Bhubaneswar: Odisha Tourism posted a strong presence at the India International Travel Mart (IITM) Hyderabad, showcasing the state’s diverse natural, cultural, and sustainable tourism experiences.
The three-day national travel exhibition, inaugurated at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, brought together over 200 exhibitors from across India and abroad, positioning Odisha as a leading destination for responsible and nature-based tourism.
A total of 11 co-exhibitors from Odisha participated in the event, further strengthening the State’s collective representation and outreach at the prestigious platform.
A proud highlight for the state was the conferment of the “Best Wildlife Conservation Effort in India” award, recognising Odisha’s exemplary initiatives in protecting wildlife habitats, conserving endangered species, and pro
moting sustainable tourism across ecologically sensitive regions, a press release said on Tuesday.
From preserving the rich biodiversity of Similipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, and Satkosia Tiger Reserve to globally acclaimed conservation efforts for Olive Ridley turtle breeding grounds at Gahirmatha and Rushikulya, Odisha continues to set national benchmarks in ecotourism and environmental stewardship.
Odisha Tourism’s pavilion at IITM attracted wide attention, featuring immersive showcases of the State’s eco-retreats, nature trails, heritage circuits and adventure offerings. The State delegation engaged with travel industry stakeholders, tour operators, and international representatives to strengthen partnerships and open new avenues for tourism promotion.
The award reflects Odisha Tourism’s commitment to balancing tourism growth with conservation priorities, through initiatives such as low-impact ecotourism infrastructure, trained community eco-guides, interpretation centres, and responsible visitor management systems.
Odisha Tourism’s participation at IITM Hyderabad underscores its vision of positioning the State as one of India’s most sustainable, enriching, and future-ready travel destinations.