Starwood may launch Tribute Portfolio brand in India

Global hospitality firm Starwood Hotels & Resorts may consider introducing its recently launched upscale brand Tribute Portfolio in India as part of its global expansion programme.
The company's development teams are currently in talks with hotel owners and developers all around the world, including India, to set up properties under Tribute Portfolio, which is its 10th brand and second collection of independent hotels.
"We believe the brand (Tribute Portfolio) has great potential to grow in key markets and exciting destinations, including India," Starwood CEO Adam Aron told PTI in an interview.
"Our development teams are currently in talks with hotel owners and developers all around the world, including India," he added.

The hospitality chain, which launched the brand last week, said it expects to have 100 Tribute Portfolio hotels by 2020.
On proposed mode of operation of hotels under the brand in India, Aron said: "Hotels under the Tribute Portfolio brand could be either managed or franchised, though our preferred mode is managed."

During the global launch, Starwood had said the Tribute Portfolio would comprise of independent hotels and resorts. With a focus on upper upscale hotels, it would complement Starwood's Luxury Collection brand, it added.
The Tribute Portfolio made its debut with first featured hotel at Royal Palm South Beach Miami in the US. It would open hotels in Asheville (North Carolina), Nashville (Tennessee), Savannah (Georgia), and Charleston (South Carolina).

Globally, the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has more than 1,200 properties in around 100 countries and over 180,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.
The hospitality chain has 10 brands under its portfolio: St Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft, Element and the recently introduced Tribute Portfolio.