By Nageshwar Patnaik in Bhubaneswar, October 3, 2026: In a bid to push Odisha into a global tourism destination, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday launched the Odisha Tourism Investment Incentive Management System and a new Odisha Tourism Portal.

Tourism should become a key driver of the state’s economic growth and job creation, he said while speaking at the seventh edition of the Odisha Travel Bazaar, attended by investors and hospitality industry representatives from India and abroad.

Majhi elaborated the government’s policy changes to speed up investment and build world-class tourism infrastructure, which include the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy, 2026, easier rules for the hotel industry, higher capital subsidy limits, a dedicated land bank, and safety measures at major tourist sites and beaches.

Majhi said Odisha had built a distinct identity on the global tourism map with its 575-km coastline, heritage, architecture and rich cultural traditions. “In alignment with the vision of ‘Developed Odisha’, our goal is to position tourism as a key pillar of the state’s economic progress and job creation,” he said.

He also invited investors, hospitality brands and tourism partners from India and abroad to invest in the sector, and urged people to welcome visitors in keeping with Odisha’s tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava”.

He said the minimum room requirement for star hotels had been reduced from 50 to 10 to support faster growth in the sector. The capital subsidy limit has been raised from Rs 20 crore to Rs 120 crore, while a budget of Rs 1,500 crore and a 5,500-acre land bank have been approved for 2026-31 for tourism infrastructure, including new hotels and resorts.

Stressing the importance of safety in promoting tourism, the chief minister said Tourist Police and Destination Managers were being deployed at 29 major tourist sites, while 1,000 lifeguards would be stationed along Odisha’s beaches.

Highlighting the state’s attractions, he referred to the Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, Bhitarkanika mangrove forests, Chilika Lake, Hirakud Reservoir and the coastline.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said Odisha was not merely a tourist destination but a global experience. “Our Buddhist heritage, handlooms, heritage sites, the vast Chilika Lake, and eco-tourism initiatives stand as a testament to this. Our culture was not created for tourism; it remains vibrant in its authentic, original form,” she said.

She added that the state government was building an ecosystem for sustainable tourism that would support employment generation and skill development.

Former India cricket captain Kapil Dev, who attended the event, said sports and athletes played an important role in giving countries global recognition. Referring to India’s growing success at international events, including the Asian Games and Olympics, he said, “Odisha has played a significant role in advancing not just tourism, but also Indian hockey. Today, we can proudly say that in the near future, Odisha will emerge not only as a tourism destination but also as India’s premier ‘sports hub’.”

Majhi also released a coffee table book titled ‘Pitha, Mitha, Pana’ at the event.