With 63 properties in 20 states across India, WelcomHeritage plans to venture into Orissa by the end of 2010. In addition, the Group plans to add seven hotels under its portfolio in the next couple of months. The upcoming properties will be a mix of franchise and management contracts.
Rakesh Mathur, President, WelcomHeritage said, “We are in discussion with property owners in West Bengal, Varanasi and Orissa. However, West Bengal is our major focus area and we are looking for properties in North Bengal, Darjeeling, Sundarban and the tea estates. In addition, we will have our maiden property in Orissa in a couple of months.”
Mathur informed, “The process of restoration and conversion is more difficult than building a new hotel, since heritage is about promoting culture, art, handicraft and architecture of that region. In case a property is not a heritage one then it has to be built in accordance with the local style. However, these properties should have 20-25 rooms.” |