Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and other officials at the event outlining the state’s tourism strategy
In a move aimed at strengthening Odisha’s position in the global tourism market, the state government has announced the seventh edition of Odisha Travel Bazaar (OTB) 2026, which will be held from October 3 to 5 in Bhubaneswar.
Announcing the event at a pre-event press conference, , Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, said the state is pursuing an ambitious tourism strategy focused on attracting visitors and investment while ensuring that tourism generates economic opportunities for local communities.
In a press statement, the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, says that OTB 2026 is being organised in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The three-day B2B tourism marketplace will feature more than 92 private company exhibitors, foreign tour operators from 27 countries and domestic buyers from 32 cities. More than 6,000 pre-scheduled business meetings are expected to take place during the event.
Also Read: Odisha’s overlooked Buddhist triangle
Parida said the state wants Odisha to become a prominent part of India’s tourism and investment landscape, highlighting the government’s focus on adventure tourism, homestays and hospitality.
“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,” says Parida.
She added that OTB would go beyond destination promotion by providing opportunities for learning, skill development, careers, entrepreneurship and investment for young people in the state.
“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,” she says.
The state government is also seeking to ensure that tourism-related economic benefits reach smaller businesses and communities across Odisha rather than being concentrated among 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,” says Parida.
Also Read: Kanhakund: Grand Canyon of Odisha
The Minister also highlighted the importance of local culture and community experiences in tourism, saying that visitors are likely to retain memories of their experiences rather than details such as accommodation or transport.
“Tourists may forget room numbers or taxi numbers, but they never forget the experience they carry back with them,” she says.
As part of OTB 2026, eight pre- and post-event familiarisation (FAM) tours will take international and domestic buyers, tour operators, media representatives and influencers to different destinations across Odisha. The tours will showcase the state’s heritage and spiritual attractions, nature and wildlife, tribal traditions, coastal destinations and experiential tourism offerings.
The event will also feature an experience-sharing session by celebrity chef Ranveer Brar as part of efforts to promote culinary tourism in the state.
The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, has been invited to inaugurate the three-day event. Senior government officials and representatives from the tourism and hospitality industry are also expected to attend.
With participation from tourism stakeholders from 27 countries and domestic buyers from 32 cities, OTB 2026 is expected to facilitate business networking, destination promotion and industry partnerships while supporting Odisha’s efforts to expand tourism-led employment, entrepreneurship and local economic development.
