The Hindu Business Line : Hospitality co CGH Earth to focus on TN, Karnataka

THE CGH Earth group (formerly Casino Group) of hotels is on a major expansion spree. With its holiday property to be opened at Karaikudi village in Chettinad in October next year and a beach resort at Gokarnam in Karnataka slated to open this December, the group will have its footprint outside Kerala for the first time.

"We have given a tacit lead and direction to the hospitality industry in Kerala and our focus will be on the neighbouring States of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in future," Mr Jose Dominic, Managing Director of CGH Earth, said. The attempt will be to knit the diverse colours and experiences of South Indian culture for the international traveller.

Both the new ventures will be funded from internal resources. However, given the challenges of the new and diverse locations as well as the extended canvas that the group plans to cover, the company may consider a public issue, Mr Jose said. However, the group is still to take any concrete measure on this front.

The group has taken over a 75-year-old Chettinad house in Karaikudi village on lease, and is in the process of renovating it to its pristine glory. The theme of the new property will be based on the traditional Chettiar culture, cuisine, architecture and the ethos of the village. With the growing international affinity for the rich Indian tradition and culture, the theme at the 27-cottage property at Gokarnam will be based on Sun, sand, yoga, ayurveda and meditation. Gokarnam is two-and-a-half hours away from the Goa airport. Plans are also afoot to construct a Naval airport with access for civilian flights at the Karwar Naval base; this would make logistics planning much easier, Mr Jose said.

Extending its footprint in Karnataka, the group is in the process of setting up a joint venture company to create a resort in the township of Hampi, which has been designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

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