Indian Hotels Co. Ltd, owner of the Taj Group of hotels, has planned to reopen the heritage wing of Taj Hotel Mumbai. This flagship property of the group, situated in front of Gateway of India, got damaged during the Mumbai attacks last year (November 26). The terrorist attack brought the operation of the hotel to a halt. Now, the hotel chain has decided to open the heritage wing of Taj Hotel a day before the first anniversary of the terrorist attack on its Mumbai property i.e. on November 25. on the day, the heritage wing that dates back to 1903 will host its first guest since the attack.
Commenting on the reopening of the heritage wing of its flagship hotel, Raymond N. Bickson, Managing Director and Chief Executive - Indian Hotels, said that they were planning to welcome their first guests on November 25, when they expect to reopen three of their restaurants - Golden Dragon, Wasabi and the Harbour Bar. As the hotel expects to be completely operational in April 2010, the rest of food and beverage outlets will be opened in phases, starting December. Bickson also said that they would open hotels in British Virgin Islands and Mexico, while their Cape Town hotel would open in December 2009.
Indian Hotels Co. Ltd, India’s largest hospitality chain, is ramping up its business, opening hotels in countries like Mexico, Morocco and other overseas markets. Due to economic slowdown and a series of events, the chain went into a cost cutting spree. But now, it is reviewing its freeze on recruitment, replacement hiring and salary increments (that were to last until March 2010). The group that generates 25% of its revenues from international operations is also looking to international market for expansion.
