Travel That Transforms: Odisha’s Tourism Story Of Impact

Tourism in Odisha is no longer merely about destinations. It is also about stories, experiences, and a sense of belonging. With a government deeply committed to sustainability, culture, and global partnerships, the state is crafting a new identity where every journey becomes a bridge between heritage and opportunity.

Under the Mohan Charan Majhi administration, tourism is being reimagined as a powerful force for inclusive progress and human connection.

At the centre of this effort, which blends cultural revival, employment generation, and destination branding, is Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida.

The ambition is clear: by 2047, Odisha seeks to rank among Asia’s top five eco-cultural tourism hubs. The targets? Equally ambitious.

The mission envisages five crore domestic tourists, seven lakh international arrivals, and a hospitality sector boasting 25,000 hotel keys, 15,000 star-category rooms, and 2,000 homestays by 2036.

The strategy is not limited to attracting numbers; it’s about reshaping perception about the state and its culture. Odisha is positioning itself as a place where visitors do more than go sightseeing. They connect with nature, heritage, and local enterprise.

A Vision Anchored in Experience and Sustainability

In the past year, Odisha has made headlines for more than just natural beauty.  It hosted events like the 6th Odisha Travel Bazaar and the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, attracting thousands of global stakeholders and reaffirming its place on the international tourism map.

The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation also launched 11 curated tour circuits that spanned spiritual, heritage, and ecological themes, thanks to improved air and rail connectivity.

Each initiative showcases a well thought out approach towards high-quality, immersive experiences rather than mere sightseeing.

The flagship Eco Retreat Odisha programme epitomises this philosophy. What began as a seasonal glamping pilot in Konark has evolved into a multi-location model operating across Ramchandi, Pati-Sonapur, Satkosia, Daringbadi, Hirakud, and Bhitarkanika.

Built on a ‘leave no trace’ ethic that envisages zero permanent construction and complete post-season dismantling, these retreats attracted 28,369 visitors this year.

Digital storytelling is woven into site experiences to enhance visitor engagement, with QR-coded trails, audio-visual kiosks, and local guides trained in immersive storytelling being introduced across key circuits. Odisha isn’t just promoting places, it's creating stories through experiences.

Destination Development Meets Investment Momentum

A major component of the success of Odisha’s tourism story lies in its strategic approach to destination readiness. The state has earmarked ₹100 crore each for the development of Hirakud and Satkosia.

Simlipal, Debrigarh, and the historic Khandagiri-Udayagiri caves are set for significant upgrades under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 programme, focusing on developing sustainable and responsible tourism destinations.

The PRASHAD scheme will support the revival of key pilgrimage destinations, including the Maa Kichakeshwari and Chousath Yogini temples in Khiching and Balangir.

Emerging tourism circuits are being conceptualised around river-based experiences, with the Mahanadi and Chilika identified as strategic hubs for developing experiential cruise tourism.

Proposals are in progress for the development of luxury houseboats and integrated jetty facilities, aimed at boosting transportation infrastructure in juxtaposition with leisure tourism.

The response from investors has been equally encouraging. Tourism projects worth ₹3,833 crore have already been approved, backed by a land bank of 4,780 acres earmarked for tourism development.

At the Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, the tourism sector alone attracted investment intents worth ₹8,154 crore, pointing to a sign of confidence in the state’s policy stability and growth trajectory.

Moreover, the state is proactively courting private players through clearances, subsidies, and a streamlined single-window system. Hospitality majors, boutique brands, and travel tech startups are now eyeing Odisha not just as a destination but as a growth opportunity.

The Architecture of a Sustainable Tourism Future

Odisha’s growing tourism sector is supported by strong regulatory and planning mechanisms. Recent measures such as the 2025 Adventure Tourism Guidelines, updated norms for homestays and boating operations, and proposed changes to coastal regulation and environmental clearances reflect a very positive shift toward practical and supportive governance.

Odisha is also using Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), public-private partnerships, and detailed destination masterplans to support long-term development. These efforts ensure that tourism infrastructure is sustainable and consistent with the state’s branding goals.

Additionally, systems for visitor management, improved logistics, and conservation models led by local communities are being implemented to balance growth with environmental responsibility.

Importantly, tourism is being integrated into Odisha’s wider economic strategy. The state is creating connections with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), tribal craftspersons, and self-help groups to make sure that the benefits of tourism reach the grassroots level.

What makes Odisha’s approach stand out is its focus on making tourism part of a larger story of change.

It is rooting for a strategy and vision that values the environment, includes local communities, and respects cultural roots.

Under the Majhi government, tourism is not just about attracting visitors. It’s about using travel as a tool to drive economic growth, create jobs, and shape a more inclusive future.

Odisha is fast evolving as a destination for travel lovers as well as a model for how tourism can support inclusiveness, a more planet-friendly approach and nation-building.