Newstrack

Sinclairs to set up HMI in West Bengal

Joy Roy Choudhury - Kolkata

Kolkata-based hospitality group Sinclairs Hotels will set up an international-class hotel management institute in West Bengal. Confirming this development is Dr Niren Suchanti, its director, said, "We are planning to set up an international-class residential hospitality management school near Durgapur in Burdwan district of Bengal with an investment of Rs 25 crore. We are scouting for a suitable land in the Durgapur-Asansol region and would start construction of the project as soon as possible." Sinclairs Hotels owns and operates five properties in India in Siliguri, Ooty, Chalsa Hill in Dooars and Port Blair.

Although he declined to reveal names at this stage, he added that the residential hotel management school will have tie-ups with some of the top-notch international institutes. Navin Suchanti, its CEO and MD, added that the institute will not only offer long-term degree and diploma courses but will also offer short-term specialised courses in housekeeping, front office, etc. Once operational, the proposed institute will churn out 600 students in a three-year term.

Meanwhile, Sinclairs Hotels has also drawn up ambitious plans to invest Rs 203 crore in various hospitality-related projects in West Bengal, including setting up four new hotels and upgrading existing properties. "We will set up a business hotel in Kolkata and Salboni in Paschim Medinipore where JSW Steel is setting up a mega integrated steel plant. A golf resort in north Bengal, an eco-friendly ethnic resort in Jharkhali region in Sunderbans, a modern spa at its retreat in Chalsa and a resort in Kalimpong are other projects on the anvil," Suchanti revealed. Sinclairs Hotels also plans to set up service apartments and shopping complex with multiplex and food court in Siliguri.

The group has also signed an agreement with West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (WBTDC) and Sunderban Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDC) to identify potential tourism projects in West Bengal for setting up hotels, resorts and other tourism facilities in existing as well as new tourist estinations.