The Odisha Juggernaut: Driving Tourism Through Vision, Heritage And Reform

Odisha is emerging as a benchmark in tourism-led economic growth in India. With an integrated approach that combines policy reforms, destination development, and strong public-private partnerships, the State has positioned tourism as a tool for economic transformation and a medium for cultural assertion and social inclusion. Our roadmap for 2036 and beyond is ambitious yet pragmatic: we aim to be among Asia’s top five eco-cultural tourism hubs, while creating over 25 lakh livelihoods and delivering world-class visitor experiences across 15 Mega Iconic destinations.This vision converges with India’s broader policy direction. During the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 in Bhubaneswar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Odisha’s immense potential, noting, “Odisha has a 574.7-kilometre-long coastline, a forest cover of over 33 per cent, and endless possibilities for eco-tourism and adventure tourism — all waiting for you.” Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Union Budget Speech emphasised tourism’s role in driving employment, investment, and cross-sectoral growth. Odisha’s tourism roadmap, therefore, converges with India’s overarching governance priorities—anchored in self-reliance, sustainability, and inclusive economic transformation.Measurable Impact: 2024–2025Underpinned by a structured policy framework, Odisha has demonstrated visible impact over the past year (June 2024–May 2025). The State successfully hosted the 6th Odisha Travel Bazaar in February 2025, organising over 4,500 B2B meetings between international tour operators and local stakeholders. The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas welcomed 3,000 delegates from 50 countries, reaffirming Odisha’s ability to host global-scale events. The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) launched 11 curated tour packages across heritage, spiritual, and eco-tourism themes, with improved air and rail connectivity. Moreover, the introduction of the Adventure Tourism Guidelines 2025, the identification of 4,780 acres of investment-ready land, and the approval of tourism projects worth INR 3,833 crore reflect a thriving ecosystem for investors.Vision 2047: “Think India, Think Odisha”The cornerstone of our future plan lies in Vision 2047, articulated under the banner of ‘Think India, Think Odisha’. Our State aspires to achieve 5 crores domestic and 7 lakh foreign tourist arrivals annually. To facilitate this, we plan to scale hotel infrastructure to 25,000 keys, ensure 100 per cent accreditation of service providers, and develop 15 destinations anchored in ecotourism and cultural heritage. This vision aligns with our broader agenda of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi”—a development path that respects and reinforces Odisha’s traditions, environments, and communities.The Four-Pillar Strategy for TourismTo implement this vision, Odisha is advancing a four-pronged approach. First, destination development and management will include the creation of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and master plans for each location, ensuring infrastructure, branding, and operations are future-ready. Second, promotion and digitalisation efforts are being enhanced through integrated marketing, immersive media campaigns, and technology-enabled visitor services. Third, capability building will be prioritised through skilling centres at each cluster, enabling local youth and women to lead tourism services in their regions. Fourth, investment facilitation will continue through the single-window system and incentives under the Odisha Tourism Policy, which includes capital subsidies, land leasing reforms, and SGST reimbursements.Investor engagement is integral to our model. Our policy ecosystem is geared to attract high-value tourism investors across hospitality, MICE, adventure, cruise, and heritage segments. The Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 attracted INR 8,154 crore worth of intent in tourism investment. These outcomes demonstrate investor confidence in our governance and growth potential. The Eco Retreat Odisha, now operational at 7 locations, stands as a flagship model of high-value, low-footprint tourism, managed in PPP mode and replicable across geographies.The State also seeks regulatory flexibility to unlock more growth. We have proposed relaxation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms in select stretches and expedited environmental and forest clearances for projects in ecologically sensitive zones. A streamlined accreditation framework for tourism services, including boating, homestays, and adventure activities, is also being developed.A Juggernaut of Heritage and ProgressAs we look to the next decade, we intend to invite stakeholders—industry leaders, investors, youth, and global travellers—to partner in this transformative journey. For the private sector, Odisha offers stability, clarity, and a cooperative policy regime. For the people of Odisha, tourism is an avenue for entrepreneurship and dignity of labour.Just as the grand chariots of the Rath Yatra in Puri move with unstoppable force and divine energy, so too does Odisha’s development journey. With faith in our cultural foundations and a bold vision for the future, we are building a resilient tourism economy that honours our legacy and prepares us for global leadership. May Lord Jagannath bless this journey with strength, balance, and success. With institutional reforms, investor-ready frameworks, and a renewed focus on quality experiences — from the spiritual corridors of Puri to the eco-retreats of Putsil — Odisha stands poised to lead India’s next tourism frontier. The scope is vast, the vision is clear, and the momentum is unstoppable. In this journey, we invite partners, investors, and citizens alike to join the Juggernaut — as Odisha charts its ascent as a beacon of responsible, experience-driven tourism for the nation and beyond.Jai Jagannath.Pravati Parida is the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, Government of OdishaJagannath Rath Yatra 2025: All You Need To Know About This Grand Festival In Puri, Odisha