Hot Seat

Blending old world charm with modern amenities

After rendering his extended contributions to the travel industry, Inder Sharma, former chairman of Sita World Travel, is all set to take up his thriving hospitality venture, Select Holiday Resorts, to greater heights. Praveen K Singh unveils Sharmas' plans for Select Hotels

"It all started as a hobby. Our idea was to have farmhouses for weekends outside the cities. We wanted to provide our tourists a relaxed environment," explains Inder Sharma, chairman of Select Holiday Resorts, on how the Select Hotels ventured into the hotel business. Sharma, who has spent over five decades in the travel and hospitality industry, believes that the Indian hospitality industry is still in the nascent stage but is sure to grow tremendously.

The booming industry

"I personally believe that the Indian hospitality industry has got a very dazzling future, though a very competitive one. The Indian economy is growing together with the Indian middle class families. Many working couples find lesser time for their families leading to household difference and stress. The solution to this comes in the form of shorter holidays and family outings. There is enormous demand from the hospitality industry to fulfill the rejuvenation needs of such consumers. Coupled with the rise in domestic tourism, foreign tourism is also seeing huge growth. India has become the favoured destination for foreign tourists," opines Sharma

He adds that with the liberalisation of the Indian economy, foreign investors are lined up to invest heavily in the Indian hospitality industry in all the major cities and towns. "A huge growth is expected in almost all segments of the hospitality sector," he reflects.

According to Sharma one of the major challenges faced by the industry is the availability of the appropriate land and its correct pricing. Secondly he adds that reducing number of clearance formalities could boost the growth of the industry.

Select Hotels

The Select hotels are an unique collection of boutique hotels in India. These urban retreats are Heritage Village Club, Goa and Heritage Village, Manesar. "We endeavour to be one among the best and we are constantly striving to achieve global standards of product quality and service excellence. A destination of choice for corporate and leisure travellers, these hotels offer the travellers a perfect mix of old world charm with modern amenities." Heritage Village, Manesar, a unique 82-room hotel, is in close proximity to Delhi and is inspired by the havelis of Rajasthan and the villages of Punjab & Haryana, the resort echo's the contemporary attitude of Select Hotels and showcases its global standards in luxury, comfort and hospitality.

"This palatial resort is spread over 12 acres of lush green surroundings. The building extends horizontally in the form of mohallas joined by archways. There are domes, jharokhas, (sandstone windows) murals all forming a Rajasthani haveli very closely. Adding to the flavours of the resort is our new Lounge Restaurant-'Bhangra Beat', which is also the most happening place in the area," describes Sharma.

On the other hand, Heritage Village Club, Goa, is India's first all-inclusive boutique resort hotel sprawled over four acres of landscaped tropical gardens and is located close to the sparkling blue Arabian Sea. "We offer exemplary facilities to leisure travellers. The well-designed rooms are a distinct shift from the Goan architecture giving a new dimension to private areas within the hotel coupled with overall mood and colour along with sensitive lighting creates a space that derives its primary inspirations from 'Goa', 'beach', 'sun' and 'sea'," mentions Sharma.

Future expansion

Disclosing his company's expansion plans, Sharma says, "We have planned to add around 70 more rooms to existing property in Manesar. The decision has been taken after considering huge investment plans of Reliance Industries for several development projects close to Manesar. We are also adding more F&B outlets, gym and spa facilities at this unit. Similarly in Goa, due to growth in the niche market and in particular three-star sector, we are adding cottages and around 36 extra units. We are targeting other cities, which are tourist destinations as well as commercial cities."

The company plans to open more four-star properties at prominent tourist destinations across the country. "A five-star requires tremendous efforts, not only in terms of staff but quality as a whole. We will first concentrate to be a professional four-star than gradually grow up to the five-star level," affirms Sharma.

The road ahead

"As a group we are open for any international tie-ups," announces Sharma. Speaking on the scope of budget hotels in India, he says, "It has good prospects but unless the government provides lands at cheaper rates, it is really a challenge running a budget hotel."

The company is all set to expand in phases. "We are open to quality products and services. We are ready for heavy investment, which will be generated both internally as well as from outside," explains Sharma. He divulges that as of now the company is investing around Rs 100 crore in its various projects.

Adhering to the family traditions and sticking to the commitments for the travel and hospitality industry, Inder Sharma's son Arjun Sharma is also following his father's footsteps, handling various projects of Select Hotels. Together the Sharmas are propelling their hotel business towards greater heights.