Bhubaneswar, 03 October (H.S.): Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday inaugurated the seventh edition of the Odisha Travel Bazaar here, calling upon domestic and international investors, hospitality brands and tourism partners to invest in the state’s tourism sector.

Majhi said Odisha was being developed as a major tourist destination through policy reforms, infrastructure development and improved visitor services. Under the new tourism policy, the minimum room requirement for star hotels has been reduced from 50 to 10, while the maximum capital subsidy has been raised from Rs 20 crore to Rs 120 crore.

The government has approved Rs 1,500 crore for tourism infrastructure development during 2026-31 and a 5,500-acre land bank to facilitate new hotels and resorts, he said.

The Chief Minister announced Tourist Police at 29 major tourist destinations and deployment of 1,000 trained lifeguards through OSWALI at beaches and water-sports locations. Destination managers will also be appointed at high-footfall tourist sites.

Urging people to follow the spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, Majhi said tourists and devotees visiting Odisha should receive the highest level of hospitality. Their positive experiences, he said, could make them “brand ambassadors” of the state.

Highlighting Odisha’s tourism potential, Majhi referred to the Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, 575-km coastline, Bhitarkanika mangroves, Chilika Lake and Hirakud reservoir. He said the tourism sector was being strengthened under the ‘Developed Odisha Vision 2036-2047’, while local artisans, guides and tour operators were being equipped with digital skills.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said Odisha was not merely a tourist destination but “a global experience”, citing its Buddhist heritage, handloom, historical sites, Chilika and eco-tourism. She said the government was creating an ecosystem for sustainable tourism, employment and skill development, while strengthening adventure tourism.

Former India cricket captain Kapil Dev said Odisha had made a significant contribution to Indian hockey and could emerge as a leading sports hub alongside its tourism growth.

The Chief Minister also launched the new Odisha Tourism Portal and the Odisha Tourism Investment Incentive Management System web application for tourism promotion and investor facilitation. He released the coffee-table book Pitha, Mitha Pana and unveiled the jersey for the upcoming Puri Coastal Marathon.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, Tourism Director Dipankar Mahapatra, FICCI National Tourism Committee Co-Chairman Dr J.K. Mohanty, celebrity Odia cuisine brand ambassador Ranveer Brar and Asian Games pole-vault national record holder Varanika Elangovan were among those present.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda