CHL Plans International Presence Eyes Eastern Europe, Africa For New Ventures

Achal Dhruva - Mumbai

After tasting success in India, the Mumbai-based Concept Hospitality Limited (CHL) is expanding its horizons and is planning to go international. The company which manages ‘The Orchid-An Ecotel Hotel’ brand among others is looking at properties in Eastern Europe and Africa. According to Param Kannampilly, director, CHL, potential clients have expressed interest for both management and franchising.

“We are open to both. It could be a franchise under the brand name Orchid or CHL could only provide management services,” informed Kannampilly. CHL has already registered its presence in USA with its Indian restaurant chain Vital Kamats. With its plans to establish presence in Eastern Europe and Africa, The Orchid will be among the select few Indian hotel chains to go international.

CHL, which is also the Ecotel certifying arm for Asia of HVS International is looking at showcasing India as the hub of most number of Ecotels. Besides Uppal Orchid in Delhi, which opened recently, CHL also manages and operates The Orchid-An Ecotel (Mumbai), Rodas (Mumbai) and has undertaken the management of Lotus Suites (Mumbai) and Manor Floatel (Kolkata), India’s first floating hotel.

On the domestic front, the company is also planning to operate one more property in Pune. “It is a freshly-renovated property with 80 well-appointed rooms. We are on the verge of finalising this project in Pune, which will however not be an Ecotel (environmentally certified) property,” revealed Kannampilly.