Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, a rapidly growing hotel chain in India, is focusing on maintaining the quality of its hotels while expanding its presence both in India and Africa post-Covid. The managing director, Ajay Bakaya, acknowledges the challenge of maintaining the high standards that the brand is known for, with a focus on providing quality service, food, and accommodation. To address the issue of a lack of talent in the hospitality industry, Sarovar has partnered with the Indian School of Hospitality to train and recruit management trainees who understand the organization’s culture and can help drive its growth.
In terms of growth plans, Sarovar aims to have 125 operational hotels in India by 2024 and expand this number to 150 by the end of 2025. The company is looking to open hotels in cities like Bengaluru, Lucknow, Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai, with a pipeline of 70 to 80 hotels currently in development. Additionally, Sarovar is set to open two hotels in Africa this year and has plans for further expansion in countries like Uganda, Somaliland, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Nepal. The company sees these new openings in Africa as a revival after a period of setbacks due to the pandemic.
Sarovar has introduced a new business model called Sarovar Affiliate, which allows owners to establish their own brands while affiliating with Sarovar for sales and reservation support. This initiative aims to significantly expand Sarovar’s portfolio in the mid-market and premium segments over the next five years. The company has already signed agreements with partners to add 10 hotels in India within this model. Bakaya expressed satisfaction with the progress of this new business model and its potential for growth.
As part of its strategy for growth and improvement, Sarovar is placing a strong emphasis on technology. The company is collaborating with its parent company Louvre to adapt and enhance technology platforms to support its expansion plans. Bakaya emphasized the need for improved reporting formats and systems to transition from a 100-hotel to a 150-hotel company. Sarovar is also developing an internal hotel trend deck to monitor trends across its properties, allowing for quick responses to issues and providing reassurance to hotel owners.
Overall, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts is focused on maintaining its quality standards while pursuing strategic expansion in India and Africa. Through initiatives like the Sarovar Affiliate business model and partnerships with educational institutions, the company is working to address challenges like talent shortages and technology adoption. With a robust pipeline of hotels and a commitment to delivering exceptional service, Sarovar is positioned for continued growth and success in the hospitality industry.
