At the HRAO-organised conclave in Bhubaneswar, state leaders and tourism stakeholders call for coordinated development, stronger connectivity, private investment and a five-year roadmap to position Odisha as a 21-night destination
OdishaPlus Bureau
Odisha’s ambition to position itself as a leading tourism destination under the vision of “Think India, Think Odisha” took centre stage at the inauguration of the 7th Odisha Tourism Conclave 2026 on Friday, with industry leaders and the state government calling for coordinated efforts to encourage longer stays and promote destinations beyond established tourist centres.
Odisha Government called for coordinated action under the vision of “Tourism for All and All for Tourism”, while industry leaders urged a long-term roadmap to position Odisha as a 21-night destination.
Organised by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) at Hotel Swosti Premium, Bhubaneswar, the conclave focused on the theme “Odisha – Experience The Extraordinary.” The event brought together government representatives, hospitality leaders, tourism professionals, other industry stakeholders and media to discuss investment, infrastructure, connectivity, destination development and strategies for sustainable tourism growth.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida highlighted policy reforms and investment initiatives to expand tourism infrastructure. She cited around 125 tourism projects worth approximately ₹5,800 crore approved through state investment-clearance mechanisms and a tourism land bank of around 5,500 acres. She also stressed private-sector participation, homestays and community-based enterprises as avenues for creating opportunities for young people and women.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg cited the ambitious vision of the State Government in the plan “Tourism for All and All for Tourism” while emphasizing that tourism must become a shared priority across government departments, with better roads, transport connectivity, sanitation, signage and public facilities shaping the visitor experience. She highlighted the sector’s potential to attract private investment and generate employment, including the state’s ambition to create 25 lakh tourism-related jobs by 2047.
Referring to the recent Odisha Travel Bazaar, she said 181 letters of intent had been secured from hotel brands, representing proposed investments of around ₹11,500 crore and approximately 14,000 rooms.
HRAO Chairman Dr J. K. Mohanty said the conclave aims to bring stakeholders from hospitality, transport, aviation and tourism together to build a more connected visitor experience. He called for a five-year roadmap, supported by regular reviews of tourist arrivals and progress.
Ekamra MLA Babu Singh highlighted on the need to expand tourism beyond the Bhubaneswar–Puri–Konark circuit. Better accommodation, infrastructure and connectivity in other parts of Odisha, he said, would help spread tourism’s economic benefits and support circuits centred on spiritual, Buddhist and ecological attractions.
Hosted as an annual activity by HRAO, the Odisha Tourism Conclave offers an important opportunity for visioning & roadmap setting, strategic deliberations, discussions and networking. At the heart of this year’s deliberations is an ambitious proposition: positioning Odisha as a destination that offers the diversity, depth and distinctive experiences to inspire travelers to spend three weeks exploring the state. The conclave deliberated on various aspects of tourism spread across 5 thematic sessions joined by eminent dignitaries.