Abad Hotels in Wayanad
With properties covering most of the key tourist spots in Kerala, Abad Hotels will soon set up yet another resort in Wayanad by 2017 end.
The Abad Group, based in Kochi, owns and operates 11 hotels and resorts in 'God’s Own Country' asserting its presence in Kerala’s tourism and hospitality landscape. This includes unique beach resorts in Marari and Kovalam, resorts in Kumarakom backwaters, resorts in Thekkady and Munnar, backwater tourism in Alleppey and hotels in Kochi city centre and Fort Kochi.
Sharing more details about the group’s expansion plans, Riaz Ahmed, Managing Director, Abad Hotels and Resorts Kerala, says, “By end of this year, we will be opening our premium resort at Lakkidi – the gateway of Wayanad district in Kerala. It is one of the highest locations in Wayanad situated 700m above mean sea level.”
He reveals that the period between this April and August has been quite encouraging compared to the previous year’s occupancy which shows an increase of 10 per cent. “We have the ARRs and the upcoming period looks great too. To ensure this happens, we will be attending the Kerala tourism roadshows in the domestic and international markets apart from the major marts in India and abroad. Online promotions also pay rich dividends,” Ahmed adds.
International guest arrivals for the Abad Group vary depending on the location and genre of the property. While resort destinations show almost 30 per cent international arrivals of the total, overall international arrivals to all its properties will be about 20 per cent, he says, adding, “A positive trend is perceivable.”
Apart from the large domestic market, Abad Group gets inbound arrivals from France, Germany, Middle East, Far East and Eastern Europe. “Many travellers are environment conscious and we must address this factor. Clean environment and safety are paramount if we as a hotel group as well as India want more visitors,” Ahmed adds. Abad hotels have adopted ecofriendly applications, community engagements and waste management systems as part of their responsible tourism initiative, he says. Regarding GST, he feels that it is a good initiative but its smooth implementation may take some time.
By end of this year, we will be opening our premium resort at Lakkidi – the gateway of Wayanad district in Kerala