The Odisha government has taken a significant step toward bolstering its tourism sector by signing three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with premier institutions to promote heritage conservation, adventure tourism, and Buddhist pilgrimage. The agreements, formalized on Thursday, involve collaborations with the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), Goa, and the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International (LBDFI).

The MoU with IIT Madras focuses on preserving Odisha’s rich heritage through advanced scientific techniques. This partnership will facilitate structural audits, detailed documentation, material testing, geo-technical investigations, and the development of sustainable reuse plans for historic monuments. Additionally, IIT-M will provide project management consultancy to ensure the long-term preservation of Odisha’s cultural landmarks.

To boost adventure and water tourism, the Tourism Department partnered with NIWS, Goa, to introduce globally recognized safety standards, conduct audits, and implement capacity-building programs for adventure tourism operators, lifeguards, and service providers. Leveraging Odisha’s extensive coastline and abundant water resources, the initiative aims to create livelihood opportunities for the state’s youth while establishing Odisha as a premier destination for adventure tourism.

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The third MoU, signed between the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department and LBDFI, seeks to revive Odisha’s Buddhist heritage and enhance pilgrimage tourism. The collaboration will include annual prayer ceremonies at key Buddhist sites such as Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitagiri, alongside improvements in visitor amenities, digital engagement infrastructure, and cultural and academic programs celebrating Odisha’s Buddhist legacy and the teachings of Guru Padmasambhava.

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Minister of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Suryabanshi Suraj. Parida emphasized the need for mission-driven implementation to ensure impactful outcomes, while Suraj hailed the Buddhist tourism initiative as a historic partnership to promote Odisha’s unparalleled cultural heritage.

These strategic collaborations mark a transformative phase for Odisha’s tourism sector, blending heritage preservation, adventure, and spiritual tourism to position the state as a global destination.

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