Indian Hotels, Exide, Godfrey Phillips

INDIAN HOTELS Expanding into Ecotourism Indian Hotels Company, better known as the owners of the Taj group, has shifted its focus from mere physical growth to quality growth in order to survive the industrial downturn. It has now decided to venture into ecotourism and wildlife resorts by signing a memorandum of understanding with CC Africa and the Chaudhary group of Nepal. The venture will be promoted by setting up a separate subsidiary and creating a sub-brand. The group is giving a facelift to its resort properties in leisure destinations across Kerala, Chennai, Goa and Rajasthan at a total cost of Rs 65-80 crore. The strategy is an effort towards gearing the company to focus on premium segment seeking luxury holiday within the country and to that extent reduce its dependence on international group travel or in promoting tourism outside India. The group is also concentrating on premium packages to do away with regular ones which are synonymous with the discount culture. In essence, it could command a premium on room rates rather than opting for discount rates by offering customised service laden with variety of packages. It has acquired two heritage properties in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on leave and licence basis. These will be marketed as leisure heritage properties, targeting both the domestic and international clients. It is also in the process of acquiring management contracts for properties in Thiruvananthapuram, Gwalior and Jaisalmer.