BHUBANESWAR: Tourism in Odisha has long been centered around its temples, beaches, wildlife, and cultural heritage. However, the state is now preparing to write a new chapter focused on conferences, conventions, exhibitions, corporate gatherings, and destination weddings. The spotlight is on the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip economic region, which is emerging as a hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism. This shift comes as the events industry increasingly favors non-metro cities that offer both modern comforts and cultural experiences.
Recent High-Profile Events
In recent years, the region has successfully hosted major gatherings, investment summits, and sector-specific conferences. Government events in the last two years include the Utkarsh Odisha (Make in Odisha) conclave, the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the India AI Impact Summit, the National Mines Ministers’ Conference, the Global Blue Economy Summit, and the three-day BRICS Technical Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction, which concluded in Puri on June 5. This steady stream of high-profile events has strengthened the region’s credentials as a business tourism destination.
Industry Insights
According to industry stakeholders, Bhubaneswar alone hosts at least 12 mega conferences or events in star-category hotels annually. The Ministry of Tourism’s national strategy for the MICE industry report projects Bhubaneswar as an emerging MICE destination, alongside 11 other cities in the challengers (tier-II cities) category. The appeal extends beyond convention halls and hotel infrastructure.
“There is a change in the way MICE events are planned now. Earlier, the focus was largely on modern amenities. Today, organizers want to combine business events with authentic cultural experiences because that is what delegates are looking for. Whether it is food, heritage, crafts, or natural landscapes, the region offers all of these. Its proximity to major tourist attractions also allows delegates to combine business engagements with leisure experiences,” said travel and tourism expert Debashish Patnaik.
Policy Changes and Incentives
Recognizing this potential, the tourism department has made MICE a priority area this year and initiated measures to strengthen the state’s presence in the sector. The centerpiece is a six-fold increase in the ceiling for capital investment subsidy for convention centers and MICE infrastructure under the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy, 2026. The ceiling has been raised from Rs 20 crore to Rs 120 crore.
“The enhanced incentive structure is expected to boost investor confidence,” said tourism commissioner-cum-secretary Balwant Singh. The policy also addresses seasonal fluctuations in visitor arrivals. To encourage year-round inflow, the government has introduced targeted incentives for MICE events and destination weddings held during the lean tourism season from April to September. According to the policy, MICE events with a minimum booking of 100 rooms per day in three-star and above hotels will receive an incentive of Rs 1,000 per room per day. Destination weddings with at least 50 rooms per day will be eligible for a similar incentive.
Future Prospects
Industry stakeholders believe such developments could substantially enhance the region’s ability to attract large conventions, exhibitions, corporate gatherings, and destination weddings that currently gravitate towards established MICE destinations such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Jaipur.
