State seeks to strengthen MICE ecosystem and drive investment in business events
The Odisha Tourism Department, 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 and attract greater private sector participation.
The portal was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida during a high-level roundtable on creating a robust MICE policy for Odisha, held at Mayfair Sanctuary as part of Odisha Travel Bazaar 2026. The state government said the platform will provide a digital mechanism to promote Odisha as a MICE destination and streamline applications for financial incentives by event organisers and tourism operators.
Addressing industry stakeholders, Parida said the government is focused on simplifying approvals and addressing regulatory bottlenecks across MICE events, destination weddings, sports events and cultural heritage projects.
“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,” Parida said.
She highlighted Odisha’s temples, Buddhist heritage, coastline and natural landscapes as potential drivers for business events and destination celebrations. The government also indicated that it would consider private sector recommendations and provide targeted capital subsidies to support tourism and MICE-related investments.
Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department, outlined investment opportunities under the Odisha Tourism Investment Policy, including support for heritage, sports and business events, alongside investor outreach and expedited project clearances.
The roundtable also focused on developing experiential MICE offerings by integrating Odisha’s cultural heritage, indigenous arts and cuisine into corporate events and incentive programmes. Sabbas Joseph, Co-Founder, Wizcraft Group and Chair of the FICCI MICE Tourism Committee, presented an industry roadmap for incorporating local traditions and cultural experiences into business events.
Chef Ranveer Brar, celebrity chef and official brand ambassador for Odia cuisine, called for greater documentation of the state’s local culinary traditions, artisans, festivals, markets and storytellers to build more authentic visitor experiences.
The discussions brought together government officials and industry stakeholders to examine infrastructure, service standards and operational requirements for attracting national and international conventions, incentive travel and experiential events to Odisha.
