SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT

As experts predict a resurgence in domestic leisure and road travel, the neglected independent boutique hotel segment closer to the metro cities, with a lesser number of keys, experiential offerings and the ability to allow for social distancing, will benefit

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The jury is out on this one and the verdict is unanimous: The leisure segment and road trips will be the first to bounce back. Ergo, hotels, resorts and retreats that cater to this market, particularly the smaller boutique hotels with fewer suites and an inbuilt ability to allow social distancing, will revive rather quickly.

Shoba Mohan, Founder-Partner, RARE says, “Since owners lead these hotels, the SoPs are already in place. Besides, they have a generous land-to-key ratio, as much as five rooms to 12 acres. Creating al fresco dining is easy, and the staff is small and controllable.” Travellers looking for handcrafted offbeat experiences will help shore up independent hotels.

Akanksha Lamba, Senior Vice President – Operations, The Postcard Hotels & Resorts, says, “About 26 million Indians usually travel outside India every year. At present, they do not have the option of international travel and will begin looking for holiday destinations within India. On a holiday to Europe or the US, a couple will spend at least Rs 10 lakhs. In A holiday in India is less expensive.”

Luxury boutique hotels such as The Postcard Hotels & Resorts or Malabar Escapes are naturally created keeping privacy in mind. “With their non-obtrusive service, they will find it easier to restart when travel restrictions are lifted, beginning with guests who can reach by road, then interstate and finally, international travellers,” says Saji Joseph, CEO, Malabar Escapes, a member of the RARE network. Indians make 1.8 billion trips per year within the country. Capturing even 1% of this will mean 18 million travellers.