by NR INDRAN / INT

Expanding its footprint to attract an ever increasing corporate fraternity, IBIS- Accor Group’s economy hotel brand announced the formal launch of the largest hotel in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai today. With 196 rooms IBIS aims to attract business managers and executives travelling into Navi Mumbai. Accor is the world’s leading hotel operator which operates Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure and most recently the Pullman brand of hotels in India.

In recent years Navi Mumbai has seen a spurt of corporates setting up factories, IT/Knowledge park and office space due to affordable rentals, availability of large space and proximity to factories in order to reduce travel time. Forecasts from the World Travel and Tourism Council predict overall business travel spending in India will rise by 8.8 percent a year between 2011and 2021 – growing from $26 billion to $72 billion. A large proportion of corporate travelers in India is mid-level executives. As business traveling on a tight budget keeps rising to make it cost efficient, executives are looking for all the trappings of a luxury hotel but at an affordable price. This has created a huge market potential for IBIS in Navi Mumbai.

IBIS Navi Mumbai is set up at a capital investment of between Rs. 100-150 crores, located on the Thane-Belapur Road at a major junction just 10 minutes from business areas of Vashi, Mahape and Belapur. It aims to break even within next 2 years with 70% occupancy during peak season i.e. March- June and September- December. Key features of an IBI Sex perience include anytime check-in by guests, a 3 shift buffet breakfast starting from 4 am- 7 am, 7am-10 am and 10am- 12pm. A unique concept introduced for the first time is 15 minute non-satisfaction guarantee wherein if a guest faces a service issue and it is not addressed within the stipulated 15 minutes, the stay is complementary for the guest.

On the occasion of the announcement, Mr. Maverik Mukerji, General Manger, IBIS Navi Mumbai stated “At Ibis we believe in delivering an experience of a luxury hotel services at an affordable price. We have already started receiving queries and are confident of achieving our target in the stipulated time frame. Owing to the robust commercial activity in Navi Mumbai there is considerable demand as business travelers have become cost and quality conscious. Navi Mumbai is a city with a tremendous potential for growth due to availability of commercial and residential real estate at relatively lower prices as compared to neighboring Mumbai. Despite the times we find ourselves in, Navi Mumbai is poised for a meteoric rise in terms of hotel demand, the proposed SEZs and MID Care as being the chief drivers. Our unique offerings and easy accessibility act as advantage in this highly competitive market.”

Ibis is an international hotel company, owned by Accor hotels, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe. It has over 900hotels in 40 countries around the world, with over 370 Ibis hotels in France itself.

Ibis is the most powerful brand of Accor hotels across the globe. At end of January 2012 Ibis chain hotels have more than 900 hotels around the world. The hotels are generally close to city centers, airports or rail stations, positioned as economy hotels as it is aimed to attract frequent corporate travelers.

The worldwide economy hotel brand of the Accor group, offers consistent quality accommodation and services in all its hotels, for the best local value: a well-designed and fully-equipped en-suite bedroom, major hotel services available 24/7 and a wide choice of onsite food and beverage options.

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