Bhubaneswar: Odisha has begun charting a roadmap to develop world-class tourism destinations, with the state government identifying the Puri-Konark region and Hirakud as potential candidates under the Centre’s “One State – One Global Destination” initiative.
Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida chaired a state-level workshop on the development of global-standard tourist destinations at Lokaseva Bhawan on Wednesday. The workshop was organised by the Tourism Department in line with the Ministry of Tourism’s vision of developing at least one globally competitive tourism destination in every state.
Addressing senior government officials, district administrations, tourism experts and industry representatives, Parida said tourism has the potential to become a major driver of Odisha’s economic growth, employment generation, entrepreneurship and regional development.
She stressed the need for a coordinated approach involving multiple departments and stakeholders to transform Odisha’s tourism destinations into globally competitive attractions equipped with world-class infrastructure, services and visitor experiences. She also highlighted the importance of preparing destination-specific development plans that balance tourism growth with environmental conservation and community participation.
During the workshop, the Tourism Department presented detailed proposals for two destinations under consideration. The Puri-Konark region was showcased as a heritage, spiritual and coastal tourism destination centred on Jagannath culture, the Konark Sun Temple, Odisha’s coastline, Chilika Lake and the heritage village of Raghurajpur.
Hirakud was presented as a high-potential eco-tourism, water-tourism and adventure-tourism destination, leveraging attractions such as the Hirakud Reservoir and Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
Participants deliberated on various aspects of destination development, including destination planning, infrastructure creation, visitor management, sustainability, governance frameworks and private-sector participation. Discussions also focused on improving tourism amenities, strengthening last-mile connectivity and attracting responsible investments under the Odisha Tourism Policy.
Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Yadav outlined the department’s roadmap for achieving global destination standards and highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative in enhancing Odisha’s tourism profile.
The workshop was presided over by Tourism Director Deepankar Mohapatra. Representatives from several government departments, including Works, Housing and Urban Development, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Water Resources, Revenue and Disaster Management, Transport and Culture, participated in the deliberations along with district administrations.
Representatives from organisations such as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Odisha Association of Tour Operators (OATO) and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) also shared their recommendations.
Officials said the initiative aims to position Odisha among the leading tourism destinations in the country by creating globally benchmarked tourism experiences while ensuring sustainability and community participation.
