In an interaction with BW HOTELIER, Kunal Salooja, Cluster Director of Events - Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty and Hyatt Regency Thrissur shares the exclusivity of their resort for quintessential weddings and how Kerala as a state is doing the utmost to promote tourism and re-establish MICE.

What are the different facilities offered by your hotel for weddings? 

Located on the historic Bolgatty Island, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty and Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre set the mood for a dreamy wedding destination offering multiple indoor and outdoor venues. Host your wedding receptions and dinners on our Lulu Event Boat, on the backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Guests can choose from a wide range of first-class accommodations, welcoming and elevated service, inventive restaurants, luxury spa and fitness center.

The hotel offers 264 guestrooms and suites and features four villas with private access and plunge pools. The leisure houseboat – Nattika – and waterfront lawns are apt for pre and post wedding photo opportunities. Feast on an expansive spread of world cuisines as you celebrate magnificent moments on your special day. Our expert chefs will design your menu with a limitless array of food and beverage offerings that ensure guests have a truly extraordinary culinary experience. 

How will you ensure the norms of social distancing and other hygiene-related protocols to be followed during an event? 

Our enhanced event spaces are inspired by the pillars of wellbeing. The halls can accommodate a comparably large number of guests keeping hygiene and safety in mind – thoughtfully crafted revised seating layouts ensure physically distanced set-ups and accessories. The venues are flexible with multiple breakouts and adhere to the social distancing norms as per the government regulations. Strategically placed signage in all public areas in the hotel help guests to navigate with ease and confidence. 

What special packages are you willing to introduce for weddings? 

Keeping in mind the client’s requirements and new government guidelines, we have introduced a special wedding package, ‘Grand Weddings’ with an array of thoughtful inclusions. From curated multi-cuisine options for up to 50 guests, themed wedding décor, 1 complimentary Grand Suite for the couple with breakfast, 2 complimentary day-use rooms and welcome mocktails and soft beverages, the package is designed to suit contemporary requirements.

With over 1,00,000 sq.ft of indoor and outdoor space, we have helped create a formidable venue for destination weddings in Kochi.

Do you have an in-house wedding planning team? 

Yes, we have a dedicated team of wedding specialists and event planners assigned for every event who will cater to all the guest needs for this unique celebration. Everything you dreamt of for your special day comes alive with exquisite wedding menu, grand décor and memorable experiences.

How is Kochi developing as a city for destination weddings?

With increased connectivity and native experiences, Kochi has become a preferred destination for weddings. The serene backwaters and tropical climate makes the city perfect for the dream event. The hotel has aggregated innumerable weddings both residential and non-residential in the last two years and we have seen how the other hotels and facilities in Kochi have benefitted from them.

What are some of the major challenges for hospitality in Kerala as of now?

There will certainly be drastic changes in the travel behaviour of the luxury travellers as well as in government restrictions in the post-COVID travel phases. They will be more cautious while selecting travel destinations. Flight connectivity from source markets such as Kolkata, Jaipur and Lucknow is also a major challenge for the state.

As the government of Kerala has been praised for handling the crisis deftly, has any government policy been introduced or changed to help the hospitality sector in the current scenario? 

Kerala Tourism Minister Shri Kadakampally Surendran has announced a stimulus package for promoting events in the state, MICE tourism and destination weddings by roadshow promotions and state-run marketing. The tourism department is also planning to launch campaign to promote ‘Short-Haul Tours’ later in the year which will help revive the tourism industry in the state by encouraging travelers from within Kerala.