Evolve Back scouts for more properties

 Homegrown ultra-luxury hospitality major Evolve Back — earlier branded as Orange County — will be expanding its footprint over the next three years, during which it expects to open four new properties across India and abroad, investing around Rs 112 crore for the purpose.

The company is looking to tap the new-found interest among people for experiential travel, especially at untapped destinations. “We usually avoid overcrowded destinations, and scout for those unspoilt markets where we sense the potential to grow — not just for us, but also for the destination,” Evolve Back Luxury Resorts Executive Director Jose T Ramapuram told DH, adding that the strategy is to offer thematic experiential travel.

Accordingly, in the coming three years, the company will be opening a 35-key resort at Kumta in Uttara Kannada district over an area of 30 acres with an investment of Rs 50 crore, which will be themed on a local fishing village. Also, a palace-themed 26-key resort, which would see an investment of Rs 35 crore, is expected at the medieval town of Mandu, Madhya Pradesh, which marks the foray of Evolve Back outside Karnataka. Meanwhile, a property each in an African, as well as an Asian country, are being planned, details of which Ramapuram did not divulge, but revealed that the planned investment of Rs 112 crore would be a mix of internal accruals and debt.

“Today’s traveller seldom sight-sees anymore, but rather seeks to experience the essence of a destination, and wants to be transformed by that experience. Through our offerings, we also aim to benefit the local economy, and promote local culture, heritage, and cuisine, among discerning guests,” he said.

The company set up its first property — a 63-key resort — in Kodagu in 1994, followed by a 37-key resort in the Kabini reserve in 2007, followed by a 46-key resort at Hampi recently. All the said properties integrate architectural elements of their destinations, making the setup all the more sustainable and authentic at the same time, complemented by luxurious amenities.

Evolve Back currently offers 150 rooms across its three properties, which will expand to a further 125 rooms, once the new properties come up. “Our idea is low volume, high price tourism. We expect to close this year with Rs 85 crore in revenues, growing at a CAGR of 15%,” Ramapuram concluded.