OYO Launches First ‘Odisha Homestays’ in Puri, Plans 49 More Across State

Puri/Bhubaneswar: In a move to boost tourism and empower local communities, the Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Govt of Odisha, Tusharkanti Behera inaugurated the first OYO Odisha Homestay at Puri. This initiative aims to establish 50 such homestays across Odisha.

This initiative, supported by the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA), aims to provide skilled manpower and opportunities for the youth of Odisha in the hotel and hospitality industry. The vision, aligned with CM Naveen Patnaik’s emphasis on promoting tourism and heritage, seeks to foster sustainable tourism while empowering local communities.

The concept of homestays, gaining popularity among tourists for its cost-effectiveness and homelike environment, offers travellers the chance to experience the culture and hospitality of local communities. Nitin Thakur, Head of Strategic Alliances at OYO Rooms, announced plans to open over 50 such facilities in the first phase.

Founder of OYO Rooms, Ritesh Agarwal, expressed personal pride in launching the first homestay in Puri, emphasizing the commitment to providing quality accommodation to visitors while creating opportunities for local residents to enhance their income.

The inauguration ceremony, attended by dignitaries including Alka Misra, Chairperson OSDA, and Pinaki Patnaik, COO World Skill Center, marked a significant milestone in Odisha’s tourism development efforts.