By IANS,
Mumbai : Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) promoted by the Tatas, one of India’s top business houses, announced here Thursday the launch of a new brand called “Gateway Hotels”.
“By 2011, we plan to have 50 properties under this brand,” said IHCL managing director Raymond Bickson while announcing the launch.
According to Bickson, 16 existing properties under the Taj banner will migrate to the new brand and additional 10 hotels have already been signed up, making it a brand portfolio of 26 hotels.
Another 10 hotels are under active negotiations, said a company statement issued during the launch.
The new brand has been positioned as an upscale property in the luxury segment and the room tariffs will be the same as per the Taj brand depending on the location.
“The leisure segment is growing and we are using all our expertise to to leverage this boom. This new brand will target the emerging contemporary guest profile with independent schedules,” Bickson told IANS.
The gateway hotels will have special menus for diet conscious customers, with round the clock amenities like laundry and in-house dining.
Regarding the investment on this project, the company said it will be investing around Rs.4-5 million per room.
When asked about the impact of the economic slowdown on the hospitality sector, Bickson said: “The occupancy rate in the first half is always less compared to second half of the year. He expect the second half to be strong despite a slowing economy.”
Bickson also said from September 1, 2008, the Taj group of hotels and resorts has increased its room rates by 8-10 percent.