Hotel chains see room for growth in factory towns

Marquee hotel brands are moving to India's industrial towns to drum up business in places set to lead the country's next phase of growth.

- GULVEEN AULAKH & AKSHARA SRIVASTAVA

Marquee hotel brands are moving to India's industrial towns to drum up business in places set to lead the country's next phase of growth. Big hospitality brands such as the Thailand-based Dusit group, Sarovar Hotels, and Treebo have set their sights on these so-called micro markets, including Sriperumbudur, Bhiwadi, Nashik, and Dholera.

According to industry executives, these industrial towns will expand not only to employ more people but will also attract global business leaders as India positions itself as an alternative manufacturing hub to China, even in the face of the new tariff regime imposed by the US government.

Jatin Khanna, chief executive officer (CEO), Sarovar Hotels, said, "We are setting up a Sarovar Portico in Sriperumbudur, an industrial hub. This is a micro market with just one existing hotel but huge demand, which is why we are setting up our own hotel and opening up in the next 90 days."

The hotel, spread across 2.5 acres, will have 156 rooms, 7,000 square feet conference and meeting areas with amenities such as restaurant, bar, spa, gym, and pool.