Carlson Rezidor to score 76

Carlson Rezidor is targetting to expand its reach in India by adding another 13 properties to its current portfolio of 63 existing hotels.

MEGHA PAUL As

a testament to the group’s growing presence in India, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has 13 hotels in the country this year. According to Simon Barlow, President- Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor, India is a priority for the group. “We have more hotels here than in China,” he adds. “The company has witnessed a 40 per cent growth in the Asia Pacific region, since it decided in 2010 to concentrate on building its management business. We managed to open 13 new hotels last year. Out of which 11 are managed properties and only two are franchised properties, which is in line with our strategy of managing hotels,” Barlow reveals.

The group is transforming into a company focused on management contracts in Asia, instead of franchising agreements. The chain is bullish on Country Inn and Park Inn by Radisson. “While there are 28 Country Inn hotels, the company is in the process of re-launching Park Inn by Radisson. With around 20 of these hotels expected across India, the company has come up with a new design concept for Park Inn targeting the aspirational young traveller,” he points out.

K B Kachru, Executive Vice President – South Asia, Carlson Rezidor confirms, “The company has signed a strategic partnership with Bestech Group, giving it the exclusive development rights to develop 49 Park Inn Hotels in North and Central India by 2024. Carlson Rezidor will also invest 213 crore in the first two projects in Gurgaon and Mohali by 2015.” The hotel offers well-appointed rooms and exclusively designed suites, including comprehensive business facilities, an exciting range of F&B options, along with modern spa & fitness centre facility complete with a salon, to cater to the needs of a discerning business clientele.

Strategically located in SIDCUL, a fast growing industrial area in Haridwar, Radisson Blu is an ideal destination for the business executives. The meeting and banqueting facilities at The Radisson Blu Hotel Haridwar

Regarding the occupancy rate in the hotel currently, Manikonda reveals, “For 2012, we witnessed average occupancy of 45 per cent. With the new diversified interests being developed at the hotel, we foresee a growth of 25-30 per cent in overall occupancy rates.” The GM points out, “According to Uttarakhand Tourism, the total foreign tourist arrival in Uttarakhand for 2000 was only 57,000. This has grown to 1,43,000 in 2011.”