Brahmapur: The Odisha government is expanding its community-based tourism along its southern coast by developing homestay facilities in five fishermen-dominated seashore villages of Ganjam district’s Chikiti block.
The project encompasses Sonapur, Katura, Surala, Jhatipadara, and Eksingh, aiming to decentralise tourism, empower local fishing communities, and offer travellers authentic coastal and cultural experiences.
Sonapur beach, situated at the confluence of the Bahuda river and the Bay of Bengal roughly 30 km from Brahmapur, has retained its prestigious Blue Flag certification for three consecutive years. The internationally recognised eco-label, awarded for meeting strict standards of cleanliness, environmental sustainability, safety and visitor amenities, has been achieved with strong participation from the local community, positioning the stretch as a model for sustainable coastal tourism.
To capitalise on growing footfall at the Blue Flag beach, authorities have proposed 15 homestays in the adjoining villages. The expansion is backed by financial incentives under the Odisha Tourism Policy 2026. Prospective homestay operators will receive direct capital support, including a subsidy of Rs 2.5 lakh per room, along with state-sponsored capacity building, hospitality training, and marketing assistance, the TOI reported, adding that the incentive is designed to attract private participation while ensuring that tourism benefits flow directly into coastal communities.
An investors’ meet scheduled for Friday in Chhatrapur will bring together around 250 potential investors to discuss the new tourism policy and available schemes, including the homestay initiative. Ganjam Collector Keerthi Vasan V confirmed that the event will be attended by Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh. Discussions are expected to cover not only homestays but also broader investment opportunities in the district’s tourism sector.
Ganjam already draws domestic and international visitors with attractions such as Gopalpur beach, the Shakti shrine of Tara Tarini, the hot springs at Taptapani, historical sites at Jaugada and Potagada, and the wooden Biranchi Narayan temple often compared to Konark. By integrating local homestays into these travel routes and pairing it with the environmental credentials of a Blue Flag beach, the initiative aims to create sustainable income opportunities while preserving the cultural and ecological character of the Ganjam coastline.