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Tamara Leisure Experiences sees a big opportunity to grow in the mid-segment hotel business by tapping religious centres, tier I and II locations.
Though the Bengaluru-based hospitality venture aims to be a diversified player with presence in luxury, mid-segment and the budget category, it is hoping for a larger play in the mid-segment, particularly in the South.
“I really like the mid-segment which will be an interesting space to be in. Religious travel and tourism is very popular in India as about 80 per cent of domestic travel is to religious places,” Shruti Shibulal, Director - Strategy and Development, Tamara Leisure Experiences Pvt Ltd, told BusinessLine on the sidelines of the launch of its new luxury hotel at Kodaikanal. She said that the growing middle-class with an increasing disposable income was driving the market.
In the mid-segment, she is bullish on religious destinations. As a first step, the company is developing a property in Guruvayur, Kerala. Apart from religious destinations, tier I and II cities also offer huge opportunities in the mid-segment, she added.
Kodai property
“Though the mid-segment is highly fragmented and price-sensitive, there is still a dearth of quality properties with safe, clean and value-for-money offerings, particularly at religious centres. There is enough space for the established players to come in and invest,” she said.
Earlier, she said the company’s Tamara Kodai, a 5-star luxury property at Kodaikanal, has come up on nearly 8 acres. All its 53 rooms are suite-type based on French provincial design. The rate per night will be in the range of ₹17,000-₹19,000.
“We have already received some bookings and we are confident of maintaining occupancy at about 40 per cent in the near term,” said Sarath Sankar, Head of Sales & Marketing.
Shruti Shibulal said the group will have three major brands for its hotel business. Tamara will be for the luxury segment and Lilac for the budget category. It is in the process of finalising a brand name for its business hotel that is coming up in Kerala.
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