Odisha Attracts ₹8,000 Crore Investment for MICE and Convention Infrastructure
Odisha has attracted an impressive ₹8,155 crore investment for the development of infrastructure geared towards Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) as well as convention facilities. This announcement was made during the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, a key event where various stakeholders gathered to explore opportunities for growth in the state. With these investments, Odisha is positioning itself to become a leading destination for business tourism, weddings, and even concert tourism in India.
The state’s push to establish itself as a prime hub for MICE events is an important step in Odisha’s evolving tourism strategy. The ₹8,000 crore investment will be directed towards building and upgrading luxury hotels, resorts, adventure facilities, and state-of-the-art convention centres. This move aims to not only attract business travellers but also engage with the growing market of destination weddings and large-scale events such as concerts. Pravati Parida, Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, emphasised that the state is committed to promoting itself as a top-tier destination for MICE and destination weddings. “We are working towards positioning Odisha as the preferred destination for MICE tourism, weddings, and even concerts, with an aim to boost both the state’s economy and its global tourism footprint,” she said at the conclave.
MICE tourism has become a major driver of economic growth for states across India, and Odisha is keen to capitalise on this trend. As businesses look to host their conferences, incentive programmes, and trade exhibitions in destinations with both excellent infrastructure and scenic appeal, Odisha is positioning itself as an ideal location. The state boasts a rich cultural heritage and is home to some of India’s most famous temples, making it a unique destination that combines both business and leisure. The investments will be used to develop world-class venues capable of hosting large international events, along with the necessary hospitality infrastructure to accommodate the influx of business and leisure travellers. The state is also focusing on creating a conducive environment for organisers of destination weddings and events, with plans to introduce new luxury accommodations and high-end event spaces.
The news of such significant investments has been met with enthusiasm by industry leaders and local stakeholders. Hotel and resort owners in the region have expressed optimism about the influx of business tourism, while local entrepreneurs see the rise in MICE and convention tourism as a major opportunity for growth. “This is an exciting time for the tourism sector in Odisha,” said a local hotelier. “The infrastructure investments will not only benefit high-end resorts and convention centres but will also boost related industries, including transportation and event management.” Additionally, the move has generated excitement within the local community, especially those involved in the hospitality and service sectors. The promise of high-end infrastructure development in the state is seen as a game-changer, offering a wealth of opportunities for local businesses to thrive and create jobs.
The ultimate goal of these infrastructural enhancements is to make Odisha a prominent player in the national and international tourism market. The investments are expected to contribute significantly to the state’s economy by attracting both corporate and leisure tourists, boosting job creation, and improving Odisha’s overall global tourism appeal. While the development is still in its early stages, the momentum generated by the investments is already visible, and the state is poised to see substantial growth in the coming years. For residents and local businesses, this project represents not just an economic opportunity, but also a chance to showcase Odisha’s unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and modern infrastructure to the world. As Odisha continues to embrace its vision of becoming a hub for MICE and destination tourism, the state’s leadership remains focused on enhancing its appeal to global investors and tourists. The forthcoming developments are expected to elevate the region’s position in the tourism sector, creating a ripple effect that will benefit a wide range of industries in the state.
