Over 800 delegates are set to join the golden jubilee meet of Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) being held here to discuss issues like double taxation, delay in approvals and the need for infrastructure status to hotel industry.
Billed as a mega event, the three-day convention beginning on September 25 would act as a major opportunity for Odisha and help in harnessing the tourism potential of the state in a big way, state's Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda said.
The Convention theme is the much-adored Sanskrit verse "Atithi Devo Bhava" meaning 'Guest is God'. Odisha Tourism has also joined FHRAI as Partners of the event.
Besides the regional growth perspective, the meet would be significant nationally as it would discuss, debate and deliberate upon growth opportunities along with major issues concerning the industry in terms of policies, multiple taxation and possible impact of GST on the industry, said FHRAI President Tejinder Singh Walia.
Inordinate delay in approvals and licensing conditions would also be discussed at the convention where the long standing demand on the industry to be accorded infrastructure status is also expected to gain prominence, Walia said.
"The thirteen states and a union territory comprising eastern India have immense tourism potential and we are confident that this event will be a catalyst for the growth of tourism in the region," said Walia.
Dilip Ray, Chairman of Convention Committee said the mega event is a great opportunity for Odisha to showcase its rich cultural heritage and beautiful tourist destinations to attract investors. "The convention will provide golden era of investment in the hotel industry and new players who are visiting the state to invest in a big way," he said.
The high profile event would witness participation of more than 800 delegates representing top echelons of the hospitality and tourism industry in India, leading hoteliers and other stakeholders in the industry, Walia said.
The formal inauguration ceremony will be graced by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as Chief Guest along with Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma and others.
Unveiling of Odisha 3D Map at Biju Patnaik Airport would be done by Tourism Minister of Odisha Ashok Chandra Panda earlier on the inaugural day.
A special handicraft exhibition 'Pipili Bazaar' showcasing rich handicraft products of Odisha will also be inaugurated during the occasion.
The concluding day of the convention will see one of its kind colourful extravaganza of 'World Tourism Day Walk & Carnival' on September 27.
