Odisha observed World Tourism Day 2026 with a state-level programme at the State Convention Centre, Lok Seba Bhawan, focusing on digital innovation, sustainable tourism infrastructure, institutional partnerships and community participation.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida attended the event as the Chief Guest, while Chief Secretary Anu Garg was present as the Guest of Honour.

Key Partnerships and Financial Assistance

The Department of Tourism signed several important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship and institutional cooperation.

• State Bank of India (SBI): The partnership will support rural homestay owners by improving access to financial assistance and loans.
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The MoU aims to strengthen heritage tourism initiatives and support the preservation of important heritage sites. ASI Director General Shri Yadubir Singh Rawat also addressed the gathering on heritage conservation.
• Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association: The agreement focuses on developing and formalising adventure tourism across Odisha’s water bodies.

The event also saw the distribution of provisional registration certificates (PRCs) to 17 beneficiaries under the state’s Homestay Scheme, encouraging local families to become part of the tourism economy.

Focus on Eco-Friendly Tourism and Visitor Mobility

Several initiatives were launched to improve transportation and tourism experiences across the state. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida flagged off new OTDC luxury coaches, providing additional travel options for visitors.

A virtual flag-off also marked the introduction of an OTDC EV Boat at Barkul and a catamaran operated by Swosti at Chilika Lake. The initiatives are aimed at supporting more environmentally friendly tourism and water-based travel.

Tourism Workshops and Khandagiri Light & Sound Show

The programme included training sessions for homestay operators along with an Ethnic Tourism workshop. Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh highlighted the importance of such initiatives in promoting inclusive and sustainable tourism development.

The day’s programme concluded with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurating a new Light & Sound Show at Khandagiri. The attraction combines modern storytelling techniques with Odisha’s ancient cultural and historical heritage.

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World Tourism Day 2026: Odisha Unveils New Tourism Partnerships, EV Boat and Digital Initiatives

Odisha celebrated World Tourism Day 2026 with a series of tourism-focused initiatives designed to strengthen sustainable development, digital innovation, heritage conservation and community-led tourism.

The state-level celebration was organised at the State Convention Centre, Lok Seba Bhawan. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida attended as Chief Guest, with Chief Secretary Anu Garg serving as Guest of Honour.

Tourism Department Signs Major MoUs

As part of the celebrations, the Department of Tourism entered into multiple strategic partnerships to promote entrepreneurship and expand tourism opportunities across Odisha.

The MoUs included:

State Bank of India (SBI): The agreement is intended to improve access to loans and financial support for rural homestay operators.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): The partnership seeks to strengthen heritage tourism and institutional cooperation for the preservation of Odisha’s heritage assets. ASI Director General Shri Yadubir Singh Rawat spoke about the importance of protecting India’s historical heritage.

Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association: The agreement aims to develop and formalise adventure tourism activities across Odisha’s rivers, lakes and other water bodies.

In another initiative supporting local participation, 17 beneficiaries received provisional registration certificates under the state’s Homestay Scheme.

New Transport and Eco-Tourism Initiatives

The celebrations also highlighted new measures designed to improve tourist mobility and promote sustainable travel.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida flagged off new OTDC luxury coaches, adding to the state’s tourism transportation options.

At Chilika Lake and Barkul, new water-based tourism facilities were also introduced through a virtual flag-off. These included an OTDC electric boat at Barkul and a catamaran by Swosti at Chilika Lake, supporting cleaner and more sustainable navigation.

Training and Ethnic Tourism Development

The programme also included specialised training for homestay operators and an Ethnic Tourism workshop. Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh emphasised that these initiatives can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable tourism growth while creating opportunities for local communities.

Khandagiri Gets a New Light & Sound Show

The World Tourism Day celebrations concluded with the inauguration of a new Light & Sound Show at Khandagiri by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.

The attraction uses modern audiovisual storytelling to showcase Odisha’s ancient heritage, providing visitors with another way to experience the state’s history and culture.