Over the past decade, the Pune hotel sector has emerged a formidable competitor to other the hospitality markets in the country, growing from a negligible base of branded hotel rooms in 2005 into becoming one of India’s top five hotel markets in 2014. Over the course, it has weathered multiple storms ranging from significant supply increases to multiple bouts of economic uncertainty, both globally and regionally.
Track2Realty: It is increasingly being observed that standalone luxury hotels are becoming unviable in the country, especially in the case of owned, built projects where the land is acquired, and typically comes at a high cost exceeding 40% of the total development cost.
Track2Realty Exclusive: In 2010 when Le Meridien Coimbatore, a Rs. 300 crore project of Appu Hotels, announced to open a nine-storeyed hotel with a total built-up area of seven lakh sq ft, spread across a 6.75 acre plot, there were not many takers. The critics either termed it as an over ambitious project or a venture that was ahead of time.
Track2Realty: The top six cities of India are expected to see a total of 50,000 new hotel rooms across categories in the next 5- 6 years. This is in response to the steady growth the hospitality sector has recorded over the last few years. 2012 alone is expected to see 14,800 fresh keys by the end of the year. Out of the total expected supply for 2012, 2000 new hotel rooms have already entered the market. These are the findings of a report by Cushman & Wakefield (C&W)and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).
The Indian strategy in the hospitality segment seems to be borne out of the demand-supply market dynamics. An industry survey estimates that the three major Indian metropolitan areas—Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi—command some of the highest hotel rentals in the world.
The operational inexperience of the developers’ is also being sewn up through strategic tie-ups with the majors in the hotel industry. An improving economic scenario and demand for more hotel rooms across categories is persuading international hotel chains to sign new management contracts with Indian developers and property owners, according to analysts. The industry will witness the announcement of a number of new hotels in the year ahead.
It is not just real estate developers and national & international hospitality majors, but several high net worth individuals and business groups from sectors like auto, petroleum and telecom have grabbed hospitality assets, marking a strategic trend shift. Track2Realty analyses how opportunities and roadblocks co-exist in the hospitality, thus making it an interesting sector where there is room for everyone to grow.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has introduced its new Hyatt House extended-stay brand in India, with the signing of a management agreement by a Hyatt affiliate for a hotel in Mumbai.
Bengaluru’s hotels market has evolved over the last decade, growing in tandem with the city’s emergence as a significant commercial destination largely driven by the IT/ITeS sector.
Many of the best luxury and ultra-luxury hotels from all over the world are readying plans to enter the India market, and are expected to set up chains over the next couple of years.