Bhubaneswar, 22 August (H.S.): Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Energy Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Saturday highlighted the tourism sector’s potential to drive economic growth, strengthen rural economies and promote regional connectivity while addressing the inaugural session of the 56th Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) Annual Convention in Varanasi.

Speaking on the theme, “Ananta Kashi: Leading the Future of Tourism through Spirit, Culture, Cuisine, and Craft,” Singh Deo emphasised the strong interlinkages between hospitality, agriculture, local enterprises and sustainable development.

Highlighting the deep cultural and spiritual connect between Kashi and Odisha, he said Kashi, the abode of Baba Vishwanath, and Puri, the home of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, represent the timeless unity of Hari and Hara. Together, these destinations offer travellers an immersive civilisational experience that goes beyond conventional tourism.

The Deputy Chief Minister said Odisha has immense potential across virtually every major segment of tourism and stressed that the sector can generate wider socio-economic benefits. According to him, every hotel stay has a multiplier effect on sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts, transportation and clean energy.

He urged hospitality industry stakeholders to increase the sourcing of agricultural produce and other products locally, thereby creating stronger markets for farmers, artisans and small entrepreneurs. At the same time, he called for greater adoption of clean-energy solutions to make the tourism industry more sustainable.

Singh Deo also stressed the need for stronger cooperation among the government, private sector and local communities. While the government should focus on infrastructure development, he said the industry could contribute through investment, innovation and global standards, with local communities playing a central role in preserving and promoting regional heritage.

He further advocated developing integrated tourism circuits connecting Odisha with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and other states, leveraging their shared cultural, spiritual and historical links to enhance regional tourism.

Concluding his address, Singh Deo invoked the principle of responsible tourism — “Take nothing but memories; leave nothing but footprints” — and called upon stakeholders to build an inclusive and sustainable tourism ecosystem that places local heritage and community prosperity at its core.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda