New properties and packages

WelcomHeritage will soon open its new property in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, as it focuses on both the inbound and domestic traveller segments. It also hopes to brace the coronavirus impact on business by offering guests attractive packages and experiences.

Nisha Verma

WelcomHeritage is all set to launch a property in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), named Badi Kothi. Sanjeev Nayar, General Manager, WelcomHeritage, says that the group is hopeful the property will be flagged in the coming months. “We are quite up-beat about it. Last year, we flagged our first property in the state of Maharashtra – Tadoba Vanya Villas Resort & Spa – and three in Rajasthan – Inderpura Resort, Mount Valley Resort and Mohangarh Fort near Jaisalmer. While both Inderpura and Mount Valley are nature resorts, Mohangarh is a heritage hotel in what is regarded the youngest fort in India,” he shares.

We have curated special packages that give the guest a chance to book our hotels at special tariffs. We also run special promotions

The previous year was rewarding for WelcomHeritage, which not only signed new properties under the aegis of the brand, but also registered a reasonable growth over 2018. “Another interesting thing we noticed at our properties was the growth of family holidays and reunions besides conventional M!CE and inbound. Our expectations are higher for 2020. We are also looking forward to tap the burgeoning segment of small and intimate weddings at our properties. We will be adding new hotels to our portfolio as part of our strategic expansion plan.

We aim to expand our horizon in the southern and northeastern regions of the country and as of now, we have few properties for evaluation. These properties will help the brand expand its footprint across the length and breadth of India,” Nayar shares.

Global events impact business

The impact of COVID-19 is being felt everywhere. Nayar says, “The COVID-19 outbreak has, to some extent, curtailed international travel entirely. We, too, have seen some cancellations at some of our properties.” However, with its spread of properties and the experiences on offer, WelcomHeritage is looking to brace the impact and serve its clientele well, giving them a number of locations to choose from, Nayar claims. Domestic tourism will also be a key focus for the group. “We have curated special packages that give the guest a chance to book our hotels at special tariffs. We run special monthly promotions through social media and email marketing for offers at a property or destination. Our loyalty programme provides discounts to members,” he shares.