Industrial Economist (IE): Can you brief us on your upcoming projects
Rohit Ravi (RR): The Madurai project is a seven acre property with 191 rooms. The project will feature a convention centre which will be approximately 56,000 sq ft, at an investment of around Rs 150 crore and will be one of the largest in the region. It will be capable of hosting around 3000 at a time.
In Maldives, the second upcoming project will be a villa-led luxury resort in partnership with the Marriott. As part of the ongoing expansion in Tier-2 cities, the group is planning an upscale hotel in Mysore as well. It is being developed under the owner-operator model. The company currently has seven projects with a total inventory of around 700 rooms. All combined, the group has drawn up an investment plan of around Rs 2500 crore for the next three years.
IE: When did you start your hotel brand, and why did you choose an owner-operator model?
RR: We began in 1991 with a clear vision to create a homegrown brand that delivers international standard service. The owner-operator model lets us control every aspect, from design to daily operations, ensuring consistent quality. This approach also allows long-term decision-making without short-term pressures from external owners.
IE: How do you choose new locations for expansion?
RR: We target tier-2 cities with strong cultural, religious, or business significance, such as Rameshwaram, Madurai, Mysore and Coimbatore. We look for market fundamentals like high tourist footfall, business activity and infrastructure connectivity. For example, new highways and airports now make weekend trips easier, expanding domestic travel demand. Our goal is to provide quality inventory where it’s scarce, creating both a destination and a business hub. All our properties reflect the location. Core elements such as service, hygiene and technology are standardised, but experiences are tailored ensuring guests get more than just a room.
IE: How do you maintain operational excellence?
RR: We do this through meticulous training, a structured standard operating procedure system and continuous investment in staff and infrastructure. We prioritise employee experience with high-quality accommodations, staff cafes, gyms and career growth. Happy associates translate into better guest experiences. For instance, every team member, from housekeeping to front desk, is empowered to create memorable moments. Renovation cycles, furniture upgrades and technology investments keep our properties ahead of the curve.
IE: How has customer behavior shifted over the past 15 years?
RR: Guests are now more experiential and discerning. They expect curated culinary experiences, in-room technology, personalised service and unique local touches. Indian travellers are well-traveled and aspirational, and they’re willing to pay for quality experiences. Post-covid, domestic tourism has surged, making weekend getaways and luxury stays more accessible. The middle class increasingly seeks value through memorable experiences rather than just a room.
IE: What are the biggest challenges in hospitality?
RR: Manpower is a primary challenge. Fewer students are joining hospitality schools and retention is critical. Regulatory hurdles, land acquisition and capital intensity also add complexity. We overcome these with staff-centric policies, strategic planning and strong financial backing from our real estate business. Lean operations during covid taught us efficiency and we maintain high service standards in all premium properties.
IE: How does hospitality tie in with your real estate business?
RR: Hospitality complements our real estate vision. Revenue from hotels can fund quality reinvestments. Insights from hotel operations feed back into residential projects, customer-centricity, design standards and service expectations. Both businesses share a focus on long-term value, high standards and enhancing the market, whether it’s transforming a city like Madurai into a destination or creating aspirational living spaces.
IE: What is your guiding philosophy for long-term success?
RR: Focus on quality, design and guest experience. Be innovative yet grounded in fundamentals. Whether hotels or residential projects, we aim to create memorable experiences, set high standards and deliver value consistently. Passion drives us, but disciplined execution ensures sustainable growth and long-term brand credibility.