Taj, Oberoi to invest more in Kerala

By James Paul | 12 Dec 2001

Kochi: Two bigwigs in the hotel and leisure industry, the Oberoi group and the Taj group, have major investment plans for Kerala. The move comes after they realised the “the tourism-friendly policy of the state.”

While the Oberois have already identified Pathiramanal and Bekal for hotel projects in a joint venture with the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, the Taj group is “keeping its eyes open for possible investments.”

The Taj group, which spent about Rs 22 crore to renovate its facility at Taj Malabar in Willingdon Island here, has plans to renovate the Kumarakom resort as well, says Taj group senior vice-president (sales and marketing) Ajoy K Misra.

“We consider ourselves pioneers in developing Kerala as a tourist destination and in placing the state on the world tourism map. We want to continue and strengthen our association with the state,” he says.

The Oberoi group hopes to add a total of 120 rooms in Pathiramanal and Bekal combined. “Once the project is complete, Kerala will become our biggest investment outside Rajasthan,” says Oberoi group vice-chairman and MD P R S Oberoi.