HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
The Hotel Association of India (HAI), the apex body representing hotels across the country, has officially launched its Odisha Chapter, chaired by honorary secretary J.K. Mohanty, Managing Director of Swosti Premium Limited. The launch underscores HAI’s continued advocacy for the tourism and hospitality sector, highlighting its immense potential to generate employment, contribute to local and national economies, and promote inclusive growth. HAI has been pressing both central and state governments to extend greater recognition to the industry, particularly in terms of regulatory support and policy reforms, given that hotels play a key role in meeting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At the state level, HAI emphasizes the importance of policy interventions to boost the hotel sector. The Association has identified that hotels should be offered benefits similar to those extended to the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, such as lower utility rates and reduced property taxes. Such benefits would significantly reduce operating costs, making hotels more competitive and enhancing their attractiveness for investors.
Odisha has been spotlighted as a priority state for tourism development, as announced in the Union Budget 2024-2025. The launch of the Odisha Chapter is timely, with the new chapter aiming to work closely with the state tourism department and other stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism and hospitality in the region. The initiative also aligns with HAI’s broader goal of expanding its footprint across India.
Several HAI members have expressed intentions to expand operations within Odisha. HAI, known for its commitment to sustainability, remains the only industry body in India fully aligned with the WTTC’s Global Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative. The founding members, including prominent industry leaders like K.B. Kachru, President of HAI and Chairman – South Asia of Radisson Hotel Group, and Rohit Khosla, Executive Vice President (Operations) at The Indian Hotels Company Limited, were present in Bhubaneswar for the formal chapter launch.
During the launch event, the HAI team met with senior government officials, including Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, to discuss potential collaborations. Parida welcomed the initiative and expressed optimism about forging a strong partnership with HAI to make Odisha a top tourism destination in India.
K.B. Kachru, speaking at the event, emphasized the significance of the Odisha Chapter for both HAI and the state’s hospitality sector. “This chapter marks a key milestone and will help us promote Odisha’s tourism offerings with the support of HAI members,” Kachru noted, citing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Rohit Khosla added, “Odisha is quickly gaining attention from travelers, and 4-5 star hotels are showing increased interest in expanding here. We are confident the HAI Odisha Chapter will aid in the state’s growth by fostering collaboration with stakeholders.”
M.P. Bezbaruah, Secretary General of HAI, stressed the chapter’s potential to implement innovative policies in partnership with the government, creating both tourism growth and employment opportunities for local communities.
J.K. Mohanty, chairing the chapter, reiterated HAI’s commitment to working closely with government bodies, local stakeholders, and industry partners to maximize the potential of Odisha’s tourism sector for the benefit of the state’s economy and communities.
The launch signifies a step forward in establishing Odisha as a premier tourism destination, with HAI aiming to contribute significantly to its sustainable development and economic growth.
