Odisha eyes marquee hotel brands to boost sports tourism

Fresh from the successful hosting of the Hockey World Cup 2018, the Odisha government has turned its focus on upgrading hotel infrastructure to host sports events of grand scale and boost international footfalls.

The state government is making incessant efforts to position Bhubaneswar as the country’s sports capital. Realising the lacuna posed by inadequate plush hotel rooms, the tourism department has set sights on roping in some of the sought-after names in luxury hotel space. Through the Men’s Hockey World Cup from November 28 to December 16, Bhubaneswar witnessed a euphoric atmosphere, drawing ardent hockey lovers which bolstered international footfalls.