GM Speak

‘India lacks infrastructure’

While Bangalore has had many international investors vying for a share in the hotel market, Huvida Marshall, general manager of The Oberoi, speaks to Priya Krishnaswamy about the city's inadequate infrastructural facilities

Huvida Marshall General Manager of The Oberoi

Even as the city of Bangalore witnesses domestic and international visitors in equal measure, much like any other international metropolitan, it is still lacking in the most basic of amenities - infrastructure. Huvida Marshall, general manager at The Oberoi in Bangalore, says, "We have vehicles that ply the city with registrations from across the country and the city's inhabitants speak more than four or five regional languages. We have the best specialty restaurants. Despite this, the existing facilities don't even meet national standards, forget international proportions."

While she admits that there have been new hoteliers in the city most of whom are foreign brands, Marshall feels that all of this is sometimes a huge myth. "I believe in construction!" She adds, "Sometimes, projects remain on paper, barring a few projects. I do hear from industry sources and read in print that a certain player is in a management tie-up with someone and certain realtors are venturing into the project. But there has not been one stone turned in the name of construction."

While the international business travellers and domestic tourists who visit the city come looking for five-star properties, they all need to maneuver through potholes on bumpy roads. Marshall believes that unless basic infrastructure is not taken care of with immediate effect, things might worsen. She says, "Infrastructure is mandatory. However, it is amazing to see how the city is still thriving with business travellers despite everything. Sadly the supply of quality hospitality services still continues to be in short supply. But hopefully things will improve in future both for the city and the travellers."