“Smaller cities in India are also growing as new business and leisure locations,” says Leo Jayakumar Fernando, General Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center.

THE NEWLY launched hotel, Four Point by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center is targeting INR 1800 RevPar for this financial year. Claiming to have the largest banqueting facilities in Southern India and largest pillar-less banquet halls, the hotels serve as a great platform for weddings and conferences. BW Hotelier spoke to Leo Jayakumar Fernando, General Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center to know more about the property and the trends.

“We believe Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort & Convention Center has immense opportunity to deliver an unparalleled guest experience backed by uncomplicated comfort, great service and the amenities they need to stay productive on the road,” says Fernando. With 90 guest rooms including two suites, the hotel is currently targeting 30 – 40 percent of occupancy rate.

Fernando feels that over the last two decades, there have been many transformations in the Indian travel and hospitality space. Earlier, a typical Indian traveller would primarily visit pilgrimage destinations, and the only sources for travel planning were references from friends and family, travel magazines and travel agents. “That has changed significantly now with a sharp rise in the growth of tourists. Technology has also become an integral part of a traveller’s DNA and plays a critical role throughout the journey,” he adds.

Fernando also stressed upon the growth potential in Tier II and Tier III cities. “Smaller cities in India are also growing as new business and leisure locations,” he comments. Speaking about Mahabalipuram he informed about the immense growth opportunities in the travel and tourism sector. “With the influx of tourists coming to the city, the demand for accommodation increases balancing out the demand and supply ratio,” he concluded.