B'lore to host Asian & American hoteliers meet

State to propose several tourism projects to the overseas team

It is against this dismal backdrop of trickling tourist inflows and shrunk bottomlines, that the convergence of nearly 31-member strong high-powered delegation of Asian American Hotel Owners’ Association (AAHOA), in Bangalore, on January 11, 2010, assumes immense importance.

Official sources told Deccan Herald that the team led by San Jose, California-based Pacific Hospitality Company’s Tarun Patel will hold discussions with the Indian hospitality players on ways to address the current scenario as also explore joint venture initiatives in tourism infrastructure in India.
Sources said the meeting being held under the aegis of Ficci and Karnataka government, will also see presentation of Investment Opportunities in Hotel Infrastructure in India by Evalueserve.

Further, it is understood that the State government, in the light of the impending Global Investors’ Meet in June will also be proposing several investment opportunities in tourism infrastructure projects in Karnataka and outline various policy initiatives in place to woo prospective investors.

Incidentally, Karnataka has planned to take up several tourism infrastructure projects on the ubiquitous public-private partnership (PPP) basis. This is aimed at creating enabling conditions to make Karnataka, country’s leading tourism destination.

New growth sector
Further, sources said, the idea is to make tourism, State’s principal and largest economic activity, as an employer, tax generator as also the new engine of growth. This, it is understood, will be in the form of setting up star category hotels, budget hotels, multi-cuisine restaurants et al across several premium tourist strips that the State boasts.
State Tourism & Infrastructure Development Minister G Janardhana Reddy, Principal Secretary Tourism K Jothiramalingam, Commerce & Industries Principal Secretary V P Baligar, Tourism Director K Viswanatha Reddy,  among other officials, are expected to make presentations at the January meet besides holding round of business meetings with the delegation members.

The AAHOA representations has representatives drawn from leading hospitality players like Carlson Hotels, Lords Hotels, ADM Hotels & Development, Baywood Hotels, etc. Ficci Tourism Committee & The Lalit Ashok Chairperson & Managing Director Jyotsna Suri will be among others representing India.