Newstrack

Goan hotels on an expansion overdrive

Chetan Kapoor - Goa

The hospitality industry in Goa is busy increasing its inventory to accommodate the increased tourist inflow comprising domestic, international and MICE travellers. One of them is the Alcon Victor Group. Victor M Albuquerque, its CMD, reveals, "We are constructing a five-star deluxe hotel The Grand Dona Sylvia behind Dona Sylvia in Cavelossim, which is expected to be ready by October 2009 with 150 rooms." Once ready, the combined properties (The Grand Dona Sylvia and Dona Sylvia) will be the largest resort in Goa with around 350 rooms, claims the CMD.

Even New Delhi-based 32nd Milestone Hotels & Resorts is looking at Goa and recently inaugurated its 12-room boutique property 360 Degrees Beach Retreat in Candolim. According to the property's GM, Amiya Shukla, the management has finished construction of a Portuguese-style 27 room hotel around the Baga river and a ‘restaurant on stairs’ to be ready before the next ‘tourist season’ besides building another property in the Calungute area.

Further, Alcon Hotels' VP, Shailesh Sanzgiri, discloses, "We are in the process of setting up a 200-plus room five-star hotel in Arpora and a beach front alternative health resort in Keri on the Goa-Maharashtra border, which should be ready in two years. For the latter, we are looking at a tie-up with an international company for franchising." In addition, Majorda Beach Resort will add 60 rooms by the next season while Holiday Inn Resort Goa has plans on the chart subject to government approvals.

It is not only the hotels but even serviced apartments that are seeing growth in Goa. de Souza Group recently opened doors to 12 serviced apartments at Surya Sangolda which prospective buyers can buy and then rent during the season to tourists and earn an attractive return on investment. In phase two of the project, the property will witness an addition of 20 apartments and a restaurant, confirmed Ralph de Souza, the group chairman. Also, the Manvin's Group will open a six-serviced apartment property called Manvin's Mansion on the Miramar beach by October 2008.