Carlson Rezidor hopes to hit 100-hotel mark in 2-3 years

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is looking to launch a new luxury hotel brand in the Asia-Pacific region.

The company, which claims to have become the largest international hotel operator in India, is expected to touch the 100-hotel mark by 2015-16.

Talking on the sidelines of the Hotel Investment Forum India, Simon C. Barlow, President Asia-Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, said on Wednesday India is its largest market in the Asian region, even bigger than China.

“We are in advanced planning for launching a luxury brand in the Asia-Pacific region some time in 2014,” he said, adding these plans are keeping in mind India as well.

The company currently operates 65 hotels in India under brands such as Radisson Blu, Radisson, Country Inn and Suites, Park Inn and Park Plaza. “We are looking to open 11 hotels this year, which will leave us with a big task of opening 24-25 hotels next year, which means two a month. But we hope by the end of 2015 or 2016, we will have 100 hotels operational in the country,” Barlow added.

The company expects nearly 43 additional hotels under Park Inn by Radisson to come up in partnership with Bestech Hospitalities in north and central India till 2024.

K. B. Kachru, Chairman, South Asia, Carlson Rezidor, added the company is looking at similar partnerships with developers in South and East.

The company said it would also focus on building more mid-market hotels and fewer upper upscale hotels in the country in the future.

India would also be its focal point for the roll-out of the next generation Country Inn and Suites by the Carlson brand. Carlson Rezidor is also looking to partner with real estate players to launch its branded residence concept under the Radisson Blu and Radisson brands in India.

Barlow said it’s a niche vertical that is being added to the company's portfolio. It has already received enquiries from developers.

The residences will be built next to a Radisson Blu or a Radisson hotel in a mixed land use development.

While it offers developers an opportunity to sell these residences at a premium, consumers who buy these will get access to facilities such as clubs, spas, concierge desks and room service facilities.

With the hotel industry facing challenging times, Barlow said certain parts of the country had witnessed supply outgrowing demand, which has led to pressure on room rates and occupancies.

The next four-five months would be challenging for the Indian hotel industry due to oversupply issues and the upcoming elections, but the long-term macro potential for the country is promising, he added.

COMMENT NOW