Bhubaneswar, 01 October, 2026: Odisha is positioning itself to play a leading role in India’s tourism and hospitality growth, with a strong focus on attracting global visitors, promoting local entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities for the youth.
Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha Smt. Pravati Parida on Thursday officially announced the 7th edition of Odisha Travel Bazaar (OTB) 2026, which will be held from October 3 to 5 at Mayfair Sanctuary, Bhubaneswar. The announcement was made at a pre-event press conference held at Mayfair Lagoon.
Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, 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.
Speaking at the press conference, Smt. Pravati Parida said 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.
“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.
She 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 Chief Minister added.
Highlighting the inclusive approach of the state’s tourism policy, Smt. 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.
She further emphasised the importance of creating memorable experiences for tourists through Odisha’s culture, traditions and local communities.
“Tourists may forget room numbers or taxi numbers, but they never forget the experience they carry back with them,” she said.
The Deputy Chief Minister invited media professionals and global tourism stakeholders to serve as brand ambassadors for Odisha by promoting its rich cultural heritage and living rural traditions to international audiences. During the subsequent Q&A session, the Deputy CM addressed key questions and concerns regarding the state’s tourism sector.
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 Shri 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.
Other dignitaries present at the press conference included Shri Balwant Singh, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Tourism, Shri Deepankar Mohapatra, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Shri Dhiman Majumdar, Secretary General, Hotel and restaurant Association of Odisha(HRAO), Shri Alok Moharana, Secretary, Travel Agent Association of Odisha(TAAO), Shri Gagan Sarangi, Chairman, Indian Association of our Operators(IATO), Odisha Chapter, Shri Debasish Mishra, President, Enterprising Knot of Travel and Tourism Associates(EKTTA) & Sri Yugabrata Kar, Secretary, OTOA.
The Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, has been invited to inaugurate the three-day Odisha Travel Bazaar 2026. The event is also expected to be attended by the Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Secretary, Tourism, senior government officials and representatives from the tourism and hospitality industry.
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.