Atul Lall, General Manager, Fairmont Jaipur, talks about the current status of the Indian hotel industry as well as the performance of his hotel
The hotel industry is going through an interesting phase in India. International hotel chains are influenced by the growing economic setting and demand for more hotel rooms across categories. In 2013, the market will definitely be in a stronger position than 2012. The first quarter results will set out the trend for the rest of the year. I am quite sure that it will have a positive impact, especially with incentive moments becoming big within the hotel industry. Moreover, the government is proposing several measures that will increase investment in the hospitality sector and accelerate the process of growth. With the opening of FDI in hospitality, the market is attracting more foreign investment onto Indian shores. This in turn has the investment atmosphere buoyant for Indian investors and promoters of hotels as well. 2013 is likely to increase and shape investment in the hospitality sector, across a broad price band.
Fairmont Jaipur is a luxury hotel with key focus on MICE and weddings. One of the many unique concepts introduced by Fairmont Jaipur in the market is the Fairmont Gold rooms. Rooms on these floors offer enhanced luxuries and a host of exclusive privileges. The hotel also boasts of a pillar-less 60,000 square foot of convention space, the largest in the region which caters to all business and leisure travellers. Moreover, it also offers a multitude of outdoor activities and excursions ranging from hot air ballooning, mountaineering at the Aravalli hills, elephant picnics, antique shopping, tours to famous ancient forts and palaces and customised visits to an authentic Indian village among others.
Right now the domestic market is proving to be a good source of business as there has been an increased level of participation in the MICE sector from Delhi, NCR and Mumbai, primarily. Internationally, UK, Dubai, Germany and France are some of the key markets. Most of the inbound travel that the hotel experienced was domestic followed by international. The hotel, being located within the Golden Triangle, caters to many leisure travelers, both domestic and international.
With the support of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, we are already in partnerships with some of the world’s leading airlines including Jet Airways, here in India. In addition, strategic tie ups with international banks, tour operators and travel agents, have ensured our continued presence amongst our target audiences. Our Famous Agents programme was recently launched in India and has generated a lot of excitement and interest as this is dedicated to the recognition of travel agents, bookers and TMCs, not only in India, but all over the world. In addition our Res plus programme from corporate bookers, has also been warmly welcomed in India and we are In the process of heightening both programmes’ awareness across Delhi and NCR as well as the other metros.
