Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and Minister for Agriculture and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, addressed the inaugural session of the 56th Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) Annual Convention in Varanasi.
Speaking on the convention theme, “Ananta Kashi: Leading the Future of Tourism through Spirit, Culture, Cuisine, and Craft,” Singh Deo emphasized the vital inter-linkages between hospitality, rural economies, and sustainable growth from Odisha’s perspective.
Highlighting the deep-rooted cultural bond between Kashi and Odisha, Dy CM Shri Singh Deo noted that Baba Vishwanath’s abode in Kashi and Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s home in Puri embody the ancient unity of Hari and Hara, offering travellers an immersive civilizational journey rather than just a physical destination.
Reaffirming that Odisha possesses virtually every form of tourism known to the world, Dy Singh Deo outlined how tourism drives broader socio-economic development. Every hotel stay directly impacts agricultural produce, local craft, transportation, and clean energy sectors.
Hospitality leaders were urged to source produce locally to empower farmers and entrepreneurs, while simultaneously integrating clean energy practices to make tourism sustainable.
The Deputy CM called for stronger collaboration between governments (infrastructure), industry (investment and global standards), and local communities. He advocated for regional cooperation to establish integrated, culturally-connected tourism circuits linking Odisha with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and beyond.
Concluding his address, he reiterated the timeless ethos of responsible travel: “Take nothing, but memories; leave nothing, but footprints,” urging stakeholders to build an inclusive tourism ecosystem centered on local heritage and community prosperity.
