Carlson to tap pilgrimage centers in South Indian market

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is set to tap devotees gathering at major pilgrimage centres in South India by setting up hotels around.

“Carlson Group is one of the world's largest hotel chains. South India has vast potential for religious tourism and the group is focusing its attention to develop hotels in major pilgrimage centres like Tirupati, Madurai and Rameshwaram,” said Raj Rana, CEO, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, South Asia.

The group is planning to open over 20 properties at these locations.

"We have already tapped the pilgrimage tourism potential in northern parts of the country like Ajmer, Varanasi and Haridwar and as part of the expansion of footprint, south (India) is an important destination for such activities," added Rana.

Depending upon availability of partners and locations, the group will open hotels at these locations in next five to seven years.

As the group functions on franchise, management and operation basis, the investments would purely depend on arrangements based on partners and number of hotel rooms.

Presently Carlson has 74 hotels across the country. And there are two hotels in Chennai, one in Mahabilipuram and one in Salem in Tamil Nadu under different brands and 40 more hotels are in the pipeline.

It is also exploring mid segment hotels under the Park Plaza and Park Inn brands in Salem.