Tag Archives: Sarovar Hotels

Sarovar Hotels, The Massif Hotel collaborate to launch Royal Tulip Kathmandu

Sarovar Hotels and The Massif Hotel collaborate to launch Royal Tulip Kathmandu

Sarovar Hotels, in collaboration with The Massif Hotel, has announced the signing of Royal Tulip Kathmandu, poised to be Nepal’s largest hotel and leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. Operated under the Louvre Hotels’ Royal Tulip brand, the property will feature 304 luxury rooms and is strategically located on Ring Road, just 3.5 km from Tribhuvan International Airport.

The highlight of Royal Tulip Kathmandu is its expansive convention center, the largest in the city. With 22,000 sq. ft. of versatile event space, including two grand halls of 11,000 sq. ft. each, the hotel is set to host international conferences, corporate meetings, and high-profile weddings.

Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels and Director of Louvre Hotels India, expressed excitement about the venture, highlighting its role in addressing the increasing demand for luxury accommodations and world-class event spaces in Kathmandu. Rajendra Shakya, Chairman of The Massif Hotel, shared that the collaboration aspires to redefine standards in Nepal’s luxury hospitality and event services.

The launch of Royal Tulip Kathmandu aligns with Sarovar Hotels’ ambitious expansion plans for 2025, including the addition of 15 new properties, reinforcing its regional leadership.

IATO Convention 2024: Desperate stakeholders arguing Tourism!

India’s inbound tourism paints a very gloomy picture ahead. In the absence of adequate promotion, initiatives and funding, the inbound recovery was far from satisfactory the last year. However, and to the industry’s absolute chagrin, 2024 has been no different so far, probably even worse than the last year, amidst some clear indication that we would likely miss the bus in 2025 as well.

Furthermore, as if a host of unfriendly measures like shutting down overseas Indian tourism offices, discontinuation of scheme that earned the inbound operators incentives on the foreign exchange they earned, among others, were not enough, the 2024-25 Union Budget further plunged the industry, already tottering on the brink, in abject misery.

The recently concluded, 39th edition of IATO Convention, was organised at a time when eyes and expectations are on the post-Covid recovery and the growth thereafter. And in that context, probably the biggest highlight of the event was the lingering scrutiny throughout the three-day event of the government’s commitment to inbound tourism, voiced amply and repeatedly by stakeholders representing IATO and other industry associations and stakeholders.

There were some very strong suggestions, opinions, and demands, made during the events by the likes of IATO President Rajiv Mehra; Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, The Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL); Ajay Bakaya, MD, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts; Vikram Madhok, MD, Abercrombie & Kent, Amaresh Tiwari, Vice Chairman, ICPB and Board Member – FAITH; among others, with regard to the current state of inbound tourism and the initiatives that are required.

While welcoming Union Minister Tourism and Culture at the inauguration, Mehra expressed hope that under the new Tourism Minister’s leadership, the industry will get full support from the Ministry and overseas promotions will restart. He also requested the Minister to re-instate MDA scheme for the tour operators which has been discontinued for last 3-4 years. “This has resulted in tour operators not being able to do overseas promotion and participate in overseas travel marts,” Mehra lamented.

Reinstatement of schemes such as SEIS that not only motivates and rewards inbound operators on the foreign exchange that they earn, but also aids their individual overseas marketing efforts, an efficient and better-funded Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme, putting up trained manpower at embassies overseas to undertake effective promotional work, undertaking different overseas promotion initiatives and regular interaction with foreign tour operators through roadshows, better budgetary support to Ministry of Tourism, advance planning and information for overseas promotion, development of new source markets, organising destination showcase thorough familiarisation trips for FTOs, journalists and influencers, prominently figured in various discourse and suggestions that took place at the IATO Convention.

The three-day event, themed ‘Resurgent India Inbound’ was organised along with a number of business sessions sought to not only, among others, highlight the immense socio-economic and job dividend that the country can benefit from by leveraging inbound tourism, but also highlighted the poor recovery in the aftermath of pandemic and the little support or attention that the inbound tourism sector has been given, amply demonstrated by India’s despondently poor show in attracting foreign tourist so far. Notably, the country earned foreign exchange in excess of USD 30 billion (INR 2,11,661 crore) in 2019, its best year till date.

However, Foreign Tourist Arrival figure is 2023 was still short by a lamentable over 15 per cent in comparison to the peak 2019 numbers, and the situation has not improved much in 2024, because of India’s heavy reliance on fewer source markets. The H1, 2024 inbound numbers were still lagging by 10 per cent, but that was before the Bangladesh, India’s number one tourism source market contributing nearly a quarter of the total FTAs, crisis. Given the continuing political upheaval there, India’s overall FTA number till date is probably worse off than the corresponding 2023 period.

Mehra also highlighted that over the years IATO Conventions have played critical role in showcasing and establishing destinations inbound profile and Madhya Pradesh as the host of the 39th Annual IATO Convention will reap big rewards with increased inbound visitations in the coming years. The delegates were treated with 10 richly crafted post-convention tours covering prominent sites such as Khajuraho Temples, Sanchi Stupa, the prehistoric cave paintings of Bhimbetka, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with other prominent sites, such as Mandu, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Panchmarhi, Shivpuri, its rich wildlife, culture, among others, in order to unlock state’s inbound potential.

The event was attended by Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister, of Madhya Pradesh; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture; Rajendra Shukla, Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh; Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Tourism & Culture Minister of Madhya Pradesh; M.R. Synrem, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary – Tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh & MD, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Bidisha Mukherjee, Additional MD, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Dr. Ilayaraja T, MD Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. and senior Government officials from Union Ministry of Tourism and Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Department, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

More than 1,200 delegates attended the event. IATO’s famous Hall of Fame award was bestowed upon IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal and Late M.L Razdan of Razdan Holidays.

Sarovar Hotels and Delite Aravali View join forces to launch Delite Sarovar Portico in Faridabad

 

Sarovar Hotels, in partnership with Delite Aravali View announces the grand opening of Delite Sarovar Portico in Faridabad, Haryana.
This development marks Sarovar’s increasing presence in the Delhi (NCR) region, adding to a portfolio of 14 hotels, including two operating hotels in Faridabad.

Located on Neelam Bata Road, near Faridabad’s old railway station, commercial, and entertainment hubs, the hotel offers a convenient location suited for the Bleisure segment. The hotel’s expansive and state-of-the-art banqueting facilities make it an ideal destination for weddings and MICE.

The hotel features 74 thoughtfully designed rooms, including Executive Rooms, Premium Rooms, and Suites, each equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a diverse culinary experience at Flavours, an 82-seater all-day dining restaurant offering Indian, Continental, and Oriental cuisines. Flavours provides an elegant and inviting space for casual dining, along with an exclusive private dining space and a stylish modern bar.

Additionally, the hotel features versatile event spaces, including the Royal Hall, Imperial I and II, and the Classic Hall, ideal for hosting various events up to 600 guests.

Ajay K. Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels and Director of Louvre Hotels India, said, “We are delighted to have been chosen as the preferred partner to oversee a hotel with an unquestionable legacy. With our extensive experience in managing outstanding hotels across various cities and towns, we are confident that we will elevate the standards that the hotel has set for itself and exceed the expectations of our partners.”

Jatinder Bhatia, Managing Director, Delite Aravali View, added, “The hotel symbolises our dedication to delivering exceptional experiences and convenience to our guests for the past three decades. Through this partnership, we strive to fortify our presence in the market and cater to the growing demand for premier hotels in a smart city like Faridabad.”

Sarovar Hotels Partners with Shriya Holdings to Launch Sarovar Portico Hotel in Hubli, Karnataka

Sarovar Hotels has announced a new partnership with Shriya Holdings to launch a Sarovar Portico hotel in Hubli, Karnataka. Set to debut in 2026, this 60-room establishment on Gokul Road aims to cater to both business and leisure travelers with modern amenities.

This collaboration signifies a key advancement in Sarovar’s expansion strategy, marking the ninth Sarovar-managed property in Karnataka. The company sees this move as a reinforcement of its commitment to the state, recognizing the burgeoning travel demand in the region.

As a prominent player in the hospitality sector, Sarovar Hotels expresses confidence in its ability to thrive in these markets, bolstered by the support of its esteemed partner, Shriya Holdings.

Acknowledging the partnership, Sarovar Hotels extends appreciation to Suraj Alavandi, Director of Shriya Holdings.

Anil Madhok – Visionary Hotelier and Founder of Sarovar Hotels & Resorts Passes Away

Anil Madhok, a remarkable hotelier and the driving force behind the incredible achievements of Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, has passed away, leaving behind a profound impact on the Indian hospitality industry. His untimely demise has dealt a significant blow to the industry, as it mourns the loss of a visionary leader whose exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication transformed the hospitality landscape in India.

Madhok’s journey in the hospitality industry began with humble beginnings, but his relentless passion and unwavering commitment propelled him to great heights. As the Managing Director of Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, he transformed a fledgling enterprise into one of India’s premier hotel chains, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Madhok’s exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit were evident from the inception of Sarovar Hotels & Resorts. With an unwavering focus on quality and innovation, he meticulously built the brand from scratch, expanding its presence across the country. Through his visionary guidance, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts became synonymous with excellence, luxury, and impeccable service.

Madhok’s astute business acumen, combined with his profound understanding of the evolving needs and preferences of travelers, propelled Sarovar Hotels & Resorts to new heights. Under his leadership, the brand consistently delivered exceptional experiences to guests, surpassing their expectations and fostering enduring relationships.

Madhok’s untimely demise leaves an irreplaceable void in the Indian hospitality industry.

Sarovar Hotels opens its 100th hotel in India, Lagoon Sarovar Premiere, Pondicherry

Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd. announces the historic milestone of opening its 100th hotel in India with the opening of Lagoon Sarovar Premiere, Pondicherry.

Lagoon Sarovar Premiere Resort is spread across 33-acres of land nestled on the banks of Chunnambar Backwaters. Pondicherry’s beautiful French colonial architecture is reflected through our resort’s rooms. Each has a private sit-out area overlooking an infinity pool and tranquil backwaters. Paradise Island, a unique icon of Pondicherry is adjacent to Lagoon Sarovar Premiere resort.

Lagoon Sarovar Premiere Resort is conveniently located 20 minutes away from Pondicherry airport, 3 hours drive from Chennai international airport. It’s well connected with Pondicherry’s train and bus stations.

The resort houses Flavours – all-day dining restaurant by the lily pond overlooking the pool with an array of local and international delicacies. Rhythm Bar, overlooking the bay offers a variety of Cocktails, Mocktails and Barbeque eats.

To celebrate your special moments or host business meets, the resort offers 5000 Sq. ft. lawn by the backwaters. The resort is also equipped with an activity area to play snooker, board games, outdoor live chess and offer a whole lot of delightful water activities from Scuba Diving to Snorkeling; Kayaking to Surfing; and Boating to Paddle Boarding at Paradise Island. It houses a separate kid’s play zone.

Commenting on the development, Anil Madhok, Executive Chairman, Sarovar Hotels said, “2022 is a milestone year for us as we open our 100th hotel. This hotel holds a special place in our portfolio of hotels. Our vision 27 years ago was to make hospitality accessible in every part of the country. Our future vision is to strengthen our strong presence in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.”

Brimming with unspoiled beaches, heritage buildings, French quarters, ancient temples & churches and a colonial ambience, this city has a lot of offers to its visitors. Must visit places when in the vibrant city of Pondicherry are La Maison Rose, Eglise De Notre Dame Des Anges, Rock Beach. One can also go scuba diving or enjoy the sunset at Rock Beach.