DCM Pravati Parida Launches India's First MICE Incentive Portal to Spur Investment and Experiential Travel
Bhubaneswar, Oct 2026 : The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), convened a roundtable discussion titled “Inputs on Creating Robust MICE Policy for Odisha and Collaborations” at Mayfair Sanctuary on Sunday. Organised as part of the Odisha Travel Bazaar 2026, the high-level meeting brought together senior administrative officials, industry leaders and key stakeholders to deliberate on expanding the state’s ecosystem for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
During the session, Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida officially inaugurated the Odisha MICE Incentive Portal. The rollout makes Odisha the first state in the country to establish a dedicated digital mechanism to market its destinations for corporate conventions and streamline financial incentive applications from event organisers and tourism operators.
Addressing the delegates, Smt. Parida stated that the administration’s regulatory frameworks and incentives remain fully transparent, serving to empower commercial partners as direct drivers of the state’s economic expansion. Emphasising the government's resolve to expedite approvals across MICE segments, destination weddings, sports events and cultural heritage ventures, she underscored the administration’s hands-on approach.
“Our dedicated tourism team works tirelessly to actively reach out, follow up and facilitate project approvals, ensuring a seamless journey for representing the changing face of a progressive Odisha,”
Smt. Parida said.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the emerging domestic market for destination ceremonies and immersive travel, noting a clear cultural movement toward sacred temple weddings and localized experiences. With Bhubaneswar widely celebrated as the Temple City and hosting thousands of protected historical monuments, she noted that the capital can deliver uniquely memorable occasions for younger demographics.
From scenic photoshoot locations to regional gastronomic tours, the state holds substantial promise for high-impact gatherings. Reassuring MICE and wedding, Smt. Parida affirmed that the government will review private sector recommendations, clear administrative bottlenecks, and offer targeted capital subsidies, inviting delegates to grow alongside the state.
Shri Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Tourism Department, delivered a presentation on the Odisha Tourism Investment Policy, outlining concrete commercial opportunities across the state. He stressed that existing policies actively cultivate a business-friendly environment by offering targeted support for heritage, sports, and business events, supported by regular investor outreach and fast-tracked project clearances.
Delegates reiterated that Odisha’s tourism scope stretches far past routine sightseeing, with its historical temples, Buddhist circuits, beaches, native arts, and culinary roots opening room for novel gathering concepts.
Taking the stage on the experience economy, Shri Sabbas Joseph, Co-Founder of Wizcraft Group and Chair of the FICCI MICE Tourism Committee, presented an industry blueprint on leveraging Odisha’s cultural capital. He outlined practical models to blend local customs, artisan traditions, and culinary identity into modern corporate conferences and hospitality programs.
Celebrity Chef and Official Brand Ambassador for Odia Cuisine, Shri Ranveer Brar, focused on cultural authenticity as the defining foundation of the state's global reputation. He observed that high-end travel is increasingly defined by rarity, cultural integrity, and distinct memories rather than sheer expenditure, calling for a comprehensive 100-day mapping campaign to record not just physical event spaces, but local storytellers, recipes, cooks, markets and regional festivals.
According to Chef Brar, these traditional features form the primary heart of the visitor experience rather than optional side attractions. He urged planners to support indigenous artisans directly, suggesting language and interpretive translation services so local talents can preserve their heritage without compromising their roots to fit outside expectations.
The session served as a strategic platform for dialogue between policymakers and the private sector, centering on infrastructure enhancements, professional service standards, and operational guidelines necessary to bring national and international conventions, incentive tours and experiential festivals to the state.
