Odisha has once again made a mark on the national tourism landscape, receiving widespread appreciation for its initiatives and commitment to tourism development at the Meet in India Conclave 2025, held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on Sunday. The prestigious event, aimed at promoting MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) across India, spotlighted Odisha as a rising tourism destination with untapped potential and a robust growth roadmap.

The state was represented by a high-level delegation led by Deputy Chief Minister Prabhati Parida, along with Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh and other senior officials from the Department of Tourism. The Odisha team made a compelling presentation on the state’s tourism vision, emphasizing investment potential, cultural richness, and infrastructural readiness for both domestic and international tourism.

During the event, Odisha’s delegation showcased the state’s natural landscapes, coastal retreats, heritage monuments, and adventure tourism offerings as part of its broader mission to transform Odisha into a MICE tourism hub. They outlined a strategic roadmap for attracting global tourists and investors through sustainable tourism models, world-class convention centers, and digital innovation.

Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, lauded Odisha’s initiatives as exemplary, stating that the state's tourism development model could serve as an inspiration for other Indian states. He praised the state’s focus on sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and infrastructure enhancement. Shekhawat also assured continued central government support in elevating Odisha’s profile as a preferred destination for national and international tourists. He highlighted how Odisha's proactive engagement in MICE tourism positions it as a frontrunner in the country’s tourism sector growth story.

The event served as a networking platform where investors, hospitality leaders, and tourism stakeholders engaged in fruitful discussions on boosting Odisha’s eco-tourism, digital tourism, and hospitality sector. The Odisha team underlined plans to host large-scale conventions, business conferences, and exhibitions to promote economic development and cultural exchange. Deputy Chief Minister Prabhati Parida took the opportunity to highlight Odisha’s untapped tourism potential, particularly in lesser-known coastal zones, heritage corridors, and eco-tourism trails. She invited investors to partner with the state in developing world-class tourism infrastructure and reiterated the government's commitment to investment-friendly policies and public-private partnerships.

Parida also conducted key discussions with prominent national and international investors, exploring potential collaborations in the MICE tourism segment and emphasizing the state’s focus on creating an enabling environment for tourism entrepreneurship. The conclave concluded with a call to action for collaborations between government bodies and private sector players, aiming to turn Odisha’s tourism aspirations into tangible outcomes. With strong government backing, growing investor interest, and an enriching natural and cultural landscape, Odisha is well on its way to becoming a leading tourism hub in India. The Meet in India Conclave 2025 was also attended by Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Divya Kumari, along with top industry leaders, tourism experts, and government representatives from across the country. The event marked a significant step forward for India’s tourism strategy, with Odisha positioned at the forefront of this evolution.