First ‘Odisha Homestays’ Under OYO Rooms Opens At Puri; 49 More In Offing

Puri: The first ‘Odisha Homestays’ under OYO Rooms has been opened in pilgrim town of Puri, which marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) and OYO.

It was inaugurated at heritage city Puri by the Minister of Sports & Youth Services Tusharkanti Behera on Tuesday.

“This is the first out of 50 homestays proposed to be established by the hospitality giant OYO across various locations in Odisha. Under an MoU, OSDA shall provide Skilled In Odisha human resources for the homestays thus promoting tourism while ensuring employment for the local youth,” OSDA Chairperson Alka Mishra posted on X. 

She also congratulated the owner of Susila Nivas at Saradadevi Road to have come forward to open the property under OYO Odisha Homestays.

Homestay is a form of hospitality and lodging whereby visitors share a residence with a local of the area (host) to which they are traveling. The concept is slowly catching the attention of tourists in India due to it’s cost effectiveness as well as the unique benefits of enjoying a homelike environment away from home.

“As a son of Odisha and a devotee of Lord Jagannath, launching our first homestay in Puri is a moment of immense personal pride. It is an honour for me to contribute to the hospitality sector in my home state. The launch of our first homestay in Puri is not just a business endeavour; it is a personal commitment to ensuring that pilgrims and visitors receive the best quality accommodation while providing locals with opportunities to expand their income,” a statement issued by Founder OYO Rooms Ritesh Agarwal said.

Among others, Pinaki Patnaik, COO World Skill Center, officials of OYO Rooms and the owner and family members of Susila Nivas were present on the occasion.