Hotel Talk

IHCL plans to open property in Andamans

Proposed to be the second five star hotel for the UT

Praveen K Singh & Sanjeev Bhar - Mumbai

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) is all set to chart its growth in the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands with a five star property. In an exclusive to Express TravelWorld, Raymond N Bickson, CEO and MD of the hotel chain disclosed, "We are looking at setting up a property in Andaman, which is the most coveted area in the country." The company is in its initial stages of planning and the operational time frame has not been intimated yet. In a conversation with the publication, Bickson revealed that the property would be a luxury resort under the Taj branding. "Right from the time I first came to India, it has been my dream to set up a property in Andaman Islands," he expressed.

In terms of land acquisition, the company is yet to finalise it. "We are in talks with the local administration and have two-three options in terms of land and the deal is expected to come through soon," informed a senior official at IHCL. He further added that it is likely that the property will be close to Port Blair.

Andaman has over 560 islands, and with more hotels looking at expansion in the region, there will be increased interest from the travel fraternity to sell the location to domestic and inbound tourists of the country.

Since the state tourism approach is very much governed by environment concerns to keep the natural beauty of the region intact, there will be a restrictive approach towards development of hotels and other concrete industrial units. That said the latest project would be a shot in the arm of the Taj Group as it would only be the second upscale luxury property for the union territory.