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Speaking during AccorHotels Showcase in Delhi, Jean-Michel Casse, Chief Operating Officer, India & South Asia, AccorHotels, said, “It feels great once you realise that in 10 years you have opened 45 hotels. We have been able to do that because we have realised that in India if we want to develop, we would require crucial elements like fast quality of services, understanding the markets of investment and investing with the right partner.”
Casse believes that the pressure since 2008 till now for the hospitality space has been no exception in comparison to the economy worldwide. “For the last three years, we have observed 60% recovery in the number of occupancies. What is expected from us now is to see a recovery in the Average Room Rates (ARRs). In particular, we have taken steps so that in 2017 we can see a huge turn and improvement in the ARRs,” added the COO.
Accor’s development strategy is to further the densification of their existing brands in the metro cities. “Our priority will be to have the same brand but in more numbers. The latest acquisition of Fairmont Raffles and Swissotel is giving us an amazing opportunity. After the establishment of Sofitel and Pullman, we are hopeful of exploring more opportunities for bringing other brands to India,” expressed Casse.
Joining the conversation was Arif Patel, Vice President, Sales Marketing & Distribution- India, AccorHotels, who added, “There is a space for every brand in the market otherwise we will not have superior ranges of one product. However, in this whole clutter premium-ness is important. You can’t link brand and product just to the price you offer. If you focus on premium-ness in a country of our size, there is enough. But if you don’t create brand identity, you may end up creating confusion and conflict in the consumer market. Our brands are distinctive, therefore we can create more hotels in one market and yet attract different customers based on the premium offering for that segment.”
“Through our Showcase, we are providing an absolute B2B platform to Indian travel trade industry. Our vision is that our customer should say that we are the easiest to do business with. Therefore, this is an experience where our hotels, both domestic and international have come to understand the demands of this market,” said Patel.
Source: travelnewsdigest.in