The Odisha Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), has launched the Odisha MICE Incentive Portal to strengthen the state’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) ecosystem. The portal was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida during a roundtable held as part of Odisha Travel Bazaar 2026 at Mayfair Sanctuary.
Odisha has become the first state in India to establish a dedicated digital mechanism to promote its destinations for corporate conventions and simplify applications for financial incentives by event organisers and tourism operators. The initiative was discussed during the roundtable, which brought together government officials, industry leaders and private-sector stakeholders to explore opportunities for developing a stronger MICE policy.
Parida highlighted the government’s focus on transparent regulatory frameworks and faster approvals across MICE events, destination weddings, sports events and cultural heritage projects. She said the tourism administration would work closely with private-sector partners to address approval-related challenges and support investment through targeted incentives and capital subsidies.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted Odisha’s potential for destination weddings and experiential events, pointing to Bhubaneswar’s temples and heritage sites, Buddhist monuments, coastline and relatively unexplored landscapes. She said the state could offer event organisers opportunities ranging from scenic venues and cultural experiences to regional food trails and immersive local activities.
Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Tourism Department, presented the Odisha Tourism Investment Policy and outlined opportunities for investors across the state. Sabbas Joseph, Co-Founder of Wizcraft Group and Chair of the FICCI MICE Tourism Committee, presented an industry perspective on integrating Odisha’s cultural heritage, artisan traditions and cuisine into corporate events and hospitality programmes.
Celebrity Chef and Odisha cuisine brand ambassador Ranveer Brar called for greater emphasis on cultural authenticity in developing the state’s high-end tourism proposition. He proposed a 100-day mapping exercise covering event spaces as well as local storytellers, recipes, cooks, markets and festivals. The roundtable concluded with discussions on infrastructure, professional services and operational guidelines aimed at attracting national and international conventions, incentive travel and experiential events to Odisha.