The Hotel Association of India welcomes the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy
2026. The amended policy reflects and reinforces HAI’s long-standing efforts to
strengthen tourism policy frameworks in Odisha and across India. The policy will strengthen Odisha’s tourism infrastructure, attract new investments, create jobs,
and improve the state’s competitiveness as a top tourism destination. The Hotel
Association of India (HAI) lauds the simplification of investment and expansion
regulations, including a reduced minimum room requirement for 3-star and above
hotels and relaxed expansion rules. These changes will lower entry barriers and
encourage new and existing hotels to grow in the state.

Additionally, the expansion of the special zones and the selective incentives
announced for sustainable and experiential tourism, which focus on heritage
properties, museums, electric mobility, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives,
Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, demonstrate a clear commitment to
regional and tourism sustainability. HAI also believes that the formation of a State
Tourism Advisory Council will further strengthen stakeholder engagement and
policy implementation. The amended policy has the potential to attract
considerable private investment, support the creation of an additional 15,000
hotel rooms by 2036, and create large-scale employment, positioning Odisha as a
competitive and future-ready tourism destination.

Applauding the Odisha Government’s decision, M.P. Bezbaruah, Secretary-
General, Hotel Association of India (HAI), said, “The amended Odisha Tourism
Policy reflects sustained industry engagement and the kind of forward-looking
reforms HAI has consistently advocated. HAI had the opportunity to have a
detailed discussion with the State Tourism Minister and Deputy Chief Minister
Pravati Parida on many of these issues. By linking tourism growth with tribal
inclusion, job creation and community development, the policy sets a strong
precedent that can be replicated across states to strengthen India’s tourism and
hospitality sector. HAI is grateful to its State Chapter, launched in September 2024 and chaired by HAI’s Secretary, Dr J.K. Mohanty, for constant follow-up on the subject, which has been instrumental in yielding this positive development.”