Upfront

Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces signs up the 29th Gateway Hotel

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has entered into a management contract with Muthoot Hotels and Infrastructre Ventures to develop a 200-room Gateway Hotel in Kochi. The hotel will be located off the highway leading to the Kochi International Airport opposite the 246 acre Smart City and in the close vicinity of the 100 acres Info Park.

Commenting on this foray in Kochi, Raymond Bickson, managing director and chief executive officer, IHCL said, "This initiative into the burgeoning markets is a key aspect of the domestic expansion strategy. Kochi has been in the forefront of rapid growth of corporate traffic, industry and the retail revolution coupled with a booming entertainment business. Strategic location and the timing of the project are the key factors in establishing our presence in this important market."