image credits: Department of Tourism, Odisha
At the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) 2025 in Jaipur, Odisha Tourism Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida is leading a result-focused campaign to position Odisha as a premier destination for tourism, with a special emphasis on the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. The state’s delegation has rolled out an ambitious agenda, engaging national and international stakeholders through strategic business meetings, high-level dialogues, and targeted discussions.
What is the MICE Tourism Strategy?
Odisha’s presence at GITB 2025 is marked by establishing the state as an emerging MICE destination. The delegation, led by Parida and Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, has prioritized discussions with key players in the tourism and event management ecosystem. Singh, representing Odisha at the Secretaries’ Roundtable on MICE Tourism, highlighted the state’s proven track record in hosting large-scale events such as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025, the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, and the Asian Athletics Championship. These events, supported by infrastructure developed within 90 days, demonstrate Odisha’s operational efficiency to host global conventions.
The state has introduced innovative delegate management systems, including portal-based coordination, real-time movement tracking, and community-integrated planning. These advancements position Odisha as a model for scalable and replicable MICE operations, drawing significant interest from event management agencies (EMAs), foreign tour operators (FTOs), and destination management companies (DMCs).
How is Odisha Tourism Engaging Stakeholders at GITB 2025?
A high-level stakeholder meeting on MICE Tourism, chaired by Parida, brought together over 45 participants, including representatives from EMAs, FTOs, and DMCs. Parida emphasized the state government’s commitment to addressing operational challenges in the tourism sector through policy-driven incentives and a strong Ease of Doing Business framework. “We are dedicated to creating a seamless experience for our industry partners and invite global stakeholders to explore Odisha’s potential,” she said, extending a warm invitation to collaborate.
Tourism Director Mansi Nimbhal presented a compelling case for Odisha’s MICE potential. The session, moderated by Lokesh Kumar, PMU Team Leader and Director at EY, facilitated productive government-to-business (G2B) and business-to-business (B2B) dialogues, strengthening ties with logistics providers and tour operators. Odisha’s policy efforts, including incentive-based frameworks, fast-tracked NOCs, and support for diverse venues right from state-of-the-art convention centres to eco-retreats, were highlighted as key enablers for MICE tourism growth.
National Recognition and Support for Odisha Tourism at GITB 2025
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, speaking at the inaugural session of GITB during the “Meet in India Conclave,” praised Odisha’s proactive approach. “Odisha’s campaign at GITB reflects a clear vision and sets a benchmark for regional tourism scaled to international standards,” he noted. Shekhawat also commended the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in driving sustainable tourism and assured continued central support to promote Odisha as a national and international hub.
Forging Odisha as a Holistic Tourism Destination
Odisha’s campaign at GITB 2025 goes beyond MICE, promoting the state as a holistic tourism destination. The delegation is engaging domestic and international travel operators, destination planners, and investors, emphasizing heritage, ecotourism, culture, and business travel. Odisha’s rich offerings, from coastal retreats and heritage sites to adventure tourism and scenic landscapes, are being presented as key attractions for leisure and business travelers alike. The state’s focus on digital tourism and eco-tourism projects further enhances its appeal, aligning with global trends in sustainable travel.
Odisha’s participation at GITB 2025 shows its commitment to building strong public-private partnerships to realize its tourism aspirations. The conclave concluded with a call for collaboration, encouraging stakeholders to invest in Odisha’s hospitality sector and explore its diverse tourism offerings.
