Odisha, located on India’s eastern coastline, is fast emerging as a prominent global travel destination thanks to its unique blend of spiritual significance, tribal culture, artistic heritage, and natural beauty. With a coastline stretching over 480 kilometers, lush forests, heritage sites, and vibrant festivals, Odisha offers a diverse travel experience unlike any other Indian state.

At the heart of Odisha’s tourism appeal is its spiritual landscape. The sacred city of Puri, home to the Jagannath Temple, attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. Nearby, the Sun Temple of Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a marvel of ancient Kalingan architecture and draws heritage lovers from around the world.

Beyond temples, Odisha is a cradle of Buddhist heritage, featuring important sites like Lalitgiri, Udaygiri, and Ratnagiri. These places have become popular among East Asian travelers and scholars, especially those interested in the Buddhist circuit.

The state’s growing popularity also stems from its eco-retreats, which promote luxury sustainable tourism. Destinations such as Satkosia, Chilika Lake, and Ramchandi now offer “glamping” — glamorous camping experiences that bring travelers closer to nature with modern comforts.

Adding to the charm are the tribal villages and craft traditions of Odisha. Visitors can explore handloom clusters like Sambalpuri and Pipili, and witness firsthand the intricate artistry of applique, stone carving, and silver filigree.

Backed by improved infrastructure, including direct international flights to Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik Airport, Odisha is no longer just a regional destination — it is now a global tourism contender inviting the world to discover its untouched beauty, spiritual depth, and warm hospitality.

In a landmark appearance at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2025, Saroj Kumar Swain, Joint Secretary of the Odisha Tourism Department, sat down with Apratim Ghoshal, Vice President and Senior Editor, Travel And Tour World (TTW) to discuss the evolving landscape of Odisha’s tourism. Against the buzzing backdrop of Dubai’s iconic global travel exhibition, Swain detailed the rich cultural offerings of Odisha, the growing appeal of eco-tourism, and the infrastructure developments positioning the state as an emerging global travel destination.

Promoting Odisha’s Identity on a Global Stage

“It’s a great atmosphere here to understand tourism trends and the needs of tourists,” Swain began. “ATM Dubai is the best platform to showcase our tourism products and enhance inbound tourist numbers.”

Odisha’s presence at ATM is part of a broader initiative to internationalize the state’s offerings—drawing attention to its heritage-rich cities, tribal experiences, Buddhist circuits, and natural retreats. Swain emphasized that while domestic tourism remains strong, Odisha is shifting gears to boost international footfall.

Signature Tourism Products: Heritage, Tribes, Glamping

Swain outlined a range of unique tourism products aimed at international travelers:

• Cultural and Heritage Sites: From the revered Jagannath Dham in Puri to the historic Konark Sun Temple, Odisha offers spiritual and architectural marvels. The sacred triangle of Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark attracts millions of pilgrims and heritage travelers each year.
• Craft Villages and Tribal Tourism: Odisha is home to over 60 tribal communities, and initiatives like homestays and local market experiences give travelers an intimate view of indigenous culture.
• Eco-Retreats and Glamping: A standout attraction at ATM Dubai was Odisha’s luxury eco-retreat concept. “We call it glamping—a blend of glamour and camping,” Swain noted. These nature-based retreats are gaining traction among global tourists seeking unique, sustainable experiences by beaches, forests, and lakes.

Global Market Focus: East Asia, Europe, and North America

Odisha’s international marketing strategy is rooted in targeting specific source markets:

• Buddhist Tourism from East Asia: “We are receiving significant interest from countries like Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore,” Swain said. This is due to the state’s Buddhist circuit, featuring Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udaygiri, which hosts an annual international Buddhist conference.
• Spiritual Travelers from the US and UK: Swain noted a steady rise in tourist inflow from Western countries, particularly for heritage and wellness tourism.
• EU Engagement: Targeted efforts are underway to partner with European tour operators to boost heritage tourism circuits and promote Odisha as a sustainable destination.

Infrastructure and International Connectivity

According to Swain, one of the most critical enablers of Odisha’s tourism expansion is improved connectivity. The Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar now offers direct flights from Dubai, reducing friction for Middle Eastern and European travelers.

In addition to air travel, Odisha has significantly invested in its road and rail networks, ensuring that travelers can explore the state with ease. “There are no issues now in reaching our key destinations,” Swain confidently shared. “Whether by road or train, travelers will have a smooth experience.”

Sustainability and Community Empowerment

The eco-retreat model is more than a luxury offering—it embodies the state’s sustainable tourism policy. Local communities are employed in these operations, promoting inclusive growth and encouraging cultural preservation. “We want tourism to enrich not just the traveler, but also the people of Odisha,” Swain emphasized.

Strategic Participation in Global Forums

Odisha’s participation in global travel exhibitions like ATM Dubai 2025 is part of its ongoing campaign to increase visibility among high-spending and long-haul tourists. With digital campaigns targeting millennials and new-age travelers, and collaborations with foreign tourism boards, Odisha is recalibrating its position from a domestic gem to an internationally sought-after destination.

Looking Ahead

As Odisha continues to refine its tourism brand, Saroj Kumar Swain’s presence at ATM Dubai symbolizes more than just participation—it signals aspiration, readiness, and global vision.

From coastal retreats and Buddhist serenity to tribal vibrance and spiritual depth, Odisha’s diverse tourism matrix is now geared for global attention. With clear infrastructure, niche offerings, and international partnerships, Odisha is scripting a new chapter in Indian tourism—one that echoes far beyond the borders of the subcontinent.

The post Odisha Attracts International Tourists from Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, US, UK, UAE and Many Other Countries | Arabian Travel Market 2025 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.