Monday, July 7, 2025

Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, saw a milestone occasion on Wednesday as Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati highlighted the potential for Odisha to become a leading tourism destination in the world. In addressing the sixth Odisha Tourism Conclave, Kambhampati presented a future-oriented vision placing tourism as a major engine of economic expansion, employment generation, and conservation of Odisha’s cultural and natural assets. Through a systematic plan, the state will gain global recognition and develop a thriving, sustainably based tourism sector, ultimately leading towards a developed Odisha by 2036 and a developed India by 2047.

Tourism, according to Governor Kambhampati, is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy, with immense potential for both direct and indirect employment. The tourism ecosystem in Odisha has the capacity to create thousands of jobs across various sectors such as hospitality, food and beverage, transportation, cultural activities, and handicrafts. It plays an essential role in boosting local economies, fostering sustainable development, and improving infrastructure.

Kambhampati further highlighted that tourism could significantly contribute to preserving the state’s rich cultural and natural heritage. He explained how the promotion of eco-tourism and cultural tourism can provide the resources necessary to protect Odisha’s heritage sites and biodiversity. This aligns with the state’s commitment to sustainable development while advancing its tourism ambitions.

The governor also acknowledged tourism’s role in facilitating investment opportunities, boosting trade, and creating an inclusive society. By transforming Odisha into a key tourism hub, the state would witness an influx of investment in both the hospitality sector and infrastructure development, laying the foundation for long-term economic prosperity.

Kambhampati emphasized that tourism plays a vital role in shaping Odisha’s aspirations for future growth. The state’s strategic focus includes enhancing its spiritual, cultural, and ecological assets to attract global tourists. One of the key priorities is to transform Puri into a global spiritual center, capitalizing on its existing popularity as a pilgrimage destination. With its association with the Jagannath Temple, Puri already holds deep spiritual significance, and the state aims to position it as a world-renowned center for spiritual tourism.

The development of the Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark heritage circuit is another important element of the tourism strategy. These sites, which boast centuries-old architectural marvels and historical significance, offer visitors an immersive experience into Odisha’s rich cultural legacy. The state is also making strides in promoting the Buddhist heritage of the region, with the development of integrated Buddhist sites such as Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri. These sites, known for their historical and religious importance, can potentially attract tourists interested in history, culture, and spirituality.

In addition to heritage tourism, Odisha is focusing on eco-tourism projects that can offer visitors a chance to experience the state’s stunning landscapes and biodiversity. Eco-tourism initiatives will help promote sustainable travel, drawing tourists to places like Chilika Lake and Bhitarkanika, both of which are rich in flora and fauna and are ideal for nature-based tourism.

Governor Kambhampati acknowledged that the success of Odisha’s tourism revival depends on the development of world-class infrastructure. Key initiatives are already underway, with the expansion of air connectivity from Bhubaneswar to global destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These international connections are expected to make it easier for tourists from across the globe to visit Odisha, helping to put the state on the global tourism map.

The government is also working to enhance local transport infrastructure. Plans for the expansion of electric bus services, along with new ropeway projects and the development of inland waterways in Chilika and Bhitarkanika, will improve the overall travel experience for tourists and facilitate access to remote regions. These infrastructure improvements are essential for creating a seamless travel experience, making Odisha a more attractive destination for both international and domestic visitors.

Furthermore, Odisha’s tourism department is exploring ways to ease the process for investors in the hospitality sector. Tourism Director Mansi Nimbhal mentioned that the state plans to establish a facilitation cell to ensure faster approvals for investors in the sector. This initiative is expected to drive growth in the hospitality industry, attracting both large and small-scale investments.

Tourism is often called a “job creator,” and for Odisha, it is seen as a powerful means of empowering local communities. With its potential for direct employment in the hospitality industry, transportation, and cultural services, tourism can provide much-needed jobs to young people and marginalized groups in both urban and rural areas. In particular, the expansion of eco-tourism and heritage tourism offers opportunities for communities to participate in sustainable tourism practices, including becoming guides, artisans, and small business owners catering to tourists.

Kambhampati’s speech underscored how tourism, by creating jobs and fostering skills development, could serve as a vehicle for social inclusion. By investing in tourism-related training programs and community-based tourism initiatives, Odisha can ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt across all sectors of society, promoting both economic and social welfare.

The Odisha Tourism Conclave served as an important platform for discussing strategies to elevate the state’s tourism offerings. This event brought together various stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and tourism professionals, who contributed their insights into how Odisha can successfully position itself on the global tourism map.

While the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage are undeniable assets, Odisha’s tourism sector still faces challenges in competing with more established destinations. The development of Odisha’s tourism industry requires a coordinated effort among government agencies, the private sector, and local communities. Building strong partnerships and collaborations is crucial to creating a tourism ecosystem that can thrive in the competitive global market.

In addition, public-private partnerships will play a significant role in bringing about large-scale investments in the hospitality sector, infrastructure, and conservation efforts. By attracting global investors and international tourism brands, Odisha can ensure the successful implementation of its tourism strategy.

Despite the optimism surrounding Odisha’s tourism ambitions, challenges remain. While infrastructure development is progressing, the state still faces significant gaps in accommodation capacity, especially in remote and ecologically sensitive areas. As more tourists are expected to visit, there is an urgent need to ensure that accommodations meet international standards, particularly in terms of sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

Additionally, there are security concerns in certain regions of Odisha, particularly in the tribal areas, that could impact tourism growth. Ensuring safety and security for tourists will be critical to building trust and attracting visitors from abroad.

Environmental conservation is another area of concern. With the rise in eco-tourism, it is essential that Odisha takes proactive steps to manage its natural resources sustainably, ensuring that tourism development does not harm the environment. Balancing growth with conservation is a delicate but necessary task for the long-term success of Odisha’s tourism industry.

Odisha’s tourism revolution is a long-term plan which, if implemented, will bring lasting social and economic benefits to the state. Quoting Governor Kambhampati, Odisha can be propelled towards the destination of being a developed state in 2036 through long-term developmental plans and a world-class tourism infrastructure. Through sustained efforts in cultivating cultural, spiritual, and eco-tourism, Odisha can become the leading force in Indian tourism. Through the unique attractions it possesses and investment in infrastructure and prioritization towards sustainability, it can very well be the next hot destination in the world in the next few years.

By cultivating its cultural traditions, conserving its wild scenery, and improving connectivity, Odisha is slowly but surely unlocking its tourism potential. It’s an opportune moment in Odisha’s history, and the world takes notice as Odisha sets about this revitalization process.

Sources: Government of Odisha, Department of Tourism, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO), Odisha State Government, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

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