Odisha Eyes Global Spotlight with ₹8,155 Crore Investment in Tourism Sector

Odisha is accelerating its efforts to become a leading global destination for tourism, particularly in the areas of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding tourism. At the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 held on Wednesday, the state secured investment commitments totaling ₹8,155 crore, paving the way for luxury hotels, resorts, adventure parks, convention centers, and water-based tourism projects.

Transforming Odisha’s Tourism Landscape
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also oversees the tourism portfolio, emphasized the state’s potential, stating, “Odisha, with its rich cultural heritage and modern infrastructure, has long been India’s best-kept secret. Now, we are positioning it as a prime destination for MICE events and destination weddings. With the Prime Minister’s call for ‘concert tourism,’ we are also preparing for large-scale concerts that will further elevate our tourism sector.”

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly ecosystem, aligning with the Viksit Odisha Vision 2036. He highlighted tourism as a key driver of economic growth and job creation, ensuring streamlined processes for investors to establish their projects.

Major Investment Highlights
Odisha’s tourism sector received diverse investment commitments, spanning multiple segments:

• ₹2,387 crore for 23 resort projects across Koraput, Gajapati, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Puri, Khurda, Bhadrak, and Balasore.
• ₹3,792 crore for 47 new hotels in Puri, Sambalpur, Paradip, Gopalpur, Ganjam, and Bhubaneswar.
• ₹246 crore for 30 motel and wayside amenities centers, enhancing infrastructure for travelers.
• ₹554 crore for nine water sports and cruise projects in Puri, Khurda, Chilika, Sundargarh, and Cuttack.
• ₹23 crore for four adventure sports projects in Koraput and Sundargarh.
• ₹1,060 crore for multi-utility hospitality centers, catering to the growing demand for diverse tourism experiences.
• ₹58 crore for caravan tourism and ₹2.95 crore for camping tourism, reflecting a surge in experiential travel trends.

Expanding Cultural and Heritage Tourism
To further strengthen its cultural offerings, Odisha Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Council of Science Museums. This collaboration aims to develop new museums and interpretation centers, enhancing the state’s heritage attractions.

Tourism Secretary Balwant Singh revealed that 5,570 acres of land across 15 priority destinations have been identified for investment, with land verification and acquisition already in progress.

With these developments, Odisha is poised to become a top-tier destination for both domestic and international tourists, offering a blend of heritage, adventure, and modern luxury.