ITC Hotels has announced the signing of a management agreement with Narne Hotels and Resorts Private Limited, further expanding the Welcomhotel brand presence in South India.
The company stated that a 150-key hotel situated in Madikeri hill town within the Kodagu district of Karnataka will feature two restaurants and bars, a lounge, and over 1,300 square meters of meeting space.
The establishment is situated on MG Road in the heart of central Madikeri.
Madikeri is renowned for the Raja’s Seat, a historic monument dating back 200 years, which provides breathtaking views of forests, rice paddy fields, and is famed for its stunning sunrise and sunset vistas.
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Anil Chadha, divisional chief executive at ITC Hotels said Madikeri is an important market for ITC Hotels.
“Over recent years, this region has grown in popularity and we saw a niche space for leisure travel. Through Welcomhotel Madikeri we bring the signature hospitality of ITC Hotels to this beautiful city,” he said.
“Madikeri reflects the rich Kodava culture and is home to heritage cuisine that many wish to explore. With this signing ITC’s Hotel group further strengthens its presence in Karnataka, where we currently operate 11 hotels and over 1,300 rooms under various brands including ITC Hotels, Welcomhotel, Fortune and Welcomheritage,” he added.
Saibabu Appalaneni, CEO of Narne Hotel and Resorts Private Limited, highlighted that ITC Hotels are renowned for their expertise in hospitality and their dedication to promoting regional cuisine.
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“We believe Welcomhotel Madikeri has strong potential and will provide memorable guest experiences,” he added.
The Kodagu district is famed for its verdant valleys, sprawling coffee plantations, and aromatic spice trails. It stands out as one of the rare areas in South India where the elusive Neelakurinji flower blooms once every 12 years. Offering a diverse range of experiences for travelers, including spiritual sites, wildlife encounters, adventure activities, and leisure pursuits, the region has seen a notable increase in tourist footfall. This growth is further fueled by demand from agricultural and administrative sectors, contributing to a flourishing business segment in the area.