Unlocking Odisha's golden gateway

In a world where economies increasingly pivot towards experience-driven tourism growth, Odisha finds itself blessed with an enviable portfolio of assets that few states can match.

- Bhaskar Nath Biswal

From the majestic spires of the Jagannath Temple in Puri to the serene backwaters of Chilika, from the ancient rock-cut caves of Khandagiri to the wild majesty of Similipal and the pristine Blue Flag beaches of Puri and Sonepur, the breathtaking mountain peaks and waterfalls of Koraput, the state isa living museum of spirituality, ecology, history and tribal heritage. Yet for too long, these treasures have remained under-monetised. Tourism is not merely an add-on sector for Odisha; it is the most potent instrument for inclusive, sustainable and geographically balanced development in a state where large swathes of the population, especially in the western and southern districts, still grapple with limited livelihood options. Developing tourism aggressively can generate lakhs of direct and indirect jobs, empower women and tribal youth, reduce rural-to-urban migration, preserve cultural identity while modernising local economies and earn valuable foreign exchange without the environmental cost that heavy industry often entails. The Economic Survey 2025-26 makes this imperative impossible to ignore.