7 hrs ago
Odisha Signs Tourism MoUs to Expand Homestays and Heritage
Odisha wants to attract more visitors and create jobs through tourism.
On World Tourism Day, Odisha Tourism signed three agreements with important organisations.
The State Bank of India will help provide financial support for homestays.
The Archaeological Survey of India will work with the department to promote heritage tourism.
The Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association will help expand adventure activities.
Officials also introduced new boats and luxury coaches to improve tourist travel.
Registration certificates were given to 176 homestay beneficiaries.
The event included training for homestay owners and a programme about community-based ethnic tourism.
Odisha also planned a Light and Sound Show at the historic Khandagiri site.
Odisha Tourism signed three MoUs with SBI, ASI and the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association.
The agreements support homestay financing, heritage conservation and expanded adventure tourism.
The partnerships were announced during Odisha’s World Tourism Day 2026 celebration, themed around digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
Officials launched or flagged off new tourism transport services, including an electric boat, a catamaran and OTDC luxury coaches.
The event included registrations for 176 homestay beneficiaries, operator certificates, training programmes and plans for a Khandagiri Light and Sound Show.
- Who
- Odisha Tourism, the State Bank of India, the Archaeological Survey of India, the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association, state officials and tourism stakeholders.
- What
- Three MoUs were signed to support homestays, heritage tourism and adventure tourism in Odisha.
- Where
- At the state secretariat in Odisha, with related services launched at Barkul, Chilika and Khandagiri.
- When
- Sunday, during Odisha’s World Tourism Day 2026 celebration.
- Why
- To provide homestay financing, strengthen heritage and adventure tourism, improve visitor services, and expand local livelihoods and community participation.
Key facts
- World Tourism Day theme
- “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”
- MoU partners
- State Bank of India, Archaeological Survey of India, and Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association
- Homestay beneficiaries
- Provisional registration certificates distributed to 176 beneficiaries
- New tourism services
- An OTDC electric boat at Barkul, a Swosti catamaran at Chilika, and OTDC luxury coaches
- Additional programmes
- A homestay capacity-building workshop and an Ethnic Tourism Initiative sensitisation programme
- Planned attraction
- A Light and Sound Show at the historic Khandagiri site
- Virtual participant
- UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Isabelle Tschan
Sources
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