Bhubaneswar: Odisha is all set to position itself to play a leading role in India’s tourism and hospitality growth, with a strong focus on attracting global visitors, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said on Thursday.
Parida made this statement while officially announcing the 7th edition of Odisha Travel Bazaar (OTB) 2026, which will be held from October 3 to 5 here.
Organised by the Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the three-day B2B tourism marketplace will bring together more than 92 private company exhibitors, foreign tour operators from 27 countries and domestic buyers from 32 cities. The event is expected to facilitate more than 6,000 pre-scheduled business meetings.
Odisha is pursuing an ambitious tourism strategy aimed at generating direct economic benefits for local communities while strengthening the state’s position on the global tourism map, said Parida.
“Our tagline is ‘Think India, Think Odisha.’ If anyone in the world wishes to invest in India or explore India, they must think of Odisha first. Through our progressive policies in adventure tourism, homestays and hospitality, Odisha is advancing on a war footing to drive the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision,” she said.
Parida said Odisha Travel Bazaar would go beyond promoting tourism destinations and would also act as a platform for learning, skill development, career opportunities, entrepreneurship and investment for the youth of Odisha.
“Odisha Travel Bazaar will serve as a learning and training platform for our youth, acting not just as a tool for bringing visitors, but as a direct vehicle for career opportunities, entrepreneurship, investment and local economic development for Odia youth in their own regions,” the Deputy C M said.
Highlighting the inclusive approach of the state’s tourism policy, Parida said the economic benefits generated by tourism should reach communities and small businesses across Odisha rather than remain limited to hotels and resorts.
“We do not want the benefits of tourism to remain confined to hotels and resorts alone; the gains must extend directly to tour guides, drivers, local artisans, homestay operators, small entrepreneurs and service providers to build an economically vibrant and socially inclusive ecosystem,” she said.
Parida further emphasised the importance of creating memorable experiences for tourists through Odisha’s culture, traditions and local communities.
As part of OTB 2026, eight pre- and post-event Familiarization (FAM) Tours will be organised to different destinations across the state. Tour operators, buyers, media representatives and influencers will get first-hand exposure to Odisha’s diverse tourism products. Key highlights of the event included an experience-sharing session by celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar to promote culinary tourism.
The FAM tours will showcase the state’s heritage and spirituality, nature and wildlife, tribal traditions, coastal attractions and experiential tourism offerings, helping participating stakeholders understand the destinations and tourism experiences available across Odisha.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to inaugurate the three-day Odisha Travel Bazaar 2026.
With participation from international and domestic tourism stakeholders, OTB 2026 is expected to provide a platform for business networking, destination promotion and partnerships, while strengthening Odisha’s efforts to expand tourism-led employment, entrepreneurship and local economic development, officials said.
