Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Shrimati Anu Garg chaired a high-level orientation program focusing on the state’s long-term tourism agenda aligned with the Odisha Tourism Vision 2036/47.
Organized virtually by the Department of Tourism, the meeting brought together Sub-Collectors—who serve as Chairpersons of Local Tourism Promotion Councils—alongside members including local police officers and key department representatives to streamline grassroots execution.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary Tourism, Shri Balwant Singh presented a detailed roadmap for Tourism Vision 2036-2047, while Director Tourism, Shri Dipankar Mohapatra outlined actionable steps moving forward.
Highlighting the vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047, the Chief Secretary emphasized that tourism must act as a prime economic growth driver for local communities, districts, and the state as a whole. Reiterating the core approach of Think India, Think Odisha, she directed administration officials to step up as primary facilitators to unlock local tourism potential.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the strategic execution of the Odisha Homestay Establishment Scheme 2025, the state Tourism Policy, and Eco-Tourism initiatives to drive visible on-ground transformation. Under the new One District, Multiple Tourism Initiatives plan, each district has been tasked with immediately developing 5 to 10 smaller tourist locations. This initiative aims to directly empower rural economies, local youth, women, and the micro, small, and medium enterprises sector.
To support investment and infrastructure expansion, Sub-Collectors were instructed to actively identify land parcels to build a dedicated state Land Bank. Focus was also placed on improving cleanliness, basic amenities, road connectivity, signage, wayward centers, and guide training. Additionally, a District Tourism Ranking system will be introduced to encourage healthy administrative competition across the state.
Comprehensive presentations covered key development sectors, including investment promotion, ethnic and tribal tourism, adventure tourism, and hospitality infrastructure expansion.