Bhubaneswar, June 24: The tourism prospects of the state will get a boost with a major event of the hospitality sector being scheduled here.
The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), an apex body of four regional associations representing the Indian hospitality industry, will hold its golden jubilee convention from September 25 to September 27 at Mayfair Lagoon and Convention here.
This was announced on Saturday during a discussion between the FHRAI delegates and tourism minister Ashok Panda. Over 1,000 representatives of the hospitality and tourism industry, including leading hoteliers and other stakeholders, are expected to attend the event.
"It will be a great opportunity for us to convince the big names and stakeholders to set up infrastructure such as resorts and other facilities in the state. We have plenty of Buddhist sites, beaches and nature-based sites in the state that are yet to be tapped to their full potential," said Panda.
On this occasion, the event logo was also unveiled. The logo is designed to look like the 50 to mark the years of the FHRAI and the Konark wheel inside the zero to symbolise the state.
The convention will be one of the biggest events for hospitality and tourism in the country and the state tourism department has collaborated with the FHRAI as partners of the event.
The theme for the event is atithi devo bhava that literally means guest is God.
Technical sessions would also be held with industry stalwarts sharing their thoughts on growth in the country. The second day of the event will be the Odisha Day and the state would be in focus.
Folk dance shows and other cultural programmes by renowned artistes from across the state will also be organised.
Panda said the state tourism department would ask top hotel brands to set up hospitality and tourism facilities in the state.
One of the organisers said invitations had been sent out to tourism officials in different states and a few foreign countries.
The convention will end on the World Tourism Day. A heritage walk will be held to mark the occasion. It will include a cultural extravaganza with tableau, folk dance shows and other performances. The theme of the walk will be - tourism unites the world.
