Hilton, Blue Coast Hotels Form JV

Hilton International and Blue Coast Hotels and Resorts Limited (formerly known as Morepen Hotels Ltd) have recently formed a joint venture company - Hospitality Holdings India Ltd - to develop first class and luxury hotels and resorts in India. As part of its first phase, Hospitality Holdings will develop three projects: a 175-unit Hilton Residences (consisting of serviced apartments) and Country Club in Mumbai; a 250-room Hilton Hotels in Bangalore; and a 160-room Hilton Resort in Goa. These three projects, that represent a total investment of more than Rs 500 crore, will all be operated by Hilton International upon their targeted opening in 2005.

Koos Klein, president, Hilton International Middle-East and Asia Pacific, said, “Hilton International has a long-term commitment to a presence in India, utilising a two-pronged strategy: anchoring our presence with a strong local partner, and participating in the equity of our hotels.”