Odisha’s Tribal Advisory Council Recommends Promoting Their Eco-Tourism Growth and Homestays in Tribal Areas, Focusing on the Welfare, Religious Sentiments and Education

Published on December 25, 2025

A meeting with the Tribal Advisory Council (TAC), led by the Chief Minister of the state of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, has suggested a few plans that will speed up the development of eco-tourism as a homestay project that will, to a great extent, help improve the life of the scheduled tribes. The meeting targeted the development of the scheduled tribes as a whole.

The Chief Minister, Mr. Majhi, reiterated that the tribes are not only beneficiaries of government schemes but also equal partners in the progress of the state. The proposal to develop the tribal areas on the lines of eco-tourism also falls into the measures planned by the state to develop the tourism sector and generate new jobs for the people. The plan to develop the tribal areas of Odisha on the lines of eco-tourism aims to benefit from the natural resources of the tribal areas and provide jobs for the people.

Empowering Local Communities through Tourism and Cultural Preservation

The government’s emphasis on tribal welfare and eco-tourism is expected to have a positive impact on both local residents and tourists. Homestays, along with cultural tourism, will enable tribal communities to engage with visitors, share their heritage, and generate income through tourism activities. By investing in local infrastructure, education, and cultural preservation, these efforts are intended to balance economic development with the protection of local traditions.

One key aspect of the eco-tourism development strategy is the integration of tribal customs into the tourism experience. By offering visitors the opportunity to stay with local families and explore rural India, the government aims to provide authentic cultural experiences that foster greater understanding and appreciation of Indian tribal heritage.

Regional Connectivity and Tourism Growth

The introduction of eco-tourism and homestay options is also expected to boost tourism in India’s rural areas. As part of its broader tourism strategy, India is working to improve transportation networks, making it easier for visitors to access remote tribal regions. Increased accessibility will help to distribute tourist traffic more evenly across India, reducing the pressure on popular destinations such as Jaipur and New Delhi, and ensuring sustainable tourism growth in less-explored parts of the country.

Sustainable tourism efforts will help encourage long-term regional tourism growth by attracting tourists seeking a more immersive and responsible travel experience. The growing interest in cultural tourism will drive economic benefits in smaller towns and rural destinations, where tourism could create new employment opportunities and support local businesses.

The Future of Eco-Tourism and Cultural Tourism in India

As eco-tourism and cultural tourism continue to gain traction, India is well-positioned to capitalize on these growing trends. The focus on sustainable travel and community-based tourism ensures that visitors can enjoy India’s stunning natural landscapes and tribal culture without compromising the environment. India’s natural resources and cultural richness are key factors that will continue to attract eco-conscious travelers, contributing to sustainable tourism growth in the country.

India is also becoming a prime destination for luxury eco-tourism and wellness retreats, further diversifying its tourism offerings. With an emphasis on sustainable growth, the country can attract affluent travelers seeking both luxury and environmentally responsible options. The rise of wellness tourism in India, particularly in its mountainous regions and rural landscapes, offers another area of growth for the country’s tourism sector.

Supporting Sustainable Growth and Responsible Tourism

India’s commitment to sustainable tourism is reflected in the growing interest in eco-friendly travel across the country. By integrating green infrastructure, energy-efficient accommodations, and local food and culture-based tourism, the country is aligning itself with global trends toward responsible tourism. Eco-conscious travelers are increasingly looking for destinations that prioritize environmental sustainability, and India’s focus on preserving cultural heritage while promoting eco-tourism makes it an appealing destination for these travelers.

Future Tourism and Growth in India’s Regional Destinations

Looking ahead, the impact of eco-tourism and tribal tourism will be transformational for India’s regional tourism growth. Better regional connectivity, improved infrastructure, and diverse tourism offerings will make it easier for tourists to visit less-explored areas of the country, benefiting both rural and urban communities. As domestic and international tourism increase, these developments will contribute to economic diversification and create new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and tourism operators.

Moreover, the continued growth of the Indian tourism sector will position the country as a key player in global tourism, particularly in the sustainable tourism and cultural tourism markets. The increasing demand for authentic experiences, luxury travel, and eco-friendly accommodations will drive further investment in India’s tourism infrastructure, supporting its long-term economic and social development.

A Sustainable Future for India’s Tourism Sector

India’s focus on eco-tourism and cultural conservation is making way for the future of tourism in India and making the country one of the leaders in sustainable tourism globally. The focus and efforts put in by the Indian government to sustain and advance the tribes and connectivity and tourism infrastructure development in the country would ultimately affect the future of India’s growth in the field of tourism and making it one of the diversified and competitively strong destinations in the coming years. India, in a way, is making sure that tourism is an integral part of economic growth in the coming years.