Can you explain your Africa story?
Our Africa story happened fifteen years ago. I knew nothing about Nairobi and its hotel market. But someone was opening a hotel then and was looking for an Indian hotel management company and we grabbed the opportunity. That’s how Nairobi story took off for us.
Something interesting that I would like to share is- we cannot use the Sarovar brand in Kenya because the latter has a company named ‘Sarova’. We just use our ‘Infinity’ symbol there and mention ‘operated by Sarovar Hotels’ under it. There is a tremendous amount of potential in this part of the world and Sarovar is growing strong ever since.
Which country has been on your list?
I want to be in the UAE for sure. We were there a couple of years ago and our hotels went from two to three and then we were going to graduate to the four-star hotel category. But that didn’t work out and we pulled out. But, every time I look at the Middle East, people have always asked for a lease model, which we don’t work on or financial participation, which we won’t do outside the country. But Dubai/ Middle East will certainly be the next thing for us for the simple reason that I can source business and talent from both Africa and India.
Denne historien er fra January - February 2020-utgaven av Hospitality Talk.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra January - February 2020-utgaven av Hospitality Talk.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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.
