Currently, there are 13 Raffles across 11 countries, including in cities like Paris, Istanbul and Singapore.

GLOBAL HOSPITALITY giant, Accor announced the launch of its luxury brand Raffles in India with the signing of two properties, one each in Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan.

“We have announced the arrival of the Raffles brand in India, a hallmark of luxury and sublime service in a country that is famous for delivering luxury at the highest level. With our strategic partners, we look forward to launching two Raffles properties in Rajasthan, one each in Udaipur and Jaipur,” Bazin said in a press conference.

Set up on a 21-acre private island in the midst of Udai Sagar Lake, Raffles Udaipur is expected to be operational in mid-2020, while Raffles Jaipur being built at Kukas in the pink city is likely to commence operations in 2022.

Currently, there are 13 Raffles across 11 countries, including in cities like Paris, Istanbul and Singapore.

The Raffles brand has undergone a renaissance, with a strong pipeline that will see the portfolio double in the next few years.

With 101 rooms and suits in Udaipur and 55 suits in Jaipur, the Raffles will be employing around 400-500 workforce.

Talking about the group’s expansion plans in India, Bazin said, the group has 51 properties and 10 brands in the country and is looking to add 24 in next 3 years.“Currently, we have 51 hotels in India having around 10,000 workforce across all our properties. With the expansion to 75 properties, we are expecting to add another 4,000-5,000 people to our workforce in the next 3 years,” Accor chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sebastien Bazin informed.

“India represent only 1 percent of our total portfolio now, which is way too small. After the pipeline it will go up to 2.4 percent, which will be getting better. We should grow bigger in India. Globally we have 38 brands and we are looking at opportunities and the right partners to bring in more brands including Banyan Tree, Mama Shelter, Deland, Mondrian, Tribe among a few in next 2-4 years,” he further added..

The hospitality group is planning to expand its luxury and lifestyle brands in the country and on the same time majority of its expansion in India will be with its mid-scale and economy brands like Novotel and ibis, he added.