W Hotels Worldwide eyes its first property in India in November

W Hotels Worldwide plans to open its first hotel in India, W Goa, in early November, as it seeks to expand its global portfolio to 75 properties by 2020.

"W Goa, the brand's 50th hotel globally, will be the first W Hotel in India, disrupting the traditional luxury hotel scene," W Hotels Worldwide Global Brand Leader Anthony Ingham told PTI here.

"From its fresh take on fashion and music to its electrifying nightlife, W Hotels is the perfect complement to Goa's ever-colourful, fiercely independent spirit," Ingham added.

The W Goa, under the W Escapes portfolio, will offer 160 rooms and celebrate the local culture in the backdrop of luxury.

The property will be manned by 360 people, hired from the hospitality industry as well as varied service sectors like fashion, music, retail and design.

"While recruiting people for the W Hotels, we look at the right personality, persons who are passionate for hospitality and are flexible and innovative," Ingham said.

He said the brand is looking to achieve its target of 75 properties globally by 2020. The expansion is on track with W Hotels and Escapes set to open in Shanghai, Tel Aviv, Goa, Abu Dhabi, Phuket, Amman, Jakarta, Panama, Costa Rica, Riviera Maya, Muscat, Hainan Island, Suzhou, Changsha, Chengdu, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Shenyang, Marrakech, Brisbane, Aspen and Madrid.

Talking about India, he said, the company is looking at locations in Mumbai and Delhi, and is in early stages of discussions.

"We aim to be in major gateway cities globally that not only attract sophisticated, well travelled affluent professionals but also have similar local crowd," he said.

"Goa in India is such a destination. We are looking at cities like Mumbai and Delhi for our brand in India. However, things are in early stages," he added.