Le Meridien To Operate Thirteen Properties

Forte & Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, which is currently undergoing a massive expansion in the Indian subcontinent, has drawn up plans to operate thirteen properties in the region.

The group, which presently operates two properties, Le Meridien, Delhi and Le Meridien, Bangalore, proposes to bring the total number of properties in the country to around nine.

According to Peter Cardnell, managing director, middle-east & west Asia, "Forte & Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts is also looking to operate properties in Calcutta and Madras to complement the contracts which have been signed in Pune, Goa, Mumbai and two other properties in Kochi. We are also in discussions for management contracts in Karachi, Islamabad, and Dhaka."

Ashok Ummat, finance director, said, "The Indian subcontinent is a growing market for leisure and business travel.

By the time all our properties are completed, we hope to operate 2,500 guest rooms and position the group as the leading global 5 star hotel chain in the subcontinent."

The group has increased its presence in the subcontinent from a single hotel to eight hotels, increasing the total number of guest rooms to 1,551. Major refurbishment is also underway at Le Meridien, Delhi, and Le Meridien, Bangalore.

An estimated $8 - 10 million will be spent to refurbish Le Meridien, Delhi.

Le Meridien, Bangalore, will also receive a $5 million refurbishment, which will cover the lobby, guest rooms, restaurants and health club, and should be completed within the next two years.

$1.5 million has already been invested to bring the Bangalore hotel in line with Le Meridien's quality standards world-wide.