BANYAN Tree Hotels & Resorts is hoping to reap the benefits of the falling Indian rupee and the resulting inhibited outbound travel for wedding and luxury tourism, with next year’s launch of Banyan Tree Kerala.
The group’s first property in India (TTG Asia e-Daily, February 28, 2013), the 59-villa resort is eyeing luxury groups, weddings, boutique events and luxury FIT clients.
Sriram Kailasam, general manager, Banyan Tree Kerala, said: “We have received many enquiries for venues for small destination weddings. Banyan Tree Kerala features a banquet area that can accommodate up to 200 people, and (the island on resort premises) provides a perfect setting for weddings.”
Seema Ahmed, general manager, Gainwell Travel & Leisure, said: “It is a boon to be able to offer our luxury clients a resort of this calibre in India. It has generated a great deal of interest and will provide an alternative option to overseas travel every time.”
She commented that other products such as spas and the state’s recently launched seaplane network (TTG Asia e-Daily, June 4, 2013) would be “in synergy” with the expectations of high-end travellers.
Audrey Chung, senior assistant vice president-global marketing network, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, revealed: “Besides Banyan Tree Kerala, we are keen on developing a property in Goa. We will also look at city locations like New Delhi and Mumbai if opportunities arise. We expect to announce our next project in India soon.”
Chung added that having seen a surge in business from China and India last year, the company was ditching its Europe-centric approach, and believed that the opening of the Kerala resort would become a catalyst for growth in India.
Trade sources expect the group’s next project is an Angsana-brand property in Goa.
*Our article previously reported that Banyan Tree Kerala was due to open next month, as per last information received. This has now been updated to reflect the latest information from Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
