The Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, organised an insightful interactive session with the members of FICCI FLO Bhubaneswar Chapter to provide women entrepreneurs with immense opportunities for Entrepreneurship and Investment in the Tourism and Hospitality sector and gave a comprehensive understanding of the State’s evolving Tourism Landscape and Sustainable Economic Growth.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome by Ms Dharitri Patnaik, Founding Chair, FICCI FLO Bhubaneswar Chapter, who highlighted the Chapter’s initiatives in supporting women-led enterprises and building strategic partnerships with government departments, industry leaders, and academic institutions, while encouraging members to actively engage in collaborative opportunities that contribute to the socio-economic development of Odisha.
The keynote address was delivered by Shri Balwant Singh, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, who shared valuable insights into the immense potential of Odisha’s tourism sector. He elaborated on the State’s rich heritage, spiritual circuits, eco-tourism destinations, coastal attractions, tribal culture, and experiential tourism offerings, emphasising the importance of sustainable and responsible tourism.
During his presentation, Shri Balwant Singh discussed the Government’s tourism projects, long-term strategy, and key initiatives aimed at strengthening Odisha’s position as a premier tourism destination. He also explained the salient features of the Odisha Tourism Amendment Policy, 2026, highlighting its objective of creating a more investor-friendly environment for tourism development.
Various government schemes, subsidies, incentive structures, financial assistance, and other support measures available for tourism projects were discussed in detail, enabling members to gain a clear understanding of the benefits and opportunities offered under the policy. He encouraged women entrepreneurs to explore ventures in hospitality, handicrafts, local cuisine, wellness tourism, cultural enterprises, and community-based tourism while leveraging these initiatives to establish sustainable and innovative tourism enterprises.
As a token of appreciation, Shri Balwant Singh, IAS, was felicitated by Ms Biyot Projna Tripathy, Chairperson, FICCI FLO Bhubaneswar Chapter, for his inspiring address and valuable contribution to the session. The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Ms Biyot Projna Tripathy, who expressed sincere gratitude to Shri Balwant Singh, IAS, the Department of Tourism, and all participants for making the session highly informative and impactful.
Key Takeaways
- Tourism Vision: Odisha’s tourism sector offers significant potential for sustainable economic growth and employment.
- Policy Insights: Comprehensive overview of the Odisha Tourism Amendment Policy, 2026.
- Government Support: Detailed information on tourism schemes, subsidies, incentives, and financial assistance.
- Investment Potential: Emerging opportunities across hospitality, eco-tourism, heritage, wellness, and cultural tourism.
- Strategic Initiatives: Insights into the Government’s tourism projects and long-term development strategy.
- Women Entrepreneurship: Encouraged women entrepreneurs to capitalize on opportunities in the tourism sector.
- Industry–Government Collaboration: Emphasized the importance of strong public-private partnerships for tourism development.
- Interactive Learning: Direct engagement with senior government leadership enhanced policy awareness and practical understanding.
- Networking Opportunities: Meaningful discussions fostered knowledge exchange and future collaborations.
- Investment Readiness: Members gained practical insights to identify, evaluate, and pursue tourism-related business and investment opportunities.
Impact & Outcome
Around 30 FLO members participated in the programme hosted by the Government of Odisha. The session concluded with an engaging interaction, during which FICCI FLO members actively participated by raising questions, sharing ideas, and seeking clarifications on tourism policies, investment opportunities, and future collaborations.
Overall, the event strengthened the partnership between the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, and FICCI FLO Bhubaneswar Chapter, inspiring members to contribute meaningfully to Odisha’s tourism sector through innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.