Bhubaneswar: The State Cabinet on Friday approved the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy-2026, with an aim to strengthen the state’s tourism sector in a big way and align it with the State’s Vision- 2036 and 2047.
The amendments build upon the Odisha Tourism Policy-2022 and seek to enhance investment competitiveness, promote sustainable and experiential tourism, encourage private sector participation, and ensure balanced regional development, Chief Secretary Anu Garg told reporters.
Major highlights of the approved policy include reduced investment threshold. The minimum inves
tment threshold for three-Star and above hotels and resorts has been reduced from 50 keys to 10 keys.
Similarly, expansion norms for existing tourism units have been rationalized by reducing the eligibility threshold from 50% to 25% of existing capacity.
Tourism projects will be eligible for CIS at 30%, capped at INR 50 Cr for investments up to INR 200 Cr and INR 100 Cr for investments above INR 200 Cr.
The policy expands Special Zones to include high-potential tourist destinations like Hirakud, Satkosia, Similipal, Ratnagiri-Udayagiri-Lalitgiri, and Bhitarkanika.
Museums and heritage properties are eligible for capital support of up to 40%, while electric boats, electric caravans, and art and craft theme complexes are eligible for capital support of up to 50%.
Officials said the policy is expected to attract substantial private investment, support the creation of 15,000 star-category hotel rooms by 2036, and generate lakhs of direct and indirect employment opportunities.