August 22, 2025 TnH Global

Swosti Group Leads Odisha’s Tourism Transformation

As the sun sets on the Bay of Bengal, a new dawn is breaking for Odisha’s tourism and hospitality sector. The industry is buzzing with excitement as it plays host to the 40th IATO Annual Convention in Puri, a landmark event poised to strengthen the state’s position on the global tourism map. At the heart of this momentous occasion is Dr. J. K. Mohanty, MHCIMA, a towering figure in the sector, who serves as Chairman and Managing Director of Swosti Group and Chairman of IATO’s Eastern Region. A Lifetime Chairman of the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha and Honorary Secretary of the Hotel Association of India, Dr. Mohanty is an unwavering advocate for the state’s tourism potential. In an exclusive interview, he shares his vision for a vibrant, accessible, and globally recognized Odisha.

Landmark Moment for Odisha

The 40th IATO Convention, held in Puri from August 22–25, 2025, is more than just a gathering; it is a strategic opportunity to place Odisha in the international spotlight. Dr. Mohanty emphasized that the convention has brought together national and international tour operators, Destination Management Companies, and policymakers. “It presents an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Odisha’s unique offerings, from its heritage, temples, and coastline to tribal and Buddhist tourism circuits,” he explains.

This direct exposure is expected to have a cascading effect in terms of enhancing visibility, attracting greater inbound tourism, and spurring critical investments in infrastructure. The convention is not merely about showcasing monuments; it is about presenting Odisha as a holistic destination, endowed with heritage, nature, and spirituality.

Charting a New Roadmap for Inbound Tourism

The convention’s discussions are designed to address both challenges and opportunities in reviving inbound tourism, especially in the lesser-explored Eastern Region. Key themes include air connectivity, international branding, visa facilitation, digital marketing, and progressive state-level policies.

Dr. Mohanty foresees a roadmap that positions Eastern India as a cohesive inbound circuit with Odisha at its core. This collaborative approach, uniting private stakeholders and government bodies, is essential for inclusive, sustainable growth. The convention serves as a catalyst for these dialogues, pushing for actionable solutions to help the region thrive.

Road to Inbound Recovery: Progress and Challenges

While global inbound tourism has yet to regain pre-pandemic levels, Odisha is showing promising signs of revival. The state has witnessed growing interest from both domestic and international travellers, particularly in heritage and eco-tourism. A key hurdle, however, remains the lack of direct international air connectivity to Bhubaneswar, limiting access for global visitors and acting as a bottleneck to full-scale recovery.

Despite this, Dr. Mohanty commends the proactive role of the Odisha Government. “The proactive initiatives of the state government in infrastructure development, destination branding, and tourism policy reforms are steadily bridging this gap,” he notes. Going forward, stronger international marketing, airline partnerships, and curated experiential tourism packages will be vital to unlock Odisha’s full potential.

Collaborative Effort for Regional Growth

As Chairman of IATO’s Eastern Region, Dr. Mohanty is deeply committed to regional development. He works closely with IATO’s Odisha Chapter and government officials to address challenges and highlight the tourism potential of the entire region. This collaborative spirit is also evident in the annual Tourism Conclaves organized in partnership with Odisha Tourism. These bring together industry leaders, hoteliers, journalists, and policymakers to discuss opportunities and challenges. Recommendations from these conclaves are submitted to the government, ensuring the industry’s voice is heard at the highest levels.

Swosti Group’s Visionary Role

As host and key partner for the IATO Convention, Swosti Group is a driving force behind the scenes. Dr. Mohanty confirms the group’s involvement in every aspect of the event—from planning and coordination to hospitality and logistics. “Our team is working closely with IATO, the Department of Tourism, local administration, and hoteliers to ensure world-class arrangements,” he says. The goal is not just to host the event successfully but also to showcase Odisha’s warmth, professionalism, and potential as a premier tourism destination.

Swosti Group’s commitment goes beyond the convention. Following the successful launch of the luxury Swosti Premium Beach Resorts in Puri in August 2024, the group is preparing for its next game-changer, the upcoming 5-star Gopalpur Palm Resort, which will significantly elevate Odisha’s coastal tourism. The group is also venturing into eco-tourism and tribal tourism across regions such as Koraput, Satkosia, Satpada, and Bhitarkanika, while investing in sustainable practices, digital upgrades, and hospitality training.

Conclusion

The 40th IATO Convention in Puri, championed by leaders like Dr. J. K. Mohanty, is not just a momentary spotlight. It marks a strategic inflection point that promises to accelerate Odisha’s journey from a hidden gem to a globally recognized tourist hub, powered by collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to showcasing its incredible beauty and heritage.