AccorHotels unveils its sixth property in city

Having raised its combined inventory to more than 950 rooms, the launch of this property has made the group the largest hotel operator in the city, with brands like Novotel and Ibis under it. The new 100-room midscale hotel brings AccorHotels’ tally in India to 47 properties, in 22 destinations with over 8,500 rooms. 

Talking about the growth potential and expansion plans of the group, Jean Michel Casse, COO, India & South Asia, AccorHotels, says, “We aim to increase our room capacity by about 1,000 rooms this year, thereby bringing the total to 9,500 rooms pan-India. We aim to open four more hotels within this year in the country – in Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi and Vijayawada. We are keen on bringing some luxury brands such as Fairmont and Raffles to India as well. Mumbai, Goa and Udaipur are cities we are keen on – with respect to the luxury leisure segment.” Jean reveals that Puducherry is also on the radar of the hospitality group, as the Centre has also taken an interest in developing the Union Territory as a smart city. 

The SMP Management Group, that oversees group interests in investing, hospitality and publishing & printing, made its foray into the hospitality space with its association with Mercure. Neeraj Govil, Chief Executive of the Group, which owns the hotel says, “We have a longstanding relationship with Chennai and it was logical for us to commence our association with AccorHotels here. Leading national and international brands in the automotive sector have already set-up operations here and the market is ready and looking forward to a brand-new property.”