Tourism plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of Odisha. With its unique blend of heritage sites, diverse ecosystems, tribal traditions, crafts, festivals, and coastal beauty, the state holds immense potential to emerge as one of India’s most vibrant and sustainable tourism destinations. The sector is not only a major source of employment and entrepreneurship especially for rural and tribal communities, but also a catalyst for infrastructure development, global visibility, and cultural exchange.

The 6th Odisha Tourism Conclave 2025, jointly organized by the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) and World Trade Center Bhubaneswar brought together an esteemed group of stakeholders from the tourism, hospitality, government, and international trade sectors to chart the future course of Odisha’s tourism development.

Centered around the theme “Positioning Viksit Odisha on India’s Tourism Map,” the conclave sparked in-depth discussions on several priority areas crucial for shaping the future of Odisha’s tourism landscape. A key area of focus was the development of core tourism infrastructure and hospitality projects, with stakeholders highlighting the urgent need for improvements in connectivity, quality accommodations and tourist amenities at major destinations. Investment in hotel construction and modern hospitality services was underscored as essential for enhancing Odisha’s capacity to host both domestic and international tourists.

Another significant highlight was the introduction of 21-day immersive tourism packages, aimed at encouraging longer and more meaningful stays. These extended travel circuits are designed to immerse visitors in Odisha’s diverse cultural, natural, and culinary experiences, thereby increasing tourist spending, deepening engagement, and contributing to regional economic growth.

The conclave also placed strong emphasis on strengthening Odisha’s global tourism profile. Delegates discussed strategies to attract foreign tourists through targeted marketing, international partnerships, and enhanced digital outreach. The need to reposition Odisha on the global tourism map as a culturally rich and experiential destination was echoed throughout the sessions.

In addition, the importance of building sustainable tourism ecosystems was widely discussed. Participants explored the integration of eco-friendly tourism models, community participation, and digital innovation to create tourism experiences that are both inclusive and environmentally responsible. Special attention was given to preserving Odisha’s unique heritage while fostering investment in cultural showcasing and modern tourism infrastructure.

As part of the outcome, recommendations were gathered from participating stakeholders across sectors, which shall be compiled into a formal document and submitted to the State Government of Odisha to inform future tourism policy, investment frameworks, and promotional strategies.

The 6th Odisha Tourism Conclave 2025 reaffirmed the state’s vision of tourism as a transformative economic and cultural force. With focused efforts on infrastructure, long-stay travel, sustainability, and global branding, Odisha is well on its way to becoming a leading experiential tourism destination in India and beyond.

The collaboration between HRAO and World Trade Center Bhubaneswar provided a meaningful platform for collective thinking, innovative ideas, and strategic alignment between policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders.

The event was held on Wednesday, 25^th June 2025 at Hotel Swosti Premium, Bhubaneswar.