The Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 has emerged as a game-changer for Odisha’s tourism sector, attracting investment intents worth Rs 8,155 crore. The state is positioning itself as a premier hub for destination weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, rivaling established destinations like Rajasthan, Goa, and Kerala. The overwhelming response from investors underscores Odisha’s untapped potential as a global tourism hotspot.
Transforming Odisha’s Tourism Landscape
The investment proposals span luxury hotels, resorts, adventure and amusement parks, convention centers, cruise tourism, and water sports. Popular beach towns such as Puri, Konark, and Gopalpur are being actively promoted for high-profile weddings, corporate conferences, and large-scale business events.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida emphasized Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern amenities as key selling points. “Odisha has long been India’s best-kept secret. Now, we are strategically positioning the state as a preferred destination for MICE tourism and destination weddings,” she stated. She also highlighted plans to develop infrastructure for large-scale concerts, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting India as a concert economy.
Key Investment Proposals
The following investment commitments were received at the conclave:
· Rs 2,387 crore for 23 resort projects across Koraput, Gajapati, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Puri, Khurda, Bhadrak, and Balasore.
· Rs 3,792 crore for 47 luxury hotel projects in Puri, Sambalpur, Paradip, Gopalpur, Ganjam, and Bhubaneswar.
· Rs 246 crore for 30 motels and wayside amenities centers.
· Rs 554 crore for nine water sports and cruise projects in Puri, Khurda, Chilika, Sundargarh, and Cuttack.
· Rs 23 crore for four adventure sports projects in Koraput and Sundargarh.
· Rs 1,060 crore for multi-utility hospitality centers.
· Rs 58 crore for caravan tourism and Rs 2.95 crore for camping tourism.
Infrastructure and Future Roadmap
Tourism Secretary Balwant Singh announced that Odisha tourism has earmarked 5,570 acres of investible land across 15 priority destinations. The process of verification and acquisition is already underway to facilitate seamless project implementation.
Additionally, Odisha Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Council of Science Museums to develop new museums and interpretation centers, further enriching the state’s cultural tourism offerings.
A Promising Future for Odisha Tourism
The success of the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave has laid a strong foundation for Odisha’s emergence as a key player in India’s tourism sector. With large-scale investments, strategic planning, and government support, the state is poised for an economic transformation. As these projects take shape, Odisha is set to become a leading destination for weddings, corporate events, and adventure tourism, fostering employment and economic growth in the region.
(With inputs from agencies)