THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
VARANASI/BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 22, 2026
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Saturday
emphasised the transformative role of tourism in driving economic growth,
empowering rural communities and strengthening regional connectivity, calling
for closer collaboration among governments, industry and local communities to
build sustainable and culturally integrated tourism circuits.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 56th Federation of
Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) Annual Convention in
Varanasi, Singh Deo said tourism should be viewed not merely as a
destination-driven activity but as a powerful engine of socio-economic
development, with the hospitality sector having deep linkages with agriculture,
handicrafts, transport and clean energy.
Speaking on the convention theme, “Ananta Kashi: Leading the
Future of Tourism through Spirit, Culture, Cuisine, and Craft”, Singh Deo
highlighted the deep-rooted cultural connect between Kashi and Odisha, saying
the abode of Baba Vishwanath in Kashi and the home of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in
Puri symbolise the ancient unity of Hari and Hara.
He said this civilisational connection offers travellers an
immersive cultural experience that goes beyond visiting physical destinations
and can serve as the foundation for stronger tourism linkages between the two
regions.
Reaffirming Odisha’s vast tourism potential, Singh Deo said
the state possesses virtually every form of tourism known to the world, ranging
from its rich spiritual and cultural heritage to its natural landscapes,
cuisine, crafts and diverse experiences.
He underlined the multiplier effect of tourism on local
economies, observing that every hotel stay has a direct or indirect impact on
agricultural produce, local crafts, transportation and clean energy. He urged
hospitality industry leaders to increasingly source their requirements locally,
thereby creating stronger markets for farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs while
contributing to sustainable tourism practices.
Singh Deo also stressed the need for the tourism sector to
embrace clean energy and environmentally responsible practices, saying
sustainability must remain central to the growth of hospitality and travel.
Calling for a stronger partnership between the government,
industry and local communities, the Deputy Chief Minister said governments must
focus on infrastructure development, the industry should bring investment,
innovation and global standards, while local communities must remain central
beneficiaries and custodians of the region’s heritage.
He advocated greater regional cooperation to develop integrated tourism circuits connecting Odisha with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and other neighbouring regions. Such culturally connected circuits, he said, could expand tourist experiences, improve regional connectivity and create wider economic opportunities for local communities.
Concluding his address, Singh Deo invoked the timeless principle of responsible travel — “Take nothing, but memories; leave nothing, but footprints” — and called upon tourism stakeholders to create an inclusive ecosystem that places local heritage, environmental responsibility and community prosperity at the heart of India’s tourism growth story.
