Bhubaneswar : The Hotel Association of India (HAI), the apex body of hotels across India, launches the Odisha Chapter under the Chairmanship of its Honorary Secretary Dr. J.K. Mohanty, Managing Director, Swosti Premium Limited. HAI has been relentlessly pursuing the Government for according due recognition to the tourism & hospitality sector for its immense potential to generate jobs, contribute significantly to the national, regional and local economies and in promoting inclusive growth. Hotels in the region also contribute to several SDGs. This recognition should be at both levels of the government- Centre and State level
As Tourism plays out mostly at State level, it is important that there be a forum to prioritise the growth and development of hotels, a key infrastructure for tourism. At the State level, HAI has identified one key policy intervention that can provide a fillip to hotels. Every State should extend to the hotels, the benefits provided to manufacturing and to agriculture in terms of better rates for utilities, lower property taxes etc. Cost of hotel operations is high and mostly fixed. Industry benefits will help in cost reduction making the hotels more competitive and making investments in hotels more attractive.
The EC Members including, Mr. K.B. Kachru, HAI President Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, Mr. Rohit Khosla, Vice President HAI, Executive Vice President (Ops.), The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Dr. J.K. Mohanty, Member & Hon. Secretary of the Hotel Association of India and Managing Director of Swosti Group., Mr. M.P. Bezbaruah, Member (E-Officio) and Secretary General, Mr. Vikram Oberoi, Corporate Member, HAI, Managing Director & CEO, EIH Limited, Mr. Ajay Bakaya, Fellow Member, HAI, Managing Director Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd. & Mr. R. Shankar Member HAI, President – Corporate & Legal Affairs EIH Ltd., were in Bhubaneswar to formally launch the chapter.
HAI team met senior Government officials and Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Smt. Pravati Parida to discuss the possibilities to collaborate with state authorities to enhance the State Tourism. It is heartening to note that the Odisha Government has a robust tourist policy. However the share of domestic and foreign tourist visits to the State is low.
Mr. Samarth Verma, IAS and Managing Director of OTDC and Mr. Balwant Singh, Joint Secretary, GOI were also present at the meet
Speaking at the launch event, Mr. K.B. Kachru, President HAI & Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, emphasized, “We are happy to introduce the Odisha Chapter, which marks a significant milestone for the Association and the hospitality sector. This chapter will help us promote the state’s tourism with the support of HAI hotel members. Odisha has a rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical monuments and requires to be promoted.”
