Jaipur, May 2025: Odisha Tourism made a compelling impression on Day 1 of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) 2025, as the Odisha Pavilion emerged as a key attraction among global tour operators, MICE planners, and travel media. Inaugurated in the presence of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida, the Odisha Pavilion showcased the State’s growing appeal as a holistic tourism destination— spanning spiritual circuits, eco-retreats, heritage trails, and MICE infrastructure. Designed to offer a truly immersive experience, the Pavilion featured Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) installations that allowed visitors to explore Odisha’s major destinations—such as Konark, Satkosia, Chilika, and Bhitarkanika— virtually. These digital storytelling tools were a key draw among Foreign Tour Operators (FTOs) and buyers, providing a multisensory preview of the State’s diverse offerings. Adding a taste of Odia hospitality, guests were welcomed with traditional delicacies like Arisa Pitha and Khaja, offering a delightful glimpse into Odisha’s rich culinary heritage. These authentic snacks, served with warmth and simplicity, received heartfelt appreciation from visitors at the Pavilion. As part of the high-level delegation, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Tourism, Shri Balwant Singh, IAS, and Director Tourism, Ms. Mansi Nimbhal, IAS, and officials of the department engaged in discussions with national and international stakeholders. They highlighted Odisha’s enabling policies, upcoming tourism projects, and collaborative potential across cultural, adventure, and MICE tourism segments. Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, in her address at the inaugural ceremony, invited industry leaders to explore Odisha’s evolving tourism landscape and assured the State’s full support in simplifying processes, offering policy-based incentives, and enabling a single-window clearance for event facilitation. The Pavilion also featured promotional showcases of Eco Retreat Odisha, Wildlife, and the Buddhist Heritage Circuit, which together reflect the State’s integrated vision for both high-value and experience-driven travel. The day also saw a series of structured B2B and G2B meetings hosted at the Odisha Pavilion. Over 35 Foreign Tour Operators (FTOs) and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) engaged in focused discussions with officials from the Department of Tourism, exploring opportunities for collaboration in spiritual circuits, MICE events, eco-tourism retreats, and cross-border itineraries. These interactions Page 2 of 8 reflected a strong interest in Odisha’s curated travel products, investment-ready destinations, and enabling support mechanisms. Odisha’s participation in GITB 2025 marks a strategic push to engage national and global stakeholders through compelling storytelling, immersive engagement, and meaningful partnerships. With continued B2B and G2B meetings lined up, the Department of Tourism looks forward to building long-term collaborations through the remainder of the event.
Odisha Pavilion Draws Strong Industry Attention on Day 1 & Day 2 of GITB 2025
