Bhubaneswar: Moving beyond its famed temple tourism and Buddhist circuits, Odisha is now setting its sights on becoming a premier destination for weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. The state government is actively working towards transforming Odisha into a sought-after hub for high-profile weddings and business events, aiming to compete with established hotspots like Rajasthan, Goa, and Kerala.
The state’s diverse offerings—including a long coastline, majestic temples, serene wildlife sanctuaries, breathtaking waterfalls, lush mountains, and scenic lakes—are drawing increasing attention from domestic and international tourists. Now, the government is leveraging these assets to cater to the growing demand for luxurious wedding destinations and corporate events, an official from the state tourism department stated.
Tourism Director Samarth Verma revealed that popular beach towns such as Puri, Konark, and Gopalpur are being promoted as prime venues for destination weddings and business gatherings. “These places have luxurious hotels that can host grand events throughout the year,” he said.
Additionally, Odisha’s eco-retreats—developed at Konark, Satkosia, Bhitarkanika, Daringbadi, Hirakud, Sonapur, and Putsil—are being positioned as ideal locations for weddings and corporate events. “Luxury tents, cottages, big halls, and other essential facilities are available at these eco-retreat sites. If any additional infrastructure is required, the tourism department will facilitate it,” Verma assured.
Guests at these eco-retreats can indulge in water sports, wildlife tours, beach activities, and indoor games, all while staying in elegantly designed luxury accommodations. To further enhance the experience, cultural programs showcasing Odisha’s rich heritage are also arranged, providing an immersive experience into the state’s vibrant traditions and artistry.
Apart from government-backed initiatives, private hotels and properties managed by the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) are also ready to host destination weddings and MICE activities.
Welcoming this initiative, J K Mohanty, chairman of the Hotel and Restaurants Association of Odisha (HRAO), pointed out that some foreigners have already chosen Odisha’s hotels in Chilika and Puri for their weddings. However, he stressed that significant infrastructural enhancements are necessary to make Odisha a top-tier destination.
“We need to develop infrastructure, including five-star hotels, improve last-mile connectivity, and introduce more recreational projects. The government must provide adequate incentives to hoteliers to attract investments,” Mohanty emphasized.
Milind Gupta, secretary-general of the association, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the necessity of large-scale five-star hotels with 400-500 rooms to accommodate wedding guests. He also noted that air connectivity remains a major challenge in promoting this tourism segment. “A public-private partnership approach can help bridge the gap and make this vision a reality,” he suggested.
With Odisha’s government actively working to position the state as a premier choice for destination weddings and MICE tourism, stakeholders remain hopeful that the right investments and partnerships will transform the state into a vibrant tourism hub in the coming years.
