Marriott International, which is on an expansion spree across India, recently opened its 11th Courtyard by Marriott property in India in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The Courtyard by Marriott Bilaspur is the first International branded hotel to operate in the city of Bilaspur. Speaking with T3, Ramesh Daryanani, Area Director of Sales & Marketing, South Asia, Marriott International, revealed that the company’s goal is to have 50 hotels by 2017 across the Marriott portfolio and a minimum of 17 Courtyard by Marriott properties by 2015.
Commenting on the Courtyard by Marriott Bilaspur, he mentioned, “We see Bilaspur as an upcoming city, especially given the investment in the mining and power sectors. There is a lot of local affluence. And the fact that we will be the first international hotel chain operating the hotel there was an opportunity we didn’t want to miss.”
The property, Daryanani informed, will be a hotel people will aspire to check into. It features excellent F&B offerings, ample meeting space for large meetings and social events, and can cater to all segments of travellers. “It is a premium property and can cater to the needs of corporate, local associations and conferences alike. The only segment we are not aiming to tap is leisure, as Bilaspur is not a leisure destination,” he added.
When asked about the locations that have been chosen for Courtyard by Marriott developments across India, Daryanani added that Marriott evaluates cities based on the potential of the city property is located in. “It becomes our responsibility to evaluate the potential and whether we can deliver to the owner’s expectations,” he stated.
The company is setting up a 12th Courtyard by Marriott property in Agra, slated to open in the latter half of the year. As a company, Marriott is hoping to open anywhere between six to seven hotels in 2014.
Throwing light on how they intend to work with the travel trade to promote the new property, Daryanani mentioned that Marriott is a preferred company among the community at large. Familiarisation trips and educational presentations, he added, are on the cards. Once the opening is done successfully, and the sales efforts are in place, the trade will be invited to the property.
