OYO Launches First Homestay in Odisha, Partners with Odisha Skill Development Authority to Empower Local Communities

Bhubaneswar: Global hospitality technology company OYO has joined forces with the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) to launch its first homestay in the state, located in the pilgrim town of Puri. The homestay was inaugurated by Shri TusharkantiBehera, Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Odisha. Smt. AlkaMisra, Chairperson, OSDA) joined the Honourable Minister for the inauguration.This collaboration will focus on equipping locals with the necessary skills and training to successfully manage homestays, fostering entrepreneurship and creating an additional income source.

OYO and OSDA had signed an MOU for setting up of homestays at “The Global Summit on Growth & Employment 2024” on 19th February in Bhubaneswar.The MOU was exchanged between RiteshAgarwal, Founder and Group CEO, OYO and Mr Reghu G, IAS, CEO, OSDA, in the presence of the Honourable Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik.

Looking ahead, OYO plans to expand its footprint in Odisha by introducing an additional 50 homestays within the next year across popular destinations like Konark, Pipli, Raghurajpur, and others, providing a wider range of accommodation options for tourists.

These homestays will not only offer travellers a unique and authentic experience but will also contribute significantly to the economic growth of rural communities, particularly among the youths in Odisha.This project is part of OYO’s ongoing commitment to empowering local communities and supporting the rural economy through tourism development. The company has successfully launched similar homestay programs in collaboration with local authorities in Ayodhya, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ekta Nagar. This core principle remains a driving force for OYO’s operations across India.

“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 and Group CEO, OYO.

“Our collaboration with Odisha Skill Development Authority underscores our dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable tourism in Odisha. Together, we are committed to unlocking the full potential of the region’s hospitality sector.”, said Nitin Thakur, Head of Strategic Alliances, OYO

“The Odisha government welcomes OYO’s initiative to launch homestays across the state. This project aligns perfectly with our vision of promoting tourism and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for our youth. We believe this partnership will not only boost tourism but also showcase the rich cultural heritage of Odisha to a wider audience.”, said TusharkantiBehera, Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Odisha

“We are delighted to partner with OYO in this impactful project. This initiative will empower our local communities by providing them with an additional source of income and fostering entrepreneurship. We are confident that this will contribute significantly to the state’s tourism sector and economic development.”, said AlkaMisra, Chairperson, Odisha Skill Development Authority