Bhubaneswar: Positioning the state as a destination where tourists stay for three weeks rather than limiting their visits to the Bhubaneswar–Puri–Konark circuit, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) will pitch its ‘21-night tourism destination’ vision at the seventh Odisha Tourism Conclave on Oct 23.The association, at a news conference on Wednesday, said Odisha’s spiritual heritage, ancient temples, Buddhist sites, wildlife, beaches, lakes, tribal culture, handlooms, handicrafts and cuisine offered the potential to attract visitors for extended holidays. 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, it said.The conclave will bring together govt representatives and tourism stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen the state’s tourism economy.HRAO welcomed the state govt’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, it said, would also create opportunities to expand hotel management institutes, hospitality training centres and skill development institutions across the state.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, it said.Deputy chief minister Pravati Parida will inaugurate the conclave in the presence of chief secretary Anu Garg, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh and Puri MP Sambit Patra, according to the association.
