Accor, one of the world’s biggest hotel groups, formally announced the entry of its iconic hotel brand Raffles into India. They have announced two super luxury hotels. The first property, Raffles Udaipur, will open by the end of this year, while the second, Raffles Jaipur, is slated for 2022.
130-year-old Raffles has 13 hotels across 11 countries, the most famous of them being the landmark Raffles Singapore. It joined the Accor network in 2015. The announcement of Raffles entry into India was made by Accor chairman and CEO Sebastien Bazin, who is presently on a visit to India, along with the property owner Ratankant Sharma. “We announce the arrival of the Raffles brand in India, a hallmark of luxury and sublime service in a country that is famous for delivering luxury at the highest level,” said Bazin. Added Sharma, “This partnership reinforces our foresight of India becoming a global gateway with world-class facilities that set new standards for residents and visitors alike.”
Sharma already owns other hospitality properties in Rajasthan, including India’s first Fairmont hotel, also in Jaipur. Accor sources say both hotels will deliver “a palatial experience in an extraordinary setting”.
The announcement puts in top gear both the positive outlook on Indian economy by the local hotel industry, as well as the race for supremacy in the Indian premium and luxury hospitality segment between international rivals Marriott and Accor. Not to forget, the ‘bring-it-on’ mood the local giants Oberoi, ITC and Taj have been in.