India: Wyndham Hotel Group has signed a deal with Nebula Infraspace LLP to develop at least 20 Hawthorn Suites hotels across India.
The properties will be be built in centres for religious pilgrimage across the country. Deepika Arora, Wyndham Hotel Group’s regional VP (Eurasia), said: “We have signed a non-exclusive development agreement with Ahmedabad-based Nebula Infraspace LLP to develop at least 20 hotels with 1,600 rooms over 10 years across India under the brand Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham. We will be offering extended stay which will be like a home away from home for pilgrims. Under this, we will cater to pilgrims and also look at some leisure destinations and second home locations. The first property will open in Dwarka, Gujarat, the city of Krishna. The others could be in pilgrim circuits like Tirupati. In the Indian context, extended stay will mean three to five days. The rooms will have a kitchenette where pilgrims can cook for themselves. The daily tariff will be about Rs 4,500-5,000. For people doing bulk five day bookings, there could be some reduction.”
The pilgrim circuit is an integral part of Wyndham’s growth strategy in India where it plans to more than double its presence in the next three years. “In 2010, we had five hotels here. Now we are at 35 hotels with 3,258 keys. In the next three years, we should have 75 operating properties,” said Arora.
“India’s hospitality industry, especially the mid-market segment, is thriving from strong growth in domestic travel, an increase in foreign tourists, as well as a booming airline industry supported by government-led initiatives. Our goal is to ensure that wherever across India or the region that travellers want to go, they will find a Wyndham Hotel Group hotel to meet their needs and their budget,” she added.</p
