Shreya Shimpi
The IATO Convention 2025 is being hosted at your newly launched hotel in Puri. How significant is this moment for you personally and professionally, and what impact do such conventions have on promoting Odisha?
Hosting the 40th IATO Annual Convention at our newly opened Swosti Premium Beach Resort, Puri, is both an honour and a deeply personal milestone. Conventions like IATO are catalytic—they bring national attention and international exposure, creating a ripple effect across the tourism value chain, from hotels and travel operators to artisans and local entrepreneurs. For a spiritually rich and culturally vibrant destination like Puri, this is an unparalleled platform to showcase its potential to India’s top tour operators and influencers.
How does the new hotel in Puri exemplify your long-standing vision for enhancing tourism infrastructure in the state?
Swosti Group’s mission has always been to bridge the hospitality gap in Odisha by creating world-class infrastructure. Swosti Premium Beach Resort, Puri, reflects that mission—an ultra-modern, sea-facing luxury resort offering world-class amenities with sustainable design. Strategically located on the beach, it features state-of-the-art conference facilities, wellness centres, diverse culinary experiences, and panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. It strengthens Odisha’s capacity to host high-end tourists, destination weddings, and international events, aligning with our vision to make Odisha a preferred year-round tourism destination.
What initiatives has Swosti Group adopted in its properties, especially the new one in Puri, to promote eco-friendly and responsible tourism?
Sustainability is at the heart of the Swosti Group’s philosophy. Our new hotel incorporates solar power, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, and comprehensive solid waste management systems. We also focus on community engagement—employing local staff, promoting local handicrafts, and organising cultural performances. Guests are encouraged to join eco-conscious activities like beach clean-ups and nature walks.
What future expansion plans or innovations are in the pipeline for Swosti Group, particularly in Eastern India and emerging tourism circuits?
We are actively expanding across Odisha. Our flagship project, Gopalpur Palm Resort—a 5-star luxury destination in Gopalpur-on-Sea—is already under development. We are also exploring projects in eco-tourism and tribal tourism circuits in regions like Koraput, Satkosia, Satpada, and Bhitarkanika, opening up new opportunities for travellers to experience Odisha’s untapped beauty.
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