How Odisha's Hospitality Sector Aims for a Major Transformation with New Theme Parks and Airport

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha is urging the government to develop large-scale theme parks and a Greenfield airport in Puri to enhance tourism. During their 40th annual celebration, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida encouraged industry members to act as 'Tourism Ambassadors.' The association aims to draw inspiration from global leaders like Disney and Universal Studios, proposing a strategic MoU for a mega theme park. They also highlighted the need to protect the Shree Jagannath Temple during airport planning and suggested extending train services to boost Buddhist tourism. This initiative could significantly impact Odisha's economic landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 1, 2026, 20:07 IST

Puri's Vision for Tourism Growth

Puri: The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha has called on both state and central authorities to invest in large-scale theme parks and integrated entertainment hubs, alongside a new Greenfield airport in Puri, to enhance the tourism and hospitality sectors.

These recommendations were presented during the association's 40th annual celebration, which was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida. She encouraged hospitality professionals to act as 'Tourism Ambassadors' to foster the sector's overall development.

In a post on X, Parida remarked, "This association has been instrumental in advancing Odisha's hospitality landscape. Their initiatives have not only propelled the tourism industry but have also significantly impacted other sectors, contributing to the state's economic growth. In addition to developing tourist attractions, there is now a focus on caravan tourism to enrich visitor experiences."

To further this initiative, Parida urged hotel owners, business leaders, and hospitality workers to embrace the role of 'Tourism Ambassadors.'

The event was also attended by Puri MP Sambit Patra and local MLA Sunil Mahanty.

During the gathering, association chairman J K Mohanty emphasized the potential for Odisha to create large-scale theme parks and entertainment venues.

"Inspired by global giants like The Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios, we urge the state government to consider a strategic MoU for establishing a world-class mega theme park in Odisha," Mohanty stated.

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO), which has been active in the state for 40 years, proposed that a delegation of industry representatives undertake a study tour to the United States to facilitate discussions.

To achieve this vision, HRAO also requested BJP national spokesperson and MP Sambit Patra to collaborate with the Union Tourism Ministry to attract this transformative project to Odisha, leveraging the benefits of the current double-engine government.

The association identified Sipasarubali (Samuka) Beach in Puri as the ideal site for the mega tourism project, noting that land has already been earmarked for the proposed international airport.

HRAO pointed out that the combination of a theme park and airport would create significant synergies for high-value tourism growth.

Additionally, the association stressed the importance of safeguarding the Shree Jagannath Temple during the airport planning process, emphasizing the need to maintain the structural integrity and sanctity of the 12th-century shrine in Puri.

Furthermore, the association recommended extending the Mahaparinirvan Express train service from New Delhi to Bodh Gaya to Puri to enhance the influx of Buddhist tourists into Odisha.