Manav Thadani, Chairman, HVS-India speaks to Travel Trends Today about the Journey of HICSA
1. How has the journey been so far for HICSA?
The journey has been interesting. The hotel industry is looking positive and the years ahead appear to be promising with the supply –demand gap widening. HICSA has established itself as the event to be at for anyone who wants to invest into the sector. The conference continues to attract the main hotel owners from all across India.
2. What is in store for the hospitality industry at HICSA 2016?
This year for only the second time in HICSA history we have invited a political heavy weight. We are honoured to have amidst us Chandrababu Naidu, the CM of Andhra Pradesh. Apart from this we will be releasing our second owners survey at the conference as well. The survey will share key concerns of owners across segments.
3. Which new hospitality players are participating at HICSA this year?
Every year we lose a few sponsors and get a few new names. Some of the new names includes; Clarks, Ascentis, Chalet Hotels, G6 and a spa company called Escenza.
4. What is the focus of HICSA this year?
No specific focus. However we do have a lot of new institutional investors on day one with the global names of Blackstone, Goldman Sacs, Merill Lynch etc. We have a full session on Women in hospitality and the gender gap. Finally we are paying our respect and tribute to two of the finest hoteliers in the industry that India has ever produced. The Late Lalit Suri is being recognised for creating and laying a foundation for an amazing brand of hotels and also our friend from the hotel consulting world the Late Homi Aibara.
5. The acquisition of Starwood, Fairmont, Strategic Hotels and rumour about the Sarovar Hotels is creating new wave in the industry. How do you see prospect of M&A in the Indian industry? Is M&A going to be a thrust in HICSA 2016?
The year 2016 had the highest number of transactions that India has ever seen. We see this growing and in fact as HVS are launching a full scale services division just on transactions. We will have a new Managing Director for these services joining us in May – June.
6. What are the key changes that have come into the hotel investment environment in the South Asia region between the two HICSA 2015 and 2016 and how would it reflect on the current edition? Do you expect 2016 to be a better year for the industry?
As I suggested earlier we are already on an upswing and yes we believe that 2016 is going to be much better.
