GOA, India—Though it’s been open for only a few months, the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s newest Radisson Blu already is making waves in India’s typically laid-back beach town.
The 132-room Radisson Blu Resort Goa Cavelossim Beach is typical of Blu’s development strategy. While the brand is established in many major cities, it has a history of opening in locations that are near the newest hot spot—Limerick instead of Shannon, Ireland; Jeddah in Saudi Arabia; and Turku instead of Helsinki, Finland—but far enough away to make an impression.
“Goa is a key destination with its white sandy beaches, forts, churches, temples, ancestral Portuguese houses and warm hospitality,” said Rajendran Menon, VP of operations for the hotel.
Close to the action
Goa is located close to Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, Bangalore (nicknamed the Silicon Valley of India) and a fast-growing Gujarat market. The hotel itself is situated on the bustling Cavelossim Beach, which is ideally located near various retail and entertainment attractions that are within walking distance, Menon said.
But while the market is known for its white sandy beaches and warm hospitality, can it withstand a new surge of tourism?
Goa already receives 2 million domestic and 500,000 international tourists a year, Menon said.
“There is a demand for international hotel brands like Radisson Blu in Goa where it is a growing market for (meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions) and weddings, and it has strong appeal for the European and domestic leisure markets,” he said. “In addition, India has a middle class population of 400 million, with disposable income and a 7.5% (gross-domestic-product) growth this year, which bodes well for the hospitality industry.”
Radisson Blu isn't the only hotel group that sees a good opportunity in India. Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International have all announced plans for expansion in the country during the next few years.
The country’s hotel industry experienced declines in the three key performance metrics for year-end 2011 compared to the previous year. Occupancy for the year decreased 1.2%, average daily rate was down 0.9% and revenue per available room declined 2.1%, when measured in local currency, according to STR Global, sister company of HotelNewsNow.com.
Property profile
The beach-facing resort is owned and operated by Alcon Victor Group and has a total of 126 rooms and six suites. All rooms have private balconies, mini bars, tea/coffee makers, laundry service and modern technology (TVs, phones and Internet).
The property has three restaurants—Lucio (Goan and Portuguese cuisine), Shandong (Asian cuisine) and Sagres, a lounge bar.
A casino is being proposed for the resort, and the Aura Spa on site is open and offering Ayurvedic treatments (a specialty in India).
Base rates updated for 16 February for Superior Rooms with balcony is: INR 10000 (approximately US$203) and a Radisson Suite (Villa) is: INR 12500 (approximately US$254).