HRAO Pushes for Mega Theme Park, Airport in Puri to Boost Tourism
Bhubaneswar/Puri: The Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) has urged both the state and central governments to establish a mega theme park and a greenfield airport in Puri to transform Odisha into a global tourism hub.
The proposals were announced during HRAO’s 40th annual celebration, inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who encouraged hospitality stakeholders to act as “Tourism Ambassadors.”
HRAO chairman J.K. Mohanty suggested Odisha emulate international leaders like Disney and Universal Studios, proposing a strategic MoU and a study tour delegation to the U.S. to explore possibilities.
Puri MP Sambit Patra and MLA Sunil Mahanty attended the event, with HRAO appealing to Patra to coordinate with the Union Tourism Ministry, leveraging the “double-engine government” advantage.
The association identified Sipasarubali (Samuka) Beach in Puri as the preferred site for the mega project, while land has already been earmarked for the proposed international airport.
HRAO emphasised safeguarding the Shree Jagannath Temple during airport planning.
Additional recommendations included extending the Mahaparinirvan Express to Puri to attract Buddhist tourists and promoting caravan tourism to enhance visitor experiences.
With these ambitious proposals, HRAO envisions Puri as a destination that blends world-class entertainment infrastructure with cultural heritage, positioning Odisha prominently on the global tourism map.
