RARE aims at 44% occupancy

From four properties to now44, Rare Experiences & Destinations has grown by leaps and bounds, and with new partners coming on board, the group is hopeful to cap it at 50.

Rare Experiences and Destinations recently organised an event in Delhi with its new partners on board including Bera Safari Lodge in Rajasthan, Soulitude in Uttarakhand, Snow Leopard Lodge in Ladakh, and Champakali in Goa. Shoba Mohan, Founder Partner, Rare Experiences and Destinations, said, “We need to nudge away from the regular which is easy to sell. This allows us to delve into the history of the place to find out various avenues of the place in order to promote the property located there.” The tour operator fraternity increasingly looks at Rare as somebody that they can approach for a new concept, she said, adding, “They try to get us involved so that they can promote things in a unique way.” Beginning with four properties, Rare now boasts 44 properties under its umbrella and aims to cap it at 50 very soon. Mohan said, “We want our hotels to start making money out of this. For most of our partners it’s a sustaining business. We are looking at 44 per cent occupancy and to break that barrier and reach 60-70 per cent is actually when they will start making money.” Rare is also looking at foraying into South India in 2017. Sowmya Rao Vijaymohan, Founder Partner, Rare Destinations & Experiences, said, “Our portfolio in terms of wildlife in North India is doing quite well. Now we are looking at a stronger profile for South India and we are soon going to roll out new addition from the region. Some of them are destinations that are not yet explored by tourists market.” The year 2017 will also be a year when Rare will look at consolidating all its partners and experiences. Vijaymohan also said that North East is another region that Rare is going to focus on more next year besides Glenburn tea estate in Darjeeling that is already on board.