The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) has called upon both state and central authorities to prioritise the development of massive theme parks and integrated entertainment hubs, alongside a new Greenfield airport in Puri, to catalyse the hospitality and tourism industries.
The proposals were presented during the association’s 40th annual celebration, inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida. During the event, she encouraged industry stakeholders to step up as “Tourism Ambassadors” to drive the sector’s holistic expansion.
Taking to X, Parida said, “…This association has been playing a pivotal role in enriching Odisha’s hospitality industry. Through their efforts, not only has the tourism sector flourished, but the impact has also contributed significantly to the development of other sectors, playing a major role in the state’s economic progress. Alongside developing tourist sites as travel destinations, caravan tourism is now being emphasised to enhance tourists’ experiences.”
To sustain this momentum, Parida invited hotel owners, entrepreneurs, and hospitality staff to take on the mantle of “Tourism Ambassadors” for the region.
Puri MP Sambit Patra and local MLA Sunil Mahanty also attended the function.
During his address, HRAO Chairman J K Mohanty underscored Odisha’s immense potential for hosting large-scale theme parks and comprehensive entertainment zones.
“Drawing inspiration from global leaders such as The Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios, the association urges the state government to explore signing a strategic MoU for establishing a world-class mega theme park in Odisha,” Mohanty said.
The HRAO, which has represented the state’s travel and tour interests for 40 years, further proposed organising an official study tour to the United States, including industry experts, to initiate high-level discussions.
In pursuit of this vision, the association requested MP Sambit Patra to leverage his position to coordinate with the Union Tourism Ministry, aiming to secure this transformative project by utilising the advantages of the current “double-engine” government.
— Pravati Parida (@PravatiPOdisha) March 1, 2026
The association further suggested Sipasarubali (Samuka) Beach in Puri as the ideal site for this mega-tourism initiative, pointing out that land has already been earmarked for the proposed international airport.
The theme park and airport, HRAO observed, would create powerful synergies for high-value tourism growth.
The association also advocated for proper safeguarding of Shree Jagannath Temple while planning the proposed airport and observed that utmost care must be taken to protect the structural safety and sanctity of the 12th century shrine in Puri.
The association further recommended that the Mahaparinirvan Express train operating from New Delhi to Bodh Gaya be extended up to Puri to boost Buddhist tourist inflow into Odisha.
