THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
APRIL 29, 2026
Odisha
Tourism reinforced its growing stature on the national and global tourism map
by securing two coveted honours at the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) 2026
in Jaipur, underlining the state's remarkable strides in tourism development
and destination branding.
The
state was conferred the prestigious Travel & Tourism Excellence Award 2026
for "Outstanding Contribution in Tourism Development", a recognition
of Odisha's sustained efforts in strengthening tourism infrastructure,
implementing progressive policies, and promoting its diverse destinations.
Adding another feather to its cap, Odisha Tourism also won the Best Stall in
the Public Sector Category, applauded for its immersive design, innovative
presentation, and compelling experiential storytelling.
Showcasing
a dynamic and strategic presence at one of India's premier travel and tourism
platforms, Odisha Tourism further solidified its positioning as a
high-potential global destination. The state's participation was bolstered by a
delegation of 11 co-exhibitors from Odisha, comprising leading tour operators,
hospitality players, and tourism service providers, collectively presenting a
robust and market-ready tourism ecosystem.
The
Odisha Pavilion emerged as one of the most sought-after attractions at the
event, drawing enthusiastic attention from international buyers, Foreign Tour
Operators (FTOs), and Destination Management Companies (DMCs). Through more
than 120 focused G2B meetings and high-level networking sessions, Odisha
effectively showcased its rich portfolio spanning heritage, spiritual, coastal,
eco, and experiential tourism offerings.
A
major highlight was Odisha's emphasis on its enhanced readiness for global
travel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions)
opportunities. The state highlighted the recently amended Odisha Tourism Policy
2026, designed to strengthen infrastructure, incentivise investments, and
position Odisha as a highly competitive and investor-friendly tourism
destination.
Participating
stakeholders from Odisha also held a series of productive business meetings
with international buyers, paving the way for meaningful partnerships and
future collaborations.
This
successful outreach is expected to significantly boost Odisha's global
visibility while deepening partnerships with international tour operators and
industry stakeholders. It also serves as a strategic precursor to the 7th
edition of the Odisha Travel Bazaar, scheduled to be held from October 3 to 5,
2026, which will bring leading FTOs, DMCs, and buyers to the state, further
accelerating inbound tourism and investment opportunities.
These
twin recognitions underscore Odisha's rising prominence as a distinctive and
compelling tourism destination on the global stage. Building on this momentum,
the Department of Tourism will continue to expand international collaborations,
enrich visitor experiences, and unlock fresh investment avenues to further
elevate Odisha's standing in the global tourism landscape.
