Odisha Introduces 3-Month Certification Course for Tourism Service Providers

The Odisha government has introduced a mandatory three-month certification programme for tourism service providers (TSPs) whose tour operators do not have professionally trained staff to provide transport and related services to tourists.
Under the new guidelines issued as part of the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy-2026, the Tourism Department will conduct the course in hybrid mode through the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Bhubaneswar, or other approved institutions.

The programme will cover key aspects of tourism services, including ticketing, foreign exchange, hotel bookings, transportation management, guide arrangements, basic English communication, guest relations, safety and sanitation, and adventure tourism guidelines.
Operators without trained personnel will receive provisional recognition first, but completion of the certification course will be compulsory before they can obtain final recognition as TSPs. The training expenses will have to be borne by the provisionally recognised operators.

The department has also set specific requirements for tourist transport operators. Start-ups must have at least two tourist vehicles, while experienced operators need a minimum of four vehicles. Drivers will also be required to wear proper uniforms and carry visible identification while on duty.
An eight-member committee headed by the Tourism Director will examine documents and certification details submitted through district tourism development officers before taking further action.