Major hotel groups see big business in Kerala

KOCHI: Big hotel brands are vying to grab a pie of growing tourism market in Kerala. Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has recently signed an agreement for development of a brown field resort project “SeleQtions” in Bekal, Kerala. The resort is a management contract with Gopalan Enterprises. The brownfield project is slated to open in 2024.

IHCL Real Estate & Development Executive Vice President Suma Venkatesh was quoted as saying “we are excited to bring an IHCL SeleQtions resort to expand our portfolio in the state. There is a growing demand for travel to new and emerging leisure destinations, and this signing reinforces the company’s confidence in the tourism potential of the region. It will be our second hotel in Bekal. We are pleased to partner with Gopalan Enterprises for this project.”

The 159-room SeleQtions resort is strategically situated on the backwaters and is a short drive from Bekal beach and the historic Bekal Fort. Spread over about 30 acres, the resort’s design will draw inspiration from the local ethos of Kerala. The hotel will have an all-day diner, a specialty restaurant and bar, and banqueting facilities including picturesque open air spaces, ideal for social as well as business gatherings. The hotel will also have a large wellness facility.

Gopalan Enterprises Director C Prabhakar said, “we are delighted to partner with IHCL for this SeleQtions resort in Bekal. We believe that the company, with its expertise, will enhance Bekal’s position as an emerging leisure destination.” With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 14 hotels across brands including four under development in Kerala.