In a bold and forward-looking move to revive tourism, the Odisha Tourism Department has decided to set up tent cities and modern glamping facilities at popular and emerging tourist destinations across the state.
Many scenic locations in Odisha already attract visitors with their natural beauty, heritage, and spiritual significance, yet the lack of quality, affordable, and contemporary accommodation has been a major bottleneck. To address this gap, the department is promoting low-impact, temporary, and aesthetically pleasing hospitality options like tent cities, glamping pods, and short-stay camping facilities.
A key policy change has been proposed to make these projects viable. In a letter to IDCO Chairman, Tourism Secretary Balwant Singh has recommended that government land for such projects be leased for a maximum of 30 years instead of the existing 99-year norm applied to permanent hotels and resorts.“These tent cities, glamping units, and other modern camping facilities are short-term and low-impact in nature,” the letter states. The reduced lease period will encourage innovation while ensuring better utilisation of government land and alignment with the state’s eco-friendly tourism goals.
According to the proposal, IDCO will develop a suitable framework under which projects will be evaluated based on their type, investment profile, and sustainability parameters. Final approval will come through the single-window system following recommendations from the Tourism Department.
This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience by offering unique, luxurious yet affordable stays amidst nature. It will particularly benefit destinations that currently lack proper infrastructure, potentially increasing tourist footfall and generating local employment.
The move is fully in line with the Odisha Tourism Policy, which emphasises sustainable, responsible, and experiential tourism. By promoting environmentally friendly developments, the state aims to position itself as a preferred destination for both domestic and international travellers seeking modern comfort blended with natural beauty.
With this new policy, Odisha is set to witness a fresh wave of creative tourism infrastructure — bringing the joy of camping with the luxury of glamping to its breathtaking landscapes.
