Bhubaneswar: The seventh edition of the Odisha Travel Bazaar officially inaugurated today in Bhubaneswar with the aim of establishing the state as a world-class tourism destination and attracting large-scale investments. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the mega event as the chief guest and formally declared the tourism conclave open, inviting global investors, hospitality brands, and tourism partners to tap into Odisha’s vast potential. Former Indian cricket captain and sports legend Kapil Dev graced the occasion.
The inaugural function witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Chief Secretary Shrimati Anu Garg, Secretary Tourism Shri Balwant Singh, Tourism Director Shri Dipankar Mohapatra, FICCI National Tourism Committee Co-Chairman Dr. J.K. Mohanti, celebrity chef and brand ambassador Shri Ranveer Brar, and Asian Games national record-holding pole vaulter Baranica Elangovan.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister urged stakeholders to transform Odisha into a ideal haven for international and domestic travelers. To accelerate growth across the sector, he highlighted key policy measures, including lowering the minimum room criteria for star hotels from 50 to 10 rooms under updated state policies. Additionally, the state has raised the capital investment subsidy cap from 20 crore rupees to a maximum of 120 crore rupees.
To build quality foundational infrastructure, the government has approved a budget of 1,500 crore rupees for the period between 2026 and 2031, alongside allocating a massive 5,500-acre land bank to streamline the setup of new hotels and resorts across key locations.
Prioritizing guest safety and hospitality, Chief Minister Majhi announced major security initiatives. A dedicated Tourist Police framework is being launched across 29 major tourist destinations in Odisha. Furthermore, to ensure safety along coastal regions and water sports venues, 1,000 trained lifeguards will be deployed through OSWALI. Destination Managers will also be stationed at high-footfall sites to streamline visitor experience and management.
Extending an appeal to citizens, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state must honor visitors according to the core Jagannath culture principle of Atithi Devo Bhava, ensuring travelers leave as true brand ambassadors for Odisha. In today’s digital era where news travels rapidly on social media, he emphasized collective effort in creating positive experiences for every tourist.
He noted that barring deserts, Odisha possesses nearly every natural landscape and beauty, boasting cultural landmarks like the Jagannath Temple and the Konark Sun Temple, a 575-kilometer coastline, the famous Bhitarkanika mangrove forests, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon Chilika, and the Hirakud Reservoir. Under the Viksit Odisha Vision 2036-2047 roadmap, local artisans, guides, and tour operators are being equipped with modern digital tools to deliver seamless travel experiences.
Deputy Chief Minister Shrimati Pravati Parida addressed the audience, highlighting that Odisha offers an authentic global experience driven by its Buddhist heritage, handlooms, heritage sites, Chilika, and eco-tourism offerings. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem focused on employment creation, skill development, adventure tourism, and economic growth.
Former Indian cricket captain and sports legend Kapil Dev graced the occasion, speaking on the intersection of sports, national identity, and development. He commended Odisha’s pivotal role in nurturing Indian hockey and expressed confidence that the state is rapidly advancing to become a premier sports hub of India.
The ceremony marked the launch of several digital portals and key initiatives, including a special coffee table book titled Pitha, Mitha Pana. The new Odisha Tourism Portal and the web-based Odisha Tourism Investment Incentive Management System app were launched to assist investors. The official jersey for the upcoming Puri Coastal Marathon was also unveiled during the event.