Hotels (Commonwealth Union) _ ITC’s Hotel Group, a beacon of luxury in India’s hospitality landscape, is set to mark a significant milestone with the imminent launch of its inaugural international luxury hotel. Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, the opulent marvel, known as ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo, is poised to welcome guests within the next two months.
The anticipation surrounding this venture is intensified by the colossal investment of close to Rs.3,000 crore by the hotelier giant, a testament to its commitment to elevating the global hospitality experience.
This lavish Sri Lankan property is taking shape under the umbrella of WelcomHotels Lanka, a subsidiary that mirrors the grandeur and excellence associated with the ITC brand. Boasting a staggering 352 rooms, ITC Ratnadipa is set to redefine the standards of luxury accommodation in Colombo and beckon discerning travelers from around the world.
Zubin Songadwala, the Vice President of Operations (South & East) at ITC Hotels, shared this momentous announcement while unveiling the reopening of another jewel in the ITC crown – Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels on Cathedral Road in Chennai. With an air of excitement, he declared, “By the end of this fiscal, we will be launching our maiden international venture in Sri Lanka where ITC Hotels has invested in building a luxury property.” Songadwala also hinted at the group’s unwavering commitment to unveiling new hotels across diverse geographies, underlining a robust pipeline of projects waiting to be unveiled.
The ITC Hotel Group, synonymous with luxury and sophistication, operates under six distinctive brands – ITC Hotels, Mementos, Welcomhotel, Storii, Fortune, and WelcomHeritage. Presently, the group manages approximately 130 properties, boasting around 12,000 keys across 80 destinations within India. Looking ahead, the hotelier juggernaut is set to unfurl its ambitious plan to inaugurate 25 hotels in the next two years (January 2024-December 2025), culminating in a grand vision of reaching 200 hotels with about 18,000 keys over the next five years.
Zubin Songadwala took a moment to delve into the reincarnation of Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels in Chennai, shedding its former identity as Chola Sheraton. The relaunched property, steeped in history since its establishment in 1975, stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and design elements that pay homage to the rich local culture, arts, and crafts. The Welcomhotel brand, positioned as an upper upscale brand, promises a bespoke experience for discerning guests, seamlessly weaving in the heritage of each location it graces. As of now, the Welcomhotel brand proudly stands as a network of 24 hotels, with the eagerly anticipated unveiling of the 25th property in Belgaum scheduled for the upcoming month.
Beyond the realm of luxury, ITC Hotels is making significant strides in the realm of sustainability. With a commitment to environmental responsibility, 22 of its hotels have been crafted in adherence to the stringent LEED Platinum Certification Standards, underscoring the brand’s dedication to harmonizing opulence with eco-conscious practices.
Ila Prabhu, the General Manager of Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels in Chennai, shared insights into the meticulous renovation work completed in a record time of 10 months. The rebranded hotel now stands as a testament to luxury, offering 90 rooms across three categories – Executive Suites, Club Rooms, and Superior Rooms. The gastronomic offerings are equally diverse, with five distinct outlets, including one specializing in Chinese cuisine.
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels in Chennai also caters to the demand for premium event spaces, featuring two banquet halls – Mandapam, capable of accommodating 375 people, and Saagri on the rooftop, with a capacity of 70-80 people. This marks the fourth jewel in the ITC Hotel Group’s crown in Chennai, solidifying its presence as a paragon of luxury and hospitality in the region. As ITC’s global footprint expands, the promise of unparalleled luxury and sustainability remains at the core of its endeavors.
