The Indian government has often voiced its concern for the industry, but other than that it hardly does much, Rattan Keswani, Deputy MD, Lemon Tree Hotels, elaborates, while speaking about the group.
How was 2018 for Lemon Tree Hotels?
We did well both in terms of occupancy, which was close to 80 per cent, and in terms of average rates. November was a bit iffy, but that was because of a lot of holidays. Lemon Tree Hotels will be operating 87 hotels with 8793 rooms across 58 cities by FY2021. We opened a few properties as well, including the ones in Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Pune (Maharashtra), Siliguri (West Bengal), and Morjim (Goa). We should soon be able to open an ‘owned hotel’ in Mumbai, followed by Kolkata. Then, we should be able to open a managed property in Kalina, Mumbai.
The market situation in Kolkata remained at the typical 60-65 per cent tipping point. We were also involved in the resort/leisure world with a smaller set of institutions like hotels in Goa, Katra, Jaipur, Sikkim, and Corbett. That’s started to strengthen. Udaipur will be another upscale resort substantiating our direction towards attracting high-value leisure customers. Talking about international properties, we have signed management contracts in Dubai, Bhutan, and Kathmandu.
What are your parameters when you think of opening a hotel internationally?
You have to visualise your strengths and where they can benefit both the owner and the geography. GCC, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have the largest tourist arrivals from India. They are dominated by upscale luxury. There is no true midscale player there.
Esta historia es de la edición February 2019 - March 2019 de Hospitality Talk.
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Technology vital post COVID
The recent DDP Digital Conclave titled ‘The Post Pandemic Reset’ focused on hospitality and how technology would play a major role in a reset for the post-COVID world.
Local experiences
There will be more challenges along the way. However, COVID-19 has shaped the industry for a better, sustainable and enriching future, says Patrick Taffin, Assistant Dean, SHMS Leysin.
IHE GOES PHYSICAL
India’s one of the largest B2B hospitality expos, the four-day IHE 2021, opens on September 24 at IEML, Greater Noida and will be a 100 per cent ‘physical show’.
FHRAI-IHM GETS NCHMCT AFFILIATION
NCHMCT affiliation FHRAI-IHM has become the first private institute managed by FHRAI to be affiliated with the National Council of Hotel Management & Catering Technology (NCHMCT), Noida.
On the road to recovery
The food delivery market is dominated by Swiggy and Zomato, sharing 85 percent of the total market between them, says the India Food Service Delivery Report 2021.
Focus on feedback
Domestic tourism has emerged as a sustainable segment to watch out for especially in post-pandemic business recovery scenarios, says Pankaj Gupta, General Manager, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre.
HOMESTAY IN THE HIMALAYAS
Invoking the grandeur and nobility of the Raj era, Jungle House – a boutique homestay in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – opens its doors for guests.
Cautiously optimistic
Pinning Raffles Udaipur on Accor’s global map, Kerrie Hannaford, VP – Commercial, Accor India & South Asia talks about raising the bar with immersive hospitality and emotional luxury.
ACQUISITION MODE
Click Hotels by Suba has acquired 35 hotels across 22 new destinations in India. By 2023, the hospitality conglomerate targets to cross 3,000+ rooms.
A complete solution
Built on the airspace of a conventional railway station, The Leela Gandhinagar reflects the vision of modern India, says Jaideep Anand, Vice President and General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar.
