INTERNATIONAL hotel brands will make their mark in India’s north-eastern state of Assam within the next two years.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Marriott Hotels & Resorts and The Indian Hotels Company all have properties under construction in the state that should open doors by 2015.
Speaking to TTG Asia e-Daily on the sidelines of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India’s (ATOAI) annual convention in Guwahati, Assam tourism minister, Chandan Brahma, said: “There are four world-class hotels that are coming up in Assam. This will bring a new dimension to the hospitality sector of the region. Our ministry is working closely with other travel and tourism stakeholders to uplift state infrastructure.”
Sanjay Basu, managing director of Far Horizon Tours, welcomed the addition. “(The four new hotels) will improve the city’s service standards and will bring attention to the hospitality sector of the region,” he said.
However, other tour operators have voiced hopes that the government will also promote hotels that showcase the local culture and architecture, especially in villages.
“Instead of just focusing on developing massive hotels, the ministry of tourism in Assam should promote boutique properties and home stays, something that Kerala has done successfully. Such products will highlight the distinct identity of the region,” said Mandip Singh Soin, senior vice president, ATOAI.
Of late, Assam has been at the centre of tourism activity, having recently concluded the International Tourism Mart, which attracted 85 buyers from 23 countries.
