The Uppal Group has announced a tie-up with Marriott International to manage and operate its new 5-Star hotels, one in Gurgaon and the other near Chandigarh, entailing total investment of about Rs 500 crore
To read the full report click the following link
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/07/31/stories/2008073150503000.htm
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Royal Orchid net up 9% at Rs.6.75 cr
(The Hindu Business Line dt.31/7/08)
To read the full report click the following link
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/07/31/stories/2008073150651500.htm
To read the full report click the following link
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/07/31/stories/2008073150651500.htm
Phoenix Group plans Rs 2,000-cr expansion
(The Hindu Business Line dt.31/7/08)
The group, promoted by a group of NRIs in West Asia, is planning to expand its hotel network in India from the current three to eight in the next two years…to read the full report click the following link
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/07/31/stories/2008073150560500.htm
The group, promoted by a group of NRIs in West Asia, is planning to expand its hotel network in India from the current three to eight in the next two years…to read the full report click the following link
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/07/31/stories/2008073150560500.htm
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
MRG to invest 2100 corers to expand in Hospitality
(courtesy: Dhanakaryam – Mathrubhumi, Kerala dt.28/7/08)
MRG Hospitality Infrastructure Pvt ltd, will invest 30 croers in Kochi to set up a multi cuisine restaurant near Le meridian Kochi. MRG has already acquired the land for constructing the restaurant.
Part of Prakash Shetty Group, MRG hospitality is further planning to invest 2100 croers as part of their expansion plans in south India and Goa. By 2010 the group is expected to add 1000 rooms, according to Mr.Prakash Shetty Chairman of the group. The group is planning to open restaurants in Bangalore, Mysore, Kochi, Shimoga, Nagpur & Mumbai.
The other major plan is to set up a 5 start hotel in Bangalore near Hebbal Lake.
MRG Hospitality Infrastructure Pvt ltd, will invest 30 croers in Kochi to set up a multi cuisine restaurant near Le meridian Kochi. MRG has already acquired the land for constructing the restaurant.
Part of Prakash Shetty Group, MRG hospitality is further planning to invest 2100 croers as part of their expansion plans in south India and Goa. By 2010 the group is expected to add 1000 rooms, according to Mr.Prakash Shetty Chairman of the group. The group is planning to open restaurants in Bangalore, Mysore, Kochi, Shimoga, Nagpur & Mumbai.
The other major plan is to set up a 5 start hotel in Bangalore near Hebbal Lake.
Monday, July 21, 2008
) Kerala-based Casino Air Catering and Flight Services (CAFS), a sister concern of CGH Earth Experience is expanding..
News courtesy: Malayalam Manorama online dt.19/7/08
CAFS will form a JV with Gate Gourmet and the new JV under the name CAFS-Gate Gourmet will expand flight catering operations in 10 airports in South India. The JV has a initial outlay of 300 cr for putting up flight catering centers in various cities in south India.
Gate Gourmet is a leader in flight catering in Europe and US. In the new JV, CAFS will hold 49% and Gate Gourmet will hold 51% stake. After establishing the initial expansion under the new JV the company is also planning to expand to other airports in India, according to Mr.George Dominique – Executive Director, CAFS.
The new JV will be signed end of July 08.
CAFS will form a JV with Gate Gourmet and the new JV under the name CAFS-Gate Gourmet will expand flight catering operations in 10 airports in South India. The JV has a initial outlay of 300 cr for putting up flight catering centers in various cities in south India.
Gate Gourmet is a leader in flight catering in Europe and US. In the new JV, CAFS will hold 49% and Gate Gourmet will hold 51% stake. After establishing the initial expansion under the new JV the company is also planning to expand to other airports in India, according to Mr.George Dominique – Executive Director, CAFS.
The new JV will be signed end of July 08.
Spice plans 12-acre budget hotel in Delhi, 800 room project coming up in Hyderabad
The Economic Times dt.19/7/08
Nirbhay Kumar & Rajat Guha NEW DELHI
GURGAON-BASED Spice Group plans to build the country’s largest budget hotel near Delhi airport. The 3,000-room hotel would be spread over 12 acres on Sohana road and three blocks of no-frills accommodation. Spice plans to invest Rs 400 crore in the project.
The hotel is being planned to start operations in time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The proposed hotel complex would be about 20 kilometres away from Capital’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. According to tourism ministry’s estimate, Delhi would face shortage of about 40,000 hotel rooms by 2010.
“We have already acquired land for the proposed hotel which would be the biggest in the country. The upcoming hotel would provide three-star services at the cost of budget hotel,” said Spice Energy CEO Ravi Chilukuri. Instead of the usual system of charging for all facilities, the budget hotel would charge for basic services and customers would have a choice to avail other services at an extra cost.
Spice Group also plans to build hotels in the south Indian cities of Hyderabad and Chennai. It has already acquired 40 acres near the newly built Hyderabad airport to put up a budget hotel. The promoters of the group feel that there will be tremendous demand for nofrills services in the years to come.
“The hotels in Hyderabad and Chennai would not be as big as the project planned near Delhi. We are planning about 800-room hotels in both the cities,” Mr Chilukuri added.
Spice Group, which owns Samannah brand of hotels, is setting up three five-star hotels in Morocco in partnership with Hennesey family of LVMH. The group also runs a string of budget hotels in the UK. The group has interests in areas such as oil refining, shipping, metals, bio-fuels and power.
Nirbhay Kumar & Rajat Guha NEW DELHI
GURGAON-BASED Spice Group plans to build the country’s largest budget hotel near Delhi airport. The 3,000-room hotel would be spread over 12 acres on Sohana road and three blocks of no-frills accommodation. Spice plans to invest Rs 400 crore in the project.
The hotel is being planned to start operations in time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The proposed hotel complex would be about 20 kilometres away from Capital’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. According to tourism ministry’s estimate, Delhi would face shortage of about 40,000 hotel rooms by 2010.
“We have already acquired land for the proposed hotel which would be the biggest in the country. The upcoming hotel would provide three-star services at the cost of budget hotel,” said Spice Energy CEO Ravi Chilukuri. Instead of the usual system of charging for all facilities, the budget hotel would charge for basic services and customers would have a choice to avail other services at an extra cost.
Spice Group also plans to build hotels in the south Indian cities of Hyderabad and Chennai. It has already acquired 40 acres near the newly built Hyderabad airport to put up a budget hotel. The promoters of the group feel that there will be tremendous demand for nofrills services in the years to come.
“The hotels in Hyderabad and Chennai would not be as big as the project planned near Delhi. We are planning about 800-room hotels in both the cities,” Mr Chilukuri added.
Spice Group, which owns Samannah brand of hotels, is setting up three five-star hotels in Morocco in partnership with Hennesey family of LVMH. The group also runs a string of budget hotels in the UK. The group has interests in areas such as oil refining, shipping, metals, bio-fuels and power.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Banking on leisure
Hindu Business Line dt.17/7/08
Hyderabad based Country Club – The 300 cr BSE listed leisure major is on an expansion spree with the recent acquisition of Chelsea Hotel, Dubai….
For detailed report visit the following link
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/catalyst/2008/07/17/stories/2008071750090300.htm
Hyderabad based Country Club – The 300 cr BSE listed leisure major is on an expansion spree with the recent acquisition of Chelsea Hotel, Dubai….
For detailed report visit the following link
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/catalyst/2008/07/17/stories/2008071750090300.htm
J Hotels checks into Goa, Kerala
Peerzada Abrar BANGALORE
The Economic Times dt.17/7/08
MALDIVES-BASED J Hotels & Resorts plans to set up resorts in Goa and Kerala as part of a strategy to tap into the Indian market and promote its retreats in the island nation.
A total of $50-$60 million will be invested in the Indian properties by the end of this year, with the funds being generated internally, sales and marketing director BA Rahim said. “We want to have a good setup in India to promote our properties back in Maldives to the Indian market. Now, connectivity has become easier between the two countries. Maldives earlier concentrated on the European market; we now see a huge potential in the Indian market due to the presence of corporates, the IT community and from honeymooning couples,” he said. The group already has marketing offices in Bangalore and Mumbai.
It plans to build 100 villas on 14 acres in the planned resort in the south of Goa and 60 villas in the Kerala property, which could be either a backwater, wildlife or beach resort.
“These will be upmarket resorts in pure Maldivian style with private pools, jacuzzis, big rest rooms,” Mr Rahim said. “We expect to have room occupancy of 85%-90 throughout the year. India has big potential as a leisure destination; our entry is just a step.”
J Hotels has resorts on the islands of Handufushi, Raalhuveli, Kuda Rah and Huvandhumaafushi in the Maldives. Its Handufushi resort is operational while the rest will be ready by October. In addition to corporates, the company is targetting clientele from the Indian film industry and expects to sign deals in about a month with Bollywood producers for movie shoots at its Maldives resort.
Maldives mainly attracts tourists from Spain, Greece, Japan and Korea with the . The peak season is from November till April. said Mr Rahim Last year, around 14000 Indians visited the island republic . The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,190 small coral islands that are grouped into 26 atolls.
The Economic Times dt.17/7/08
MALDIVES-BASED J Hotels & Resorts plans to set up resorts in Goa and Kerala as part of a strategy to tap into the Indian market and promote its retreats in the island nation.
A total of $50-$60 million will be invested in the Indian properties by the end of this year, with the funds being generated internally, sales and marketing director BA Rahim said. “We want to have a good setup in India to promote our properties back in Maldives to the Indian market. Now, connectivity has become easier between the two countries. Maldives earlier concentrated on the European market; we now see a huge potential in the Indian market due to the presence of corporates, the IT community and from honeymooning couples,” he said. The group already has marketing offices in Bangalore and Mumbai.
It plans to build 100 villas on 14 acres in the planned resort in the south of Goa and 60 villas in the Kerala property, which could be either a backwater, wildlife or beach resort.
“These will be upmarket resorts in pure Maldivian style with private pools, jacuzzis, big rest rooms,” Mr Rahim said. “We expect to have room occupancy of 85%-90 throughout the year. India has big potential as a leisure destination; our entry is just a step.”
J Hotels has resorts on the islands of Handufushi, Raalhuveli, Kuda Rah and Huvandhumaafushi in the Maldives. Its Handufushi resort is operational while the rest will be ready by October. In addition to corporates, the company is targetting clientele from the Indian film industry and expects to sign deals in about a month with Bollywood producers for movie shoots at its Maldives resort.
Maldives mainly attracts tourists from Spain, Greece, Japan and Korea with the . The peak season is from November till April. said Mr Rahim Last year, around 14000 Indians visited the island republic . The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,190 small coral islands that are grouped into 26 atolls.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
‘GREEN BOATS’TO DOT KERALA BACKWATERS
S Sanandakumar KOCHI
The Economic Times 16/7/08
BACKWATER TOURISM is finally turning completely green thanks to rising fuel costs and concern for ecology. The Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) is planning to launch solar-powered boats to be used in the state’s tourism sector.
The ‘green boats’ would be built by the KSINC in its boatyard here at Thoppumpady. The design for the eco-friendly boats is being done by the citybased Navgathi Marine Design and Constructions.
Navgathi Marine Design and Constructions is presently offering three types of green boats with capacity ranging from 10, 20 and 40 persons. Mr Sandith, CEO of Navgathi, said the boats that have been designed can travel at a speed of 6 knots per hour and can travel for 6 hours once the batteries are charged. Higher speed can be achieved by reducing the travel time, he said.
Pollution from houseboats plying in the backwaters has become a major issue in the recent past. With fuel costs increasing, the operational costs are also going up. The green boats are seen as an answer to all these issues. Around 60% of the cost of the boat goes for the solar panels, batteries and systems. The batteries have a life of 6-8 years. The operational costs and maintenance expenditure are practically nil in solar boats, it was pointed out.
The corporation is also planning to undertake the transportation of hydrochloric acid from Travancore Cochin Chemicals to Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd (KMML), Kollam, Commodore KVR Warrier, managing director, said.
KSINC is considering a proposal to transport hydrochloric acid from TCC to KMML through the National Waterway 3. The work involves the construction of 1.5 km pipeline from the waterway to KMML at Kollam. A barge for FACT’s raw material transportation and a bulk carrier for transporting salt to TCC from Tuticorin are the other projects that the Corporation is considering.
The Economic Times 16/7/08
BACKWATER TOURISM is finally turning completely green thanks to rising fuel costs and concern for ecology. The Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) is planning to launch solar-powered boats to be used in the state’s tourism sector.
The ‘green boats’ would be built by the KSINC in its boatyard here at Thoppumpady. The design for the eco-friendly boats is being done by the citybased Navgathi Marine Design and Constructions.
Navgathi Marine Design and Constructions is presently offering three types of green boats with capacity ranging from 10, 20 and 40 persons. Mr Sandith, CEO of Navgathi, said the boats that have been designed can travel at a speed of 6 knots per hour and can travel for 6 hours once the batteries are charged. Higher speed can be achieved by reducing the travel time, he said.
Pollution from houseboats plying in the backwaters has become a major issue in the recent past. With fuel costs increasing, the operational costs are also going up. The green boats are seen as an answer to all these issues. Around 60% of the cost of the boat goes for the solar panels, batteries and systems. The batteries have a life of 6-8 years. The operational costs and maintenance expenditure are practically nil in solar boats, it was pointed out.
The corporation is also planning to undertake the transportation of hydrochloric acid from Travancore Cochin Chemicals to Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd (KMML), Kollam, Commodore KVR Warrier, managing director, said.
KSINC is considering a proposal to transport hydrochloric acid from TCC to KMML through the National Waterway 3. The work involves the construction of 1.5 km pipeline from the waterway to KMML at Kollam. A barge for FACT’s raw material transportation and a bulk carrier for transporting salt to TCC from Tuticorin are the other projects that the Corporation is considering.
Warburg likely to invest Rs 300 cr in Casino Group
Boby Kurian & Lijee Philip BANGALORE / MUMBAI
The Economic Times dt.16/7/08
PRIVATE equity giant Warburg Pincus is seen in discussions with Kerala’s leading luxury resort operator Casino Group to invest Rs 300-325 crore, sources said. The Kochi-based Casino Group of Hotels (CGH), a five decade-old family-run business operating 12 environment-friendly resorts, is looking at raising capital for its expansion plans, both domestic as well as overseas.
The fund interest has been growing in Kerala’s top-draw leisure sector, but this is the first time a bulge-bracket global PE is seen in talks to cut a deal. Arguably the best known name in Kerala’s hospitality sector, Casino Group, operating under CGH Earth brand, is believed to have attracted robust private equity interests as it plans to hit the market with fundraising plans. While multiple sources confirmed discussions with Warburg, they said most of the private equity biggies would show up to buy into top-dollar leisure assets in Kerala. The Dominic family, which entered the hospitality sector in 1954, owns 100% of the company at present.
It is believed that the family may divest up to 20% for raising the funds valuing the business closer to Rs 1600 crore ($400 million). “They are talking to A-lister like Warburg as it may further their overseas ambitions. But there could be others, at least two more, flashing their interest,” a source said.
Casino Group may take debt route
“WE BELIEVE they may go in for a formal process with an investment bank. We reckon most of the top names will be taking a look at the proposal for certain,” a fund manager, focused on hospitality vertical, added.
When contacted, Jose Dominic, MD of CGH, said: “We have not yet firmed up plans on funding for expansion purposes as yet. It could be the PE or debt route.” With the markets slowing down and valuations getting affected, CGH may for the interim, raise debt from IFCI and fund its ongoing expansion.
Earlier this year, Kumarakom Lake Resort, another leading but smaller player, postponed equity placement plans for its expansion drive.
As part of the five-year expansion plan, the CGH group is eyeing a network of 30 properties. At present, all the expansion plans are focused on India, Mr Dominic said. “Our global strategy will follow the model, where our partners will bring the capital and we bring the expertise,” he added. A predominantly Kerala player till now, CGH has kicked off forays into neighbouring markets with SwaSwara, a beach resort in the Konkan belt, and Visalam, which offers a typical Chettinad experience in Tamil Nadu.
Some of the other brands in the portfolio include the Coconut Lagoon (Kumarakom), Spice Village (Thekkady), Brunton Boatyard and Marari Beach Resort (near Alleppy).
Most of CGH properties are owned and some of it leased. It is planning to go the management contract route for international properties, sources said.
The Economic Times dt.16/7/08
PRIVATE equity giant Warburg Pincus is seen in discussions with Kerala’s leading luxury resort operator Casino Group to invest Rs 300-325 crore, sources said. The Kochi-based Casino Group of Hotels (CGH), a five decade-old family-run business operating 12 environment-friendly resorts, is looking at raising capital for its expansion plans, both domestic as well as overseas.
The fund interest has been growing in Kerala’s top-draw leisure sector, but this is the first time a bulge-bracket global PE is seen in talks to cut a deal. Arguably the best known name in Kerala’s hospitality sector, Casino Group, operating under CGH Earth brand, is believed to have attracted robust private equity interests as it plans to hit the market with fundraising plans. While multiple sources confirmed discussions with Warburg, they said most of the private equity biggies would show up to buy into top-dollar leisure assets in Kerala. The Dominic family, which entered the hospitality sector in 1954, owns 100% of the company at present.
It is believed that the family may divest up to 20% for raising the funds valuing the business closer to Rs 1600 crore ($400 million). “They are talking to A-lister like Warburg as it may further their overseas ambitions. But there could be others, at least two more, flashing their interest,” a source said.
Casino Group may take debt route
“WE BELIEVE they may go in for a formal process with an investment bank. We reckon most of the top names will be taking a look at the proposal for certain,” a fund manager, focused on hospitality vertical, added.
When contacted, Jose Dominic, MD of CGH, said: “We have not yet firmed up plans on funding for expansion purposes as yet. It could be the PE or debt route.” With the markets slowing down and valuations getting affected, CGH may for the interim, raise debt from IFCI and fund its ongoing expansion.
Earlier this year, Kumarakom Lake Resort, another leading but smaller player, postponed equity placement plans for its expansion drive.
As part of the five-year expansion plan, the CGH group is eyeing a network of 30 properties. At present, all the expansion plans are focused on India, Mr Dominic said. “Our global strategy will follow the model, where our partners will bring the capital and we bring the expertise,” he added. A predominantly Kerala player till now, CGH has kicked off forays into neighbouring markets with SwaSwara, a beach resort in the Konkan belt, and Visalam, which offers a typical Chettinad experience in Tamil Nadu.
Some of the other brands in the portfolio include the Coconut Lagoon (Kumarakom), Spice Village (Thekkady), Brunton Boatyard and Marari Beach Resort (near Alleppy).
Most of CGH properties are owned and some of it leased. It is planning to go the management contract route for international properties, sources said.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Kochi set to have India's first marina
India's first world-class marina that can accommodate 150 luxury yachts and international cruise liners at a time will come up in the backwaters of Kochi, making Kerala a hotter tourist destination…..
Read more at….
http://in.rediff.com/money/2008/mar/05marina.htm
Related story: Also read “Sharjah Firm wins Kochi marina deal”
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=6§ion=0&article=107608&d=8&m=3&y=2008
Read more at….
http://in.rediff.com/money/2008/mar/05marina.htm
Related story: Also read “Sharjah Firm wins Kochi marina deal”
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=6§ion=0&article=107608&d=8&m=3&y=2008
Pride Group Plans IPO to fund Hotel Expansion
Hindu Business Line – 3 July 2008
Pune, July 2 The Mumbai-based Pride Group is coming out with its initial public offering (IPO) to mop up around Rs 600 crore from the market. The objective of the issue is to raise funds for four new five-star hotels that are in the pipeline…
To read the full story click the following link
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/07/03/stories/2008070352441500.htm
Pune, July 2 The Mumbai-based Pride Group is coming out with its initial public offering (IPO) to mop up around Rs 600 crore from the market. The objective of the issue is to raise funds for four new five-star hotels that are in the pipeline…
To read the full story click the following link
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/07/03/stories/2008070352441500.htm
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Hospitality majors see biz in wildlife lodges …..
Indian safari seems to have come of age, with Taj Hotels, ITC and Leisure Hotels scouting for properties to promote high-end tours
The Economic Time dt.3.07.08
Ravi Teja Sharma NEW DELHI
THE wildlife lodges segment has caught the fancy of hospitality companies. While Taj Safaris, a JV between Taj Hotels and CC Africa, has opened two luxury wildlife resorts in Madhya Pradesh, Leisure Hotels, which has a large presence in Uttarakhand, is now entering the wildlife lodges segment with a lodge to boot in Madhya Pradesh.
“We do have a mandate to add five new properties in the next three years,” says Taj Safaris director (operations) Mridula Tangirala, adding: “We are looking for new locations.” CC Africa marketing director Nicky Fitzgerald was recently reported as saying that his company was looking at setting up four new safari lodges in India—two in South India, one in Kaziranga (Assam) and another in Gir (Gujarat). These new lodges are expected to be fully operational by October 2011 though Taj Safaris did not confirm the locations.
While Taj Safaris gets its marketing strength from the Taj Hotels network, to promote its property in Corbett and the five new ones that are planned, Leisure Hotels has tied up with international tour operators. In 2007-08, these tie-ups helped it achieve a “good” occupancy at Corbett. Leisure Hotels’ second wildlife lodge will come up on 11 acres just outside Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh by the third quarter of 2009, says Leisure Hotels director (business development) Vibhas Prasad.
Mr Prasad says the company is looking at developing a separate brand for the wildlife lodges segment. “The concept is just right for the foreign FIT travelers, especially wildlife enthusiasts,” he explains. In 2007-08, the lodge occupancy rate was 55%, which, he says, is very good for this segment. “Even with 30-35% occupancy rate, we can make money since these lodges remain closed for five months of the year,” he adds. About 60% of its occupancy comes from inbound tourists.
The two Taj Safaris properties in Madhya Pradesh are doing extremely well and bookings for the coming season too look good, says Ms Tangirala, declining to divulge occupancy figures for the two properties. “We are looking at a similar positioning as Taj Mahua Kothi in Kanha, but will price it around $500-600 a night,” says Mr Prasad. To take forward the new branding for its wildlife products, the company has hired an exclusive architect for the wildlife circuit it intends to create. Apart from Kanha, Leisure Hotels is planning lodges at Pench, Bandhavgarh, Corbett, Rajaji National Park and Pilibhit in UP, right on the border of Nepal. With Nepal getting back on track, the idea is to create a circuit which would include the national parks of Nepal as well.
Fortune Park Hotels, a subsidiary of ITC Ltd, too is planning to enter the wildlife lodges segment. A new brand called Fortune Adventure has already been created, said Fortune Park Hotels president Suresh Kumar and “at the moment, we are scouting properties for management deals”. Fortune Adventure will be looking at creating a cluster or a circuit of wildlife lodges. “Pricing, of course, will depend on location of the property,” said Mr Kumar.
In the recent past, the ministry of tourism has been seen as promoting high-end luxury tourism. The growth in the high-end wildlife lodges seems to fit this bill perfectly. Some of the other high-end luxury wildlife lodges are the The Oberoi Vanyavilas and Aman-i-khas at Ranthambore.
The Economic Time dt.3.07.08
Ravi Teja Sharma NEW DELHI
THE wildlife lodges segment has caught the fancy of hospitality companies. While Taj Safaris, a JV between Taj Hotels and CC Africa, has opened two luxury wildlife resorts in Madhya Pradesh, Leisure Hotels, which has a large presence in Uttarakhand, is now entering the wildlife lodges segment with a lodge to boot in Madhya Pradesh.
“We do have a mandate to add five new properties in the next three years,” says Taj Safaris director (operations) Mridula Tangirala, adding: “We are looking for new locations.” CC Africa marketing director Nicky Fitzgerald was recently reported as saying that his company was looking at setting up four new safari lodges in India—two in South India, one in Kaziranga (Assam) and another in Gir (Gujarat). These new lodges are expected to be fully operational by October 2011 though Taj Safaris did not confirm the locations.
While Taj Safaris gets its marketing strength from the Taj Hotels network, to promote its property in Corbett and the five new ones that are planned, Leisure Hotels has tied up with international tour operators. In 2007-08, these tie-ups helped it achieve a “good” occupancy at Corbett. Leisure Hotels’ second wildlife lodge will come up on 11 acres just outside Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh by the third quarter of 2009, says Leisure Hotels director (business development) Vibhas Prasad.
Mr Prasad says the company is looking at developing a separate brand for the wildlife lodges segment. “The concept is just right for the foreign FIT travelers, especially wildlife enthusiasts,” he explains. In 2007-08, the lodge occupancy rate was 55%, which, he says, is very good for this segment. “Even with 30-35% occupancy rate, we can make money since these lodges remain closed for five months of the year,” he adds. About 60% of its occupancy comes from inbound tourists.
The two Taj Safaris properties in Madhya Pradesh are doing extremely well and bookings for the coming season too look good, says Ms Tangirala, declining to divulge occupancy figures for the two properties. “We are looking at a similar positioning as Taj Mahua Kothi in Kanha, but will price it around $500-600 a night,” says Mr Prasad. To take forward the new branding for its wildlife products, the company has hired an exclusive architect for the wildlife circuit it intends to create. Apart from Kanha, Leisure Hotels is planning lodges at Pench, Bandhavgarh, Corbett, Rajaji National Park and Pilibhit in UP, right on the border of Nepal. With Nepal getting back on track, the idea is to create a circuit which would include the national parks of Nepal as well.
Fortune Park Hotels, a subsidiary of ITC Ltd, too is planning to enter the wildlife lodges segment. A new brand called Fortune Adventure has already been created, said Fortune Park Hotels president Suresh Kumar and “at the moment, we are scouting properties for management deals”. Fortune Adventure will be looking at creating a cluster or a circuit of wildlife lodges. “Pricing, of course, will depend on location of the property,” said Mr Kumar.
In the recent past, the ministry of tourism has been seen as promoting high-end luxury tourism. The growth in the high-end wildlife lodges seems to fit this bill perfectly. Some of the other high-end luxury wildlife lodges are the The Oberoi Vanyavilas and Aman-i-khas at Ranthambore.
United to launch fast food chains India, Sweden, Norway
The Economic Times, 4 July 2008
Our Bureau HYDERABAD
UNITED Restaurants, which owns the US Pizza brand plans to roll out a fast food restaurant chain in the country by the end of this year. It will also introduce the new brand in Sweden and Norway.
The restaurant chain will serve vegetarian food in India and nonvegetarian food overseas. The company has also formed a joint venture with a Swedish company for setting up the chain overseas.
“We plan to set up the restaurant chain in the country by the end of November. We have also formed a joint venture — Eastern Food Delicacy — with Sweden-based Kaleidoscope New Concepts Opportunities AB. While United Restaurants will hold 51% stake in the JV, the Swedish company will have a 49% stake. Our aim is to introduce Indian fast food to Scandinavian countries and by December we will enter Sweden and Norway through the joint venture,” said Akbar Khwaja, managing director of United Restaurants.
The Bangalore-based company expects to invest Rs 25 crore to set up fast food restaurants in the country. “The money will be raised through a combination of equity and debt in the ratio of 1:1.5. Besides, internal accruals will also help us meet fund needs,” he said.
The company will require $0.5 million for entry into Sweden and Norway. Kotecha Capital had recently picked up 49% stake in United Restaurants. “We have a five-year agreement with them. According to this, Kotecha will help us fund our expansion plans. So far, it has invested Rs 15 crore in the company,” he said. United Restaurants on Thursday also introduced its new sandwich brand ToastyZ in India, with its first store in Hyderabad at an investment of Rs 30 lakh.
Our Bureau HYDERABAD
UNITED Restaurants, which owns the US Pizza brand plans to roll out a fast food restaurant chain in the country by the end of this year. It will also introduce the new brand in Sweden and Norway.
The restaurant chain will serve vegetarian food in India and nonvegetarian food overseas. The company has also formed a joint venture with a Swedish company for setting up the chain overseas.
“We plan to set up the restaurant chain in the country by the end of November. We have also formed a joint venture — Eastern Food Delicacy — with Sweden-based Kaleidoscope New Concepts Opportunities AB. While United Restaurants will hold 51% stake in the JV, the Swedish company will have a 49% stake. Our aim is to introduce Indian fast food to Scandinavian countries and by December we will enter Sweden and Norway through the joint venture,” said Akbar Khwaja, managing director of United Restaurants.
The Bangalore-based company expects to invest Rs 25 crore to set up fast food restaurants in the country. “The money will be raised through a combination of equity and debt in the ratio of 1:1.5. Besides, internal accruals will also help us meet fund needs,” he said.
The company will require $0.5 million for entry into Sweden and Norway. Kotecha Capital had recently picked up 49% stake in United Restaurants. “We have a five-year agreement with them. According to this, Kotecha will help us fund our expansion plans. So far, it has invested Rs 15 crore in the company,” he said. United Restaurants on Thursday also introduced its new sandwich brand ToastyZ in India, with its first store in Hyderabad at an investment of Rs 30 lakh.
Italian Food Chain Forays into India
Business Standard 3 July 2008
Popular Italian brand for ice creams, desserts and other food items "Italicks" has entered Indian market. The traditional Italian food items brand would soon have presence across India with its first store launched in Pune………..
Click the following link for full story
http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?tab=r&autono=327555&subLeft=1&leftnm=1
Popular Italian brand for ice creams, desserts and other food items "Italicks" has entered Indian market. The traditional Italian food items brand would soon have presence across India with its first store launched in Pune………..
Click the following link for full story
http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?tab=r&autono=327555&subLeft=1&leftnm=1
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