social media.

New Tourism Portal and Investment Platform

During the event, the Chief Minister launched the new Odisha Tourism Portal to promote the state’s destinations and tourism offerings.

The Odisha Tourism Investment Incentive Management System web application was also launched to facilitate investors and streamline access to tourism-related incentives.

Majhi also unveiled the coffee table book Pitha, Mitha Pana and the jersey for the upcoming Puri Coastal Marathon.

Odisha’s Diverse Tourism Potential

The Chief Minister highlighted Odisha’s cultural heritage, coastline and natural attractions, including the Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, 575-km coastline, Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystem, Chilika Lake and Hirakud Reservoir.

He said the state’s tourism sector was being strengthened in line with the Developed Odisha Vision 2036–2047 roadmap, while local artisans, guides and tour operators were being equipped with modern digital skills.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said Odisha was not merely a tourist destination but represented a global experience through its Buddhist heritage, handicrafts, heritage sites, Chilika Lake and ecotourism opportunities. She said the government was creating an environment for sustainable tourism, employment generation and skill development.

Kapil Dev Highlights Odisha’s Sports Potential

Former Indian cricket captain and legendary cricketer Kapil Dev also addressed the gathering and highlighted the role of sports in a country’s global identity.

He noted Odisha’s contribution to Indian hockey and said the state had the potential to emerge as a major sports hub in addition to its tourism identity.

The event was attended by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, Tourism Director Dipankar Mahapatra, FICCI National Tourism Committee Co-Chairman Dr J.K. Mohanty, celebrity Odia cuisine brand ambassador Ranveer Brar and Asian Games pole-vault national record holder Varenika Elangovan, among others.