Category Archives: Hotels

The Hotel & Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) and Hotel & Restaurant Association of Gujarat (HRA Gujarat) have submitted a representation to PM Narendra Modi to allow takeaway and home delivery services till 12am for hotels and restaurants in the state. The 2 associations have expressed agreement with the Gujarat government’s decision to impose restrictions for controlling the spread. However, taking into consideration the industry’s year-long crises, they have pleaded for some leeway.

Haitham Mattar, who presently serves as Senior Advisor at Saudi Ministry of Tourism, will take over as Managing Director of India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA) at IHG Hotels & Resorts April 18th onwards and will be based at their Dubai office. This is Mattar’s second stint at IHG, having previously spent 11 years at the company between 2000 and 2011 in different capacities.

Deltin Group is all set to launch a large integrated resort in Goa. The complex will have hotels, a theatre, a water park, a shopping arcade and a convention centre. Spread over 125 acres, this property will be situated close to the airport. Also, the group will be investing INR 150 crore to build a new casino vessel, which would replace Deltin Caravela. A statement provided by the company to investors, said, “We hereby inform you that the company has received an in-principle approval from the Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board for setting up of an integrated resort consisting of hotels, convention center, multiplex cinema, retail area, electronic casino, waterpark, and other facilities at Pernem, Goa.”

Karnataka Tourism Directorate has decided to consider 62 Star Classified Hotels, and also those applying and registering in future as a Star Classified Hotel, as Industry status. These hotels have to apply and get Industry certificate from Commissioner, Industrial Development and Director, Industry and Commercial Department. The order is applicable April 1, 2021 onwards.

Hyatt Hotels plans to grow its brand footprint in India by more than 70% by 2023. With over 20 executed managed and franchised agreements, Hyatt will add more than 3,600 keys to its existing portfolio across eight distinct brands in the country, including the Andaz, Alila, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt, Hyatt Centric and Hyatt Place.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), have signed a Vivanta resort in Hampi, Karnataka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 80-room resort is a management contract with Dhruvdesh Ventures. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL said, “IHCL has been a pioneer in developing new destinations and putting them on the global tourist map. With Vivanta Hampi, IHCL will create new circuits with Goa and Bangalore for both domestic and international travellers. We are delighted to partner with Dhruvdesh Ventures.”

Cross Hotels & Resorts has announced that it has expanded its regional footprint with entry into the Japanese market in a master franchise agreement with AB Accommo Company Limited. The deal involves opening of seven properties with a total of 844 keys within four years stretching across Okinawa in the far south to Hokkaido. “Taking our business and brands into the prized Japanese hospitality marketplace is a watershed moment for Cross Hotels & Resorts. This agreement to franchise our brands into the Japanese market speaks volumes for the work we have done to define our branding and distribution value proposition and the manner in which our partners have embraced it. This partnership has been made possible by our ability to curate a product for our partners specific needs. I have a deep respect for our colleagues in the enterprise and I see a long and prosperous future with AB Accommo,” said Kent Davidson, Managing Director, Cross Hotels & Resorts.

According to JLL, hotel conversions in India had seen a consistent increase, nearly doubling from 33 conversions in 2016 to 65 in 2019. However, the conversions plummeted to just 29 hotels in 2020 under the impact of the pandemic. The uncertainty in the market made existing or committed hotel owners adopt a cautious approach than take conclusive investment decisions.

Carla Puverel, GM, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, shares that the Indian market is very important for them. “It is one of the few markets that are travelling regularly right now. Hence, it’s very important that we attract them. Also, the Indian market may give feedback, allowing us to adapt to their needs. It is a very loyal market—they come to a property once and if you can make a connection or build a relationship, then they return, often with friends and family. There is word of mouth publicity and that’s very important right now. Also, many Indian carriers are flying into the Maldives as well as close to where we are located, and not just only in to the international airport. Hence, it’s very important to make those connections and relationships,” she says.

Cross Hotels & Resorts has elevated Harry Thaliwal to the lead role of Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. He was earlier the Chief Operating Officer of the company. Harry is renowned for his disruptive thinking that has continually generated creativity and innovation across multiple business lines.