Bhubaneswar: The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) will organise the seventh Odisha Tourism Conclave in the city, starting 23 October.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida will inaugurate the conclave, which will feature panel discussions on emerging opportunities and challenges in the tourism sector.
Speaking to the media ahead of the event, HRAO Chairman JK Mohanty informed about the association’s vision of positioning the state as a destination where tourists stay for three weeks rather than limiting their visits to Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark circuit.
“The 21-night-tourism destination vision will encourage visitors to explore destinations beyond the conventional Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark circuit. Odisha’s rich mix of spiritual heritage, Buddhist sites, ancient temples, wildlife, beaches, lakes, tribal culture, hand looms, handicrafts and cuisine offer considerable scope for longer holidays,” Mohanty said.
“Increasing tourists’ average length of stay and expenditure, alongside tourist arrivals, could boost hotel occupancy and generate business for tour operators, transport providers, restaurants, artisans and community-based enterprises,” he added.
Good For Business
HRAO welcomed the state government’s initiative to facilitate around 15,000 additional hotel rooms across Odisha, saying the expansion could attract investment of up to Rs 10,000 crore. The association estimated that the additional capacity could generate demand for around 45,000 skilled hospitality personnel based on average of three employees per room.
This, the HRAO chairman said, would also create opportunities to expand hotel management institutes, hospitality training centres and skill development institutions across the state.
Big Plan Near Puri
The association will also highlight the potential of Samuka Beach near Puri for a world-class theme park under the public -private partnership model. Premium hotels, entertainment facilities, a convention centre and supporting infrastructure could help broaden Odisha’s tourism appeal, Mohanty said.