OdishaPlus Bureau
Under the recent MoU, OYO Rooms Aims to Open 50 Homestay Facilities Across Tourist Destinations in the State Where the Skilled In Odisha Youth Shall be Employed
The first Odisha Homestays under OYO Rooms was inaugurated at heritage city Puri by the Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Govt of Odisha, Tusharkanti Behera on Tuesday.
This initiative is part of the leading hospitality brand’s move to establish 50 such homestays at various locations of Odisha where Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) shall support in terms of skilled manpower as per the recent MoU signed.
“Puri is a hub of tourism in Odisha. Under the vision of Hon’ble CM Naveen Patnaik, the tourism, art, culture & heritage are being projected and promoted in a big way. In the days ahead, OYO will operate more such facilities in the region where skilled in Odisha youth will get a chance to hone their skills and provide impetus to community led sustainable tourism”, said the minister.
“The objective behind this partnership with OYO is to skill the youth of Odisha in the hotel and hospitality industry, boosting their confidence. I hope this first homestay will be impactful, generate revenue and engage the youth. The project will empower local communities & support the economy through tourism development,” said Alka Misra, Chairperson OSDA while gracing the occasion. She congratulated the owner of Susila Nivas at Saradadevi Road, Puri to come forward to open the property under OYO Odisha Homestays.
A homestay is a modern and unique arrangement in the tourism and hospitality sector where homeowners let tourists and travelers use entire homes will all necessary amenities for a short stay. The concept is slowly catching the attention of tourists in India due to it’s cost effectiveness as well as the unique benefits of enjoying a homelike environment away from home.
“OYO Rooms which started the Homestays service at Puri aims to open over 50 such facilities in the first phase”, informs Nitin Thakur, Head of Strategic Alliances OYO Rooms who joined the inauguration at Puri.
“As a son of Odisha and a devotee of Lord Jagannath, launching our first homestay in Puri is a moment of immense personal pride. It is an honour for me to contribute to the hospitality sector in my home state. The launch of our first homestay in Puri is not just a business endeavour; it is a personal commitment to ensuring that pilgrims and visitors receive the best quality accommodation while providing locals with opportunities to expand their income,” said Ritesh Agarwal, Founder OYO Rooms through a press release shared by the company.
Among others, Shri Pinaki Patnaik, COO World Skill Center, officials of OYO Rooms and the owner and family members of Susila Nivas were present on the occasion.