Taj forecasts Australian growth

Taj forecasts Australian growth
By admin


Indian hospitality group Taj Hotels and Resorts is hopeful its sales from the Australian market will double over the next five years as business ties between the two countries strengthen.

Director public relations, Raakhee Lalvani, said Australian volumes are "sufficient", but insisted the market has "tremendous potential" for the expanding hotel firm.

"It's not one of our big markets, not yet," Lalvani told Travel Today.

But she revealed Australia has replaced Italy as its fifth most significant market, although it remains some way behind top source countries the US and the UK.

Lalvani predicted growing trade relations between Australia and India would boost business. In addition, she highlighted growing interest in India as both a leisure and business destination from around the world.

Taj's international hotels, particularly its Maldives properties, are seeing healthy interest from the Australian market while in India, Rajasthan and Varanasi are proving popular.

Meanwhile the hotel firm, which opened its first property The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai in 1903, continues to expand. It opened six properties last year and is looking to open a further five this year with the focus on growing its middle range portfolio.

The majority of the expansion will take place in India, but internationally it has plans to open properties in China with a luxury Shanghai property on the cards, whiile a deal has been stuck for four properties in Hainan.

Lalvani added that although there are no plans for a second Australian hotel, it would not be ruled out if a suitable opportunity presents itself.

"If a great property comes along in Australia, say in Melbourne or some other region which has potential, and it works well in terms of timing, then we will look at it," she said.

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours advises final call for Anzac Day 2025

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has advised that the final call for Anzac Day 2025 is on 31 January 2025 with pre-registration also available for Anzac Day 2026. Travellers are encouraged to book their spot for either the 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front departing on 19 April from Paris or the 8-day Anzac Day […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Two destinations to visit in Mexico for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and here are two romantic getaway destinations in Mexico to make any traveller’s day with their special someone even better. Casona Roma Norte, Mexico City This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit Mexico City, as the streets come alive with roses, heartfelt gifts, and the city basks in […]

  • Aviation
  • Luxury

Emirates debuts new uniform for Premium and VIP Passenger Services team

Emirates has debuted a new uniform designed for its Premium & VIP Passengers Services team, who are responsible for the seamless transfer of VIPs through Dubai International Airport. The new uniform has echoes of the iconic Emirates cabin crew look, however, exclusively represents Emirates’ elite unit that caters to high profile customers. A new look […]

  • Appointments
  • News

BEIA appoints Rachel Cook as its new chair

The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Approved Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Group has appointed Rachel Cook as its new chair. Cook is the business director of Conference Innovators (CI) and since joining CI 20 years ago has been instrumental in the company’s continuing growth and success. She plays a pivotal role in building and supporting […]

  • Hotels

Gaya Island Resort unveils its Wildlife Wonders package

Gaya Island Resort has unveiled its Wildlife Wonders package, a meticulously crafted 4-day, 3-night adventure designed for nature enthusiasts eager to discover the island’s rich biodiversity. The resort is nestled on the tranquil shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off Kota Kinabalu. Its location makes it the […]

  • News

New Caledonia is open and ready for business as Smartraveller downgrades warning

Eight months after the civil unrest, the South Pacific destination of New Caledonia has reopened and is ready to welcome Australian tourists. Smartraveller has recently downgraded its travel advice to the destination following the removal of the nation’s curfew on the 2nd of December. The island is currently rated as amber – ‘exercise a high […]

  • Business Travel
  • Hotels

Atura Wellington unveils newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel

Atura Wellington, the former Thorndon Hotel by Rydges, has unveiled its newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel. The rooms were completed following a full refurbishment of all public spaces as part of a broader redevelopment plan. All 108 guest rooms have now been upgraded. The hotel is in the historic Thorndon neighbourhood and […]