Odisha Tourism Policy Targets 15,000 Hotel Rooms by 2036 to Boost Sector Growth
Odisha’s amended Tourism Policy 2026 aims to add 15,000 hotel rooms by 2036, enhancing accommodation capacity, investment and employment in the travel sector.
Ainul Mondal 
The Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy 2026 has set an ambitious long-term target to add some 15,000 hotel rooms across the state by 2036, signalling a major policy push to strengthen its tourism infrastructure and hospitality investment climate.
The revised policy, approved by the state cabinet and aligned with the government’s broader Vision 2036 strategy, reduces entry barriers for hotel developers by simplifying investment norms and lowering minimum room requirements for classified properties.
Reducing the threshold for three-star and above properties from 50 keys to 10 keys is expected to unlock new capital flows, particularly from boutique, experiential and small-scale hotel projects, broadening branded supply across urban, heritage and leisure circuits.
Industry leaders contend that expanding accommodation capacity is central to meeting rising demand from both domestic and international travellers, and enhancing Odisha’s competitiveness relative to other Indian destinations.
The policy also introduces incentives for sustainable and inclusive tourism development, including support for heritage, eco-tourism and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) segments, areas that hospitality stakeholders view as key drivers of extended stays and premium spend.
The Hotel Association of India has welcomed the amendments, noting that strategic clarity and regulatory ease can catalyse private investment and job creation, while institutional mechanisms such as a State Tourism Advisory Council aim to facilitate implementation and stakeholder engagement.
Tourism officials say this expanded accommodation pipeline will support Odisha’s long-term target of positioning itself as a year-round travel destination, integrating natural, cultural and event tourism offerings with improved service capacity and quality.
The 15,000-room goal reflects a multi-decade view of growth, with policymakers expecting the boost in hospitality infrastructure to accelerate economic activity, enhance investor confidence and generate employment, particularly in emerging destinations beyond traditional beach and heritage hubs.
