Sanjay Kaushik, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Kochi,

This September, Kochi witnessed two important events in the travel and hospitality sectors. The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) organised its 29th Kochi and the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) concluded its 48th annual convention at the same venue. The region that was earlier used more as a transit point was undersold in Kerala. With a slew of events in the past and enough demand from the MICE and leisure segments has helped in the evolution of the destination.

Talking

about

the

Kochi

hospitality,

points out, “Kochi has emerged as a gateway to Kerala in the last five years. The hospitality industry has seen a major transformation from the city being dominated by local and regional players to the launch of almost all major global hospitality players. Kochi was treated as a typical transit destination but now it has evolved as an emerging destination for MICE. The growth in corporate and IT segment has increased tremendously since most of the corporate giants have anchored in the city with their corporate offices. This has boosted the hotel industry by reducing dependence on seasonal international leisure travellers. Consequently, it has helped the industry to have an equal mix of domestic and international or business and leisure travellers.” The region is witnessing occupancy of about 50 per cent in the luxury five-star category, he adds.