Exploring Possibilities in Odisha Tourism: Insights and Ideas from 2024 Budget

In the recent 2024 budget, the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has kept its commitment to revitalising and expanding India’s tourism sector, with a particular focus on States rich in cultural and natural heritage. Odisha, a state renowned for its vibrant traditions, stunning landscapes, and historic monuments, stands at the forefront of this transformative initiative. The new budget allocation promises to unlock fresh avenues for tourism in Odisha, setting the stage for a dynamic evolution of the State’s tourism landscape. Delivering her Budget speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “Odisha’s scenic beauty, temples, monuments, craftsmanship, wildlife sanctuaries, natural landscapes and pristine beaches make it an ultimate tourism destination. Our Government will provide assistance for their development.” Notably, the Odisha Dy.CM & Tourism Minister Pravati Parida appreciated the same and thanked the Union Finance Minister. Parida opined that tourism was one of the major contributors to Odisha’s growth, and her Government aims to make Odisha one of the top three destinations in the country. The Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, also a Member of Parliament from Sambalpur, is a well-known propagator of Odisha’s Tourism, Culture and Economic Development. He has been strongly advocating for the development of tourism and culture in Odisha for a long time and was instrumental in bringing Central Govt aid to boost the State’s tourism and cultural economy. Be it the Paika Smaraki in the Barunei Hills region or as early as 2022, when he has proposed highlighting the massive potential for tourism development in Koraput, situated in Eastern Ghats in southern Odisha and close to the well-known Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh with similar topography, natural beauty and cultural wealth. With existing good rail connectivity, including vista dome coaches on the Koraput-Rayagada route, the Koraput region, often regarded as the Switzerland of Odisha, can be developed into a big Tourism industry. Hopefully, his plans for the Gopalpur-Barkul-Satpada-Tampara Coastal Circuit development by the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) might soon be expedited by the new BJP Government in Odisha that was stalled since 2017. Considering the Budget 2024 focus on Odisha Tourism and Odisha’s own budget allocation of Rs. 800Cr for tourism, let’s visualise and ideate some actionable areas where the Tourism in Odisha can flourish and enable a sustainable economic development in the state. Embracing Cultural Heritage and Tradition Odisha, often celebrated for its ancient temples, dance forms, and festivals, is set to receive substantial support to enhance and promote its cultural assets. The State Tourism budget allocation of Rs 800 crore, a significant increase of Rs 140 crore more from last year, includes funds earmarked for the preservation and promotion of heritage sites such as the Jagannath Mandir in Puri, the Konark Sun Mandir, and the Mandirs across the State. Investments as outlaid should focus on restoring these sites, improving visitor facilities, and developing interpretive centres to educate tourists about Odisha’s rich history and cultural significance. Furthermore, there should be a dedicated allocation for supporting traditional arts and crafts in Odisha. By investing in local artisans and craftsmen, the Government must aim to foster an environment where traditional art forms such as Pattachitra paintings, Odisha silk weaving, and stone carving can thrive. This support can be extended to organising festivals and exhibitions that showcase these crafts, drawing tourists interested in authentic, local experiences. In the era of digital media, the Government of Odisha should bring YouTubers and travel bloggers into the framework to showcase and promote the activities. NGOs & Voluntary Associations can be roped in to host such seminars, festivals, and events to promote Odisha’s Tourism in different areas. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tourism In alignment with global trends towards sustainable tourism, the 2024 budget emphasises the development of eco-friendly tourism initiatives in Odisha. The State is home to several pristine natural habitats, including the Chilika Lake, Similipal National Park, Taptapani Hot Springs, Rushikulya OliveRidley turtle breeding sites, and the Mahanadi River Basin. The Government plans to invest in eco-tourism projects that promote responsible travel while preserving these natural treasures. Incidentally, Rs 50 crore has been allocated to the State budget by the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, for the Mahanadi River Front Development scheme in Sambalpur and Cuttack alongside the Mahanadi River. Funds will be directed towards establishing eco-lodges, enhancing wildlife conservation efforts, and developing nature trails that offer immersive experiences without disrupting local ecosystems. The creation of designated eco-tourism zones will also help manage tourist flow, reducing pressure on sensitive areas while ensuring that visitors have a meaningful engagement with Odisha’s natural beauty. Infrastructure Development and Connectivity Infrastructure development is crucial for boosting tourism, and the 2024 budget allocates substantial resources to improve connectivity and infrastructure in Odisha. Upgrades to transportation networks, including roads, railways, and airports, are a key focus. This will facilitate easier access to remote and less-explored areas of the State, enabling tourists to experience a wider array of destinations. The 480km stretch of coastline of Odisha is under high focus by the Government, and with a Double Engine Govt in place, the Sagarmala Project will be implemented soon to foster tourism development, economic growth and employment opportunities in coming years. Additionally, there will be investments in developing world-class hospitality infrastructure. This includes the construction of new hotels, resorts, and tourism centres that adhere to international standards. By improving accommodation options, the State aims to cater to a diverse range of tourists, from budget travellers to luxury seekers. Chairman of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO), JK Mohanty of Swosti Hotel group, also welcomed the new Government’s approach to tourism and is hopeful of better tourism infrastructure development by the Government. In a recent development, the Govt of Odisha led by CM Mohan Charan Majhi has finalised an ambitious Road infrastructure project that will cover the whole of Odisha while improving the existing roads. The proposed plan of around Rs 21500 crores will be allocated to develop the entire NH network and is slated to be finalised soon in [...]