Bhubaneswar: Salil Panigrahi, the Managing Director of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, is a proud Indian who was born and raised in Odisha. He has been awarded the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman 2021 by the President of India in the Tourism category for his contribution to the tourism industry in the Maldives and for strengthening ties between India and the Maldives through his Indian Ocean Hospitality brand. The award recognises his stellar contribution to the tourism sector through the development of acclaimed resorts in the Maldives enhancing India’s reputation.
The Maldives is celebrating its golden jubilee year to commemorate its global tourism presence. Hence, to recognise the effort of the tourism stakeholders for their contribution, Salil Panigrahi has been conferred the ‘Maldives President’s Tourism Gold Award’ for his exemplary contributions to the island nation’s tourism sector. This recognition marks a moment of pride for Panigrahi and the entire team of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts (AH&R).
Having successful ventures in the Maldives and upcoming resorts in Sri Lanka, now Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts has set its sights on expanding in India, Nepal and Bhutan. Under the leadership of Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts for India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, the company has already signed a few luxury hotel management agreements for its India operations and has many more in the pipeline.
On this proud moment, congratulating Panigrahi’s efforts, Souvagya Mohapatra says, “Both Salil and I, being from Odisha, are greatly enthused to promote and develop the tourism industry in Odisha and in our country. We are delighted to note that there is now enhanced confidence in the hospitality and tourism industry in Odisha. Hence, the company and its Board of Directors have decided to set up world-class resorts at Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark, Chilika Lake, Koraput, and other scenic destinations through FDI and its worthy investors.”
It may be noted here that Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is a dynamic and fast-growing international hospitality company currently operating eight resorts in the Maldives and is set to further expand in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. AH&R’s distinguished portfolio comprises The Ozen Collection, Colours of Oblu and By Atmosphere, with a rich diversity of experiences within each of these brands.
The company’s success story continues, with three distinct new properties. A lavish stately city experience in India at Ozen Mansion Kolkata opening in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a soulful, sustainable sanctuary in the Maldivian isle of Ozen Prive’ Athiri Gili is set for launch in the fourth quarter of 2024. The third resort in the pipeline, Ozen Secluded will take the company to Sri Lanka.