TravTalk India Online Magazine
Held in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai recently, Hyatt Fair is the most comprehensive annual gathering of travel trade professionals, and meeting planners, Sunjae Sharma, Vice President, Operations, Hyatt India, enlightens us about the relevance of the roadshow and performance of the brand in the country.
Anupriya Bishnoi
Q Tell us about the Hyatt roadshow.
The roadshow offers a unique opportunity for key decision makers and influencers of corporates and the travel trade, including travel agencies, event and incentive agencies, as well as tourism board and airline representatives, to engage with general managers and sales heads from Hyatt. Close to 35 hotels, from Andaz Delhi, Hyatt Regency Sydney, and Park Hyatt Dubai to the upcoming Grand Hyatt Kochi, will be present at the event to network, engage with clients, build relationships, and enhance their knowledge base. This year’s Hyatt Fair focused on showcasing outstanding elements of Hyatt’s key brands in India through different and memorable ‘Brand Experiences’ that are aligned with each brand’s main attributes.
Q What are the group’s expansion plans for 2018?
We will soon be opening Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty. It’s an exciting project and a key hotel for us. We are also bringing a new brand, Centric, to India this year. So, it’s quite a significant year for us.
Q Which of the Hyatt’s brands is performing the best in India?
I think all our brands are doing well in their respective markets. Each brand has carved out a niche market for itself. We are very happy with the performance of all of Hyatt’s brands in India today.
Q How bullish are you about Tier-II and III cities?
I think expansion is going to take place in these cities as well, and we have perfect brands for them. We are expanding on our Hyatt Place model. We already have five hotels and they are being embraced well by clients.
Q How strong is Hyatt in the MiCE segment?
MiCE is big in South India. We have had our experience in Chennai already. The new property that is going to open in Bolgatty concentrates on MiCE. That property is going to be a game changer. If you look at Mumbai, we have Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Grand Hyatt Goa, The Park Hyatt Goa, and Hyatt Regency Mumbai. In Pune, we have presence with three hotels- Hyatt Regency Pune, Hyatt Pune, and Hyatt Place Hinjawadi. So, in that part of India as well, we are strong in MiCE.
