THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026

Odisha has set its sights on giving tourism a stronger local identity and a greater role in driving economic growth, with the State Government calling for coordinated action to transform lesser-known destinations, heritage sites and cultural assets into vibrant tourism hubs.

A high-level orientation programme for members of the Local Tourism Promotion Councils (LTPCs) was held virtually on Saturday under the chairpersonship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg, focusing on the roadmap outlined in the ‘Odisha Tourism Vision 2036–47’. Sub-Collectors, who also serve as chairpersons of the LTPCs in various districts, along with council members — including police station officers—and officials from concerned departments participated in the programme.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Secretary Anu Garg highlighted the vision of ‘Developed Odisha 2036’ and ‘Developed India 2047’, stressing that tourism must emerge as a powerful driver of economic development not only at the local level but also across districts, the State and the country.

She emphasised the “Think India, Think Odisha” approach and urged district-level officers to take an active role in unlocking the tourism potential of their respective areas. She pointed out that Odisha already has a range of policies and initiatives, including the Odisha Homestay Establishment Scheme-2025 and measures relating to eco-tourism, aimed at strengthening local tourism, creating employment and encouraging investment.

The Chief Secretary called for these policies and schemes to be translated into visible action on the ground. She stressed the importance of clean and well-maintained tourist destinations, basic amenities, hospitality and active participation of local youth in creating a welcoming and sustainable tourism ecosystem.

Sub-Collectors and LTPC members were advised to function as key facilitators of local tourism development alongside their regular administrative responsibilities. They were asked to identify new tourism destinations, heritage sites, homestays and natural resources within their jurisdictions and initiate measures for their development, preservation and promotion.

The meeting also underlined the need for close coordination among government departments to improve roads, sanitation, supporting infrastructure, signage, tourist facilities, youth training, homestays and wayside amenities. Such coordinated interventions, officials noted, would not only improve visitor experience but also help preserve and revitalise Odisha’s heritage and cultural destinations.

A major thrust of the meeting was the proposed ‘One District–Multiple Tourism Initiatives’ approach. The Chief Secretary directed district administrations to immediately identify and develop five to ten small tourism destinations in every district.

The initiative is expected to spread the economic benefits of tourism beyond established destinations and create new opportunities for rural communities, women, local youth and MSMEs.

To encourage healthy competition among districts and accelerate tourism development, the Chief Secretary also suggested introducing a tourism ranking system for districts. She urged district administrations to accord the highest priority to tourism-related initiatives.

The meeting placed considerable emphasis on developing tourism experiences rooted in Odisha’s unique cultural and natural heritage. Presentations were made on capital investment and land banks, tourism destinations and infrastructure, adventure tourism, homestays, and ethnic tourism based on tribal culture and lifestyles.

The focus on ethnic tourism carries particular significance for Odisha, where diverse tribal communities, traditional lifestyles, indigenous knowledge, crafts and cultural practices offer distinctive possibilities for responsible and community-oriented tourism.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Tourism Department Balwant Singh made a detailed presentation on the Tourism Vision 2036–2047, while Department Director Dipankar Mahapatra outlined the proposed course of action ahead.

With the State Government working towards establishing a land bank to facilitate tourism development and attract investment, Chief Secretary Garg directed Sub-Collectors to identify suitable land locally and actively contribute to the process.

The meeting also discussed measures to strengthen the tourism service ecosystem, including hotels, homestays, tour and travel services, tourist guides, transportation and curated tour packages, with the objective of providing visitors with better services while encouraging greater private investment in the sector.

The deliberations, held at Lok Seva Bhawan, were attended by senior officials of the Tourism Department and other concerned departments.