Odisha’s Tourism Policy 2026: expansion, sustainability, and new rooms through 2036

The state of Odisha has updated its tourism framework with the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy 2026, aiming to simplify hotel investment rules and drive the addition of almost 15,000 hotel rooms by 2036.

What the amended policy changes at a glance

The revised policy reduces entry barriers for hotel developers, encourages sustainable tourism models, and creates incentives for niche segments such as heritage, eco-friendly stays, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions). It also proposes special zones to stimulate targeted investment and community-linked initiatives.

Key elements of the policy

• Lower minimum room requirements for 3-star and above hotels to ease expansion and new investments.
• Relaxed expansion guidelines that make it easier for existing properties to scale up.
• Sustainability incentives supporting electric mobility, museums, and eco-experiences.
• Institutional oversight via a State Tourism Advisory Council to coordinate stakeholders and implementation.
• Inclusive growth with emphasis on tribal inclusion and community benefits.

Industry response and leadership

The Hotel Association of India (HAI) welcomed the policy, describing it as consistent with long-standing industry recommendations. HAI highlighted that the changes reflect sustained engagement between government and the hospitality sector, including discussions with state leadership such as Smt. Pravati Parida, the State Tourism Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

M.P. Bezbaruah, Secretary-General of HAI, and Dr. J.K. Mohanty, HAI’s Honorary Secretary and chair of the state chapter, were credited with helping shape the dialogue that encouraged these reforms.

Projected outcomes and employment effects

Authorities and industry stakeholders estimate that the amended policy could catalyze private investment and add nearly 15,000 rooms by 2036, creating significant local employment across hospitality, transport, and community services.

How this expansion affects taxis and transfers

More rooms and increased tourist footfall have direct consequences for ground transport. As new hotels come online and niche attractions draw visitors, demand will grow for reliable airport transfers, city taxis, inter-city shuttles, and specialized services such as limousine and private-seater hires.

What travelers and operators should have in mind

• Expect seasonal fluctuations in fare en price as new capacity opens and events scale.
• Pre-booking transfers, especially for airport arrivals and conference shuttles, will help secure an exact car, seat, and driver at the expected price.
• Operators should plan for a mix of vehicles—cheap cabs and private limousines alike—to serve diverse traveler needs.

Practical implications for local businesses

Local taxi companies, ride-hailing services, and private transfer providers will need to scale fleets, hire and license drivers, and adapt pricing models to match demand. Training in hospitality etiquette and destination knowledge will become a market differentiator for drivers serving increasingly experience-focused tourists.

Checklist for managers and travelers

• Managers: assess fleet mix (compact cabs vs minibuses), monitor fare trends, and consider EV options.
• Travelers: check vehicle make, model, and driver rating before booking to ensure comfort and safety.
• Both: plan for peak-season surges to avoid last-minute fare spikes.

The revised policy is locally significant and may not dramatically shift the global tourism map immediately, but it is relevant to travel planners and transfer operators because it signals steady, long-term growth in Odisha’s tourism infrastructure. LocalsRide aims to stay abreast of such developments and help travelers and transport providers adapt. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide. Book your Ride LocalsRide.nl

Highlights of this development include simplified investment rules, a focus on sustainability and tribal inclusion, clear prospects for job creation, and an anticipated increase in accommodation capacity—factors that will affect how visitors book taxis, airport transfers, and private car services. Still, even the best reviews and most honest feedback can’t replace personal experience. On LocalsRide, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasize the convenience, affordability, and wide range of vehicle choices and additional options available with LocalsRide.com. Book your Ride LocalsRide.nl

In summary, the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy 2026 sets a framework for responsible expansion—simplified regulations, incentives for sustainability, and support for community inclusion—all designed to add nearly 15,000 rooms by 2036 and stimulate jobs and services. For travelers and transport providers, that means more choices for airport and city transfers, clearer expectations on fares and service quality, and more opportunities to book the exact car and driver needed for each destination. Platforms like LocalsRide.com bring transparency to that process by listing vehicle make, model, driver ratings, and exact prices so users can easily find the best taxi or private transfer for their trip. Whether planning a single-seat airport pickup or arranging group transfers for an event, the right booking and clear pricing help ensure you get where you need to go on time and within budget.