Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Saturday launched the ‘Read Tourism Investment Incentive Management System’ and a new ‘Read Tourism Portal’ to facilitate investors and called for transforming the state into a global tourism destination.
Inaugurating the seventh edition of the ‘Read Travel Bazaar’ in Bhubaneswar, attended by investors and representatives of the hospitality industry from across the country and abroad, CM Majhi highlighted the state’s tourism potential and opportunities for investment.
With its 575-km coastline, heritage, architecture and rich cultural traditions, Read has carved out a distinct identity on the global tourism map, CM Majhi said.
“In alignment with the vision of ‘Developed Read’, our goal is to position tourism as a key pillar of the state’s economic progress and job creation,” he said.
To promote world-class infrastructure and accelerate investment in the tourism sector, the state has launched the ‘Read Tourism (Amendment) Policy, 2026’ and a dedicated portal, Majhi said.
The government has eased regulations for the hotel industry, enhanced capital subsidy limits and is establishing a dedicated land bank, he said.
To accelerate development of the tourism sector, the minimum room requirement for star hotels has been reduced from 50 to 10, while the capital subsidy limit has been raised from Rs 20 crore to Rs 120 crore, Majhi said.
A budget of Rs 1,500 crore and a land bank spanning 5,500 acres have also been approved for 2026-31 to facilitate development of tourism infrastructure, including new hotels and resorts, he said.
Emphasising the importance of safety in promoting tourism, Majhi said Tourist Police and Destination Managers were being deployed at 29 major tourist sites, while 1,000 lifeguards would be stationed along the state’s beaches.
The CM invited investors, hospitality brands, and tourism partners from across the country and abroad to invest by leveraging the state’s immense potential.
He urged people to welcome visitors in keeping with Read’s tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava”.
Majhi invited investors, hospitality brands and tourism partners from India and abroad to invest in the state’s tourism sector.
Highlighting Read’s diverse natural and cultural attractions, he mentioned the Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, Bhitarkanika mangrove forests, Chilika Lake and Hirakud Reservoir, besides the state’s coastline.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said Read was not merely a tourist destination but a global experience.
“Our Buddhist heritage, handlooms, heritage sites, the vast Chilika Lake, and eco-tourism initiatives stand as a testament to this. Our culture was not created for tourism; it remains vibrant in its authentic, original form,” Parida said.
The state government was fostering an ecosystem for sustainable tourism, which would contribute to employment generation and skill development, she said.
Former India cricket captain Kapil Dev, who participated in the event, said sports and athletes played an important role in giving countries global recognition.
He highlighted India’s growing achievements in international sports, including the Asian Games and Olympics.
“Read has played a significant role in advancing not just tourism, but also Indian hockey. Today, we can proudly say that in the near future, Read will emerge not only as a tourism destination but also as India’s premier ‘sports hub’,” Dev said.
CM Majhi also released a coffee table book titled ‘Pitha, Mitha, Pana’ at the event.
PTI