STAAH, a global hospitality technology solutions provider, successfully conducted its first industry networking event in Puri this week. The gathering at Mayfair Heritage hotel brought together approximately 50 representatives from Puri’s leading hospitality establishments, including Seven Hills Resorts, Swosti Group of Hotels, and Jamindars Palace, for discussions on digital transformation in the sector.
The coastal city of Puri, known for its religious significance and beach tourism, has seen steady growth in hospitality infrastructure in recent years. This event marked an effort to connect technology providers with local hoteliers facing the challenges of digital adoption and online distribution management.
Shoaib Ali, STAAH India’s National Sales Head, noted: “Regional hospitality markets like Puri present unique opportunities for technology integration. As more travelers book online, property owners need tools to manage their digital presence effectively across multiple platforms.”
The three-hour session included:
- Demonstrations of channel management systems
- Case studies on revenue optimization
- Panel discussions on digital marketing strategies
- One-on-one consultation opportunities
Industry analysts observe that Odisha’s hospitality sector has been slower in technology adoption compared to other tourist destinations in India. Events like this aim to bridge that gap by showcasing practical solutions for independent hotels and smaller chains.
“Many properties here still rely heavily on walk-in bookings or traditional travel agents,” explained Kunal Banerjee, STAAH’s Business Development representative. “We’re helping them understand how to leverage online travel agencies while maintaining direct booking channels.”
The event also touched on emerging trends like:
- Mobile-first booking behaviors
- Reputation management strategies
- Data-driven pricing approaches
Local hoteliers expressed appreciation for the initiative. “Understanding these tools is becoming essential, especially as we recover from pandemic impacts and face increasing competition,” remarked one attending general manager who requested anonymity.
STAAH, acquired by UK-based The Access Group in 2022, operates in 90 countries with solutions for over 20,000 properties globally. The company plans to host similar regional events across secondary Indian tourism markets throughout 2025.
The Puri gathering concluded with networking sessions where participants exchanged contact information and discussed potential collaborations. Organizers reported positive feedback, with many attendees requesting more frequent, in-depth workshops on specific operational challenges.
As Puri’s hospitality market continues to evolve, such technology-focused initiatives may play a key role in helping local businesses compete in an increasingly digital travel industry. Industry observers suggest that successful technology adoption could help Puri properties capture more high-value tourists and extend the traditional tourist season.