BHUBANESWAR: Deputy chief minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Saturday sought closer collaboration between the government, hospitality industry and local communities to drive economic growth, create livelihoods and strengthen rural economies.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 56th annual convention of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the deputy chief minister urged the hospitality industry to source products locally to support farmers and businesses and adopt clean, environment-friendly energy solutions.
Speaking on the theme ‘Anant Kashi: The future of tourism through spirituality, culture, cuisine and arts’, Singh Deo promoted Odisha’s perspective on the inter-linkages between tourism, hotel industry, agriculture, rural livelihoods and development.
Highlighting the deep spiritual connect between Kashi and Odisha, he said the Baba Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and Lord Jagannath in Puri symbolise the unity of ‘Hari’ and ‘Hara’. “The two shrines are offering visitors not merely travel experiences but a deeper engagement with India’s spiritual and cultural heritage,” he said.
Singh Deo, also the minister for Agriculture and Energy, said every hotel stay could generate direct and indirect benefits for farmers, artisans, transporters and the energy sector. He urged the participants to promote tourism keeping in mind the local heritage and the development of the people. Representatives of the country’s leading tourism organisations, members of FHRAI and officials participated in the session.