HOTELLERIE: INDIA IS ON THE AGENDA

Intervista a K. B. Kachru , Executive Vice President South Asia  di Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
di Paola G. Lunghini
K. B. Kachru , Executive Vice President South Asia , Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
A portrait/ interview  by Paola G. Lunghini ( Portrait in Italian, Interview in English)
Ho incontrato K.B.  ( si fa chiamare solo così, perché il suo primo nome  è troppo lungo e impronunciabile) Kachru , Executive Vice President South Asia  di Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group nel corso dell’ “International Hotel Investment Forum”  svoltosi a Berlino ai primi di marzo : ove egli tenne un brillante speach sulla lodging industry in India. Ma la sua esperienza professionale si estende a tutto il sud dell’ Asia.
Opera da sempre nel settore turistico ed è member di numerosi enti , come ad esempio  Travel &Civil Aviation Comittee della Camera di Commercio indiana, PATA India, Federation of Hotels & Restaurants of India, etc.
Insomma, un “veterano”  che ha collezionato anche una gran quantità di prestigiosi Awards a livello internazionale.
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group è uno dei maggiori gruppo alberghieri al mondo. Vanta un portfolio di oltre1.300 hotel in 80 Paesi e, con 80 mila dipendenti e revenues di circa 7 miliardi di dollari,  aspira a implementare il numero di hotels  (in operation  e under develoment ) a 1.500 entro il 2015.
Tra i brand si trovano marchi globali  come Radisson e Radisson Blu, Park Plaza, Regent e Hotel Missoni .
Nato a  Gurgaon ( città  che si trova vicino a Delhi), sposato, due figli,  K.B. ha anche due  cani che adora : un Irish Setter e un Collie.
Gli piace molto il cinema : quello di Bollywood, si intende !
Tra gli innumerevoli contratti  che ha seguito in prima persona, il suo  “ milestone”  è il  “Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi”, lussuoso Hotel da 260 camere presso l’ aeroporto di Dehli.
Viaggia per una media di 100 giorni all’ anno, conosce bene l’ Italia e il suo posto preferito è Capri.
E ora, l’ intervista”
Q.You have a very considerable expertise in many different Countries . Which one is the most relevant in your business, at the moment ?
A.India
Q.Of course, the South East  has it challenges .Which Countries could be the best performers , in your view,  in a medium-term range ?
A.India, Maldives, Bangladesh
Q.The lodging industry is a very complex one , but India  is receiving more and more attention by the international chains. Why?
A.The Indian economy is still growing at the rate of 6% thus offering growth opportunities, which is not the case currently in most countries of the world…
Q.Business hotels and leisure resorts , branded hotels and  low –cost : which  segment will develop faster ? And where ?
A.The Indian traveler has become more discerning in every segment and thus Branded Hotels will be more sought. Safety is of paramount importance in the present context and the comfort of knowing what to expect makes Branded Hotels the first choice. With the increase in domestic travel, low cost and Budget segments will develop faster especially in Tier 11 & 111 cities.
Q.I understand that an increasing number of global investors are seeking to enter in the lodging industry in India : is this due to diversification issues only , or  is India  really on the Agenda ?
A.India is on the Agenda. Powered by  the growth in economy, travel by the corporate sector,  MICE business and moreover the rise in middle class tourist, the opportunities are still here. MNC’s feel more comfortable as India is a Democratic country with a legal system in place, and understand and speak English, the International language.
Q.What about building permits ? How long does it take to get them?
A.It does take long, over 100 licenses/permits need to be obtained.
Q.Last but not least : I know that you have a partnership with Missoni. Can you tell me more ? Any other  perspective alliance with  Italian architects, designers, etc ?
A.We are selectively looking for possibilities at AAA/star locations, which can justify the presence of Missoni. We work with many International architects, including Italians.