By Vineet Mishra

GEOGRAPHICALLY AND demographically, the port city of Kochi is well endowed. In many ways this trade and financial hub of Kerala is in the cusp of change and morphing into a destination where economics, leisure and culture fuse seamlessly and offer it’s a patron a dynamic social milieu. The most fascinating change comes from the millennial generation of Kochi who are challenging the status quo of the previous generation and stemming the brain drain that Kerala has endured in the last few decades. The start-up village in Kochi is only such business incubator in India which nurtures and channelizes the entrepreneurial zeal among the youth.
Kochi has been traditionally viewed as a gateway to many tourists destination like Kumarakom, Thekkady, Munnar and more. However in the wake of continued investments in the IT and logistics sector and high impact projects like Metro rail, Smart city and Medi city, Kochi has the potential to be catapulted to the league of Tier 1 Metropolitan city. Events like the Kochi Muziris Biennale, Medical conferences, MICE movements further augment the image of Brand Kochi. International arrivals have seen a 13% year on year growth in 2014 making this the fourth busiest airport in India. A brand new international airport terminal is being built with a staggering budget of USD 95 Million. All these indicate the immense opportunity that remains to be unlocked.
Kochi Marriott hotel is an emerging landmark within the emerging destination that is Kochi. Kochi Marriott sets out to be the hypermarket of hospitality services. A one stop shop that offers a whole gamut of services ranging from an exquisite candle lit dinner, a team meeting in a fish farm, a boat cruise in the Kochi Backwaters, rediscovering the spice route in Munnar, a theme dinner, a designer mega wedding event to multi-national conferences. The hotel has seasoned event specialist, who provide customised packages to frequent travellers including multiple Itinerary proposals and sight-seeing options, half/full day tour packages and recommendations. For our MICE clientele we provide dedicated check-in counters and exclusive dining arenas, enhancing the
overall experience.
At Kochi Marriott, we understand that in an emerging destination like Kochi, we need to be a travel partner and not just a hospitality partner. Marriott International concepts like Meetings Imagined provide event solutions beyond expectations by ideating and innovating every event differently. The Mobile check-in app reinvents the check in experience and caters to the new millennial generation. Guest rooms, re-designed keeping in mind guest needs, endeavours to make every travel brilliant to our guests. The trade hub of Kochi has shifted and the hotel’s strategic location is at the centre of this focal point within the Lulu mall campus. This unique feature delivers convenience to guests showcasing a range of shopping outlets, to family/ kids
entertainment options. Kochi Marriott also offers buggy services to the mall. The biggest challenge and opportunity for Kochi Marriott hotel remains in its ability to seamlessly blend into the life and times of the dynamic city of Kochi.

The author is General Manager of the Kochi Marriott Hotel.