Aiana Hotels and Resorts, an independently owned new brand company with a presence across the Middle East, the Indian Sub-Continent and South East Asia, has confirmed that currently the group is working on a total of 8 projects with a 1000 keys. The properties are spread across India and the Middle East. The group also unveils interests to open up a resort in UAE and Oman.
In India, Aiana is focusing to establish itself in South India as this region has diversity. Aiana manages a property in Munnar which is a niche boutique resort. Also, they had signed an agreement with Bengaluru-based real estate firm Ferns Estate & Developers who will manage and operate four resorts in Karnataka.
Speaking about their plans to expand in the Northern region of India, Amruda Nair, MD & CEO, Aiana Hotels and Resorts said, “We would eventually like to look into north India market also. As of now we are focused to provide experience in South India. This region offers various experiences and there are still a lot of untouched destinations her. We would surely like to have presence in matured destinations like Goa and Jaipur but as of now we are exploring more new markets.”
Talking about overall expansion plan, she said : “We currently have eight hotels under development, in Qatar, India and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We have got little over 1000 rooms under construction. In the Middle East we are looking at Saudi Arabia and Qatar at the moment with a single property in each. But In short term we are looking to increase our presence in these markets. In Doha we plan to add more properties, which is a very potential market. Even in Saudi Arabia we are looking at various options to complete the religious travel circuit. Eventually we would like to expand into the UAE and Oman. The September numbers for Dubai shows that Indians have crossed the one million mark, which means India has outpaced the Saudi Arabia, UK, Russia, China. So presence in UAE is very important and will be a key focus for us.”
Aiana is currently working with the unique Hub & Spoke model, where in the group will open up properties in a getaway which is close to a major metro. Speaking about the model and current trends she said, “We look at the Hub & Spoke model, where we select a gateway city which becomes the hub or the key source market. For example we will be using Bangalore as the base and feeder market and we will have our property at a distance of 3-4 hours drive. Strategy wise we are very clear that the domestic market is booming and in terms of trends are seeing a lot of multi-generational family travel and lot of activity based travel.”
Nair also revealed that the second property which they will be launching with Ferns group will be on the banks of river Hemavathi in Karnataka. She added, “Fern owns the land and we are doing master planning as of now. The natural setting is very beautiful as the property will be on the river banks and we will make it a more sanctuary based theme resort. Every property will be a destination in itself.”
