HotelBenchmark Launches Country Survey For India

In response to the rapid growth of the hotel market in India over recent years, Deloitte has launched an India edition of the HotelBenchmark Survey. The India survey is another first for Deloitte's HotelBenchmark team and was showcased in New Delhi at the recently concluded World Travel Tourism Council's 5th Global Travel & Tourism Summit. This is the first time ever that comprehensive monthly rate and occupancy performance data has been available on the Indian hotel market. The new survey tracks 20 markets across the country - providing analysis by population, size of hotel, star rating, market area and city.

Hotel performance in India is booming. Lower costs of travel following the liberalisation of the airline industry as well as reduced security concerns due to improved relations with Pakistan have helped boost performance. Considering the depressed performance during the Kashmir situation, mid 2002 into 2003, revenue per available room (revPAR) has not only returned to previous levels but has also exceeded performance achieved prior to this incident. For the 12-months to February 2005, revPAR in hotels throughout India (mid-market and above) increased by 29 per cent, compared to the same period ending February 2002.

	The evolving business dynamics in India continue to provide the hospitality industry further potential for impressive growth as an international destination
Alex Kyriakidis

Alex Kyriakidis, managing partner of the Deloitte Global Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure industry team said, "A strong economy and increasing inward investment have elevated India's international profile. With a domestic tourism market roughly one third of the total international arrivals received by all global markets - it's exciting to watch. The evolving business dynamics in India continue to provide the hospitality industry further potential for impressive growth as an international destination."

	Hotel companies are responding to the growing domestic market by adding India to their development agenda for mid-scale products
Mani Bharadwaj

Mani Bharadwaj, senior director at Deloitte India further added, "Hotel companies are responding to the growing domestic market by adding India to their development agenda for mid-scale products. In addition to Indian Hotels' successful launch of a new mid-scale product, IndiOne, hoteliers are busy preparing for the introduction of international brands like Ibis, Holiday Inn Express and Courtyard by Marriott to India."

He also mentioned, "Infrastructure and geo-political concerns continue to limit India's ability to develop as a tourist destination. Fortunately recent government initiatives including the liberalisation of the airlines and tourism awareness campaigns such as 'Incredible India' and 'Atithi Devo Bhavah' - take India one step closer to achieving its true potential."

The HotelBenchmark Survey is a leading provider of hotel performance data across Asia Pacific currently tracking 41 cities and 115 markets in the region. India is the 18th monthly performance survey to be launched under the HotelBenchmark banner.