Varanasi/Bhubaneswar, August 22: Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo graced the inaugural session of the 56th Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) Annual Convention in Varanasi and emphasised the vital interlinkages between hospitality, rural economies, and sustainable growth from Odisha’s perspective.

Speaking on the convention theme, “Ananta Kashi: Leading the Future of Tourism through Spirit, Culture, Cuisine, and Craft,” Singh Deo noted that Baba Vishwanath’s abode in Kashi and Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s home in Puri embody the ancient unity of Hari and Hara, offering travellers an immersive civilizational journey rather than just a physical destination.

Reaffirming that Odisha possesses virtually every form of tourism known to the world, the Deputy CM outlined how tourism drives broader socio-economic development. Every hotel stay directly impacts agricultural produce, local craft, transportation, and clean energy sectors.

He urged hospitality leaders to source produce locally to empower farmers and entrepreneurs, while simultaneously integrating clean energy practices to make tourism sustainable.

He advocated for regional cooperation to establish integrated, culturally-connected tourism circuits linking Odisha with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and beyond.

He reiterated the timeless ethos of responsible travel: "Take nothing, but memories; leave nothing, but footprints," urging stakeholders to build an inclusive tourism ecosystem centered on local heritage and community prosperity.