Daiwik Hotels Private Limited today announced the introduction of its specialty chain of full service four-star hotels in prominent pilgrimage destinations across India. A pioneering concept, Daiwik Hotels aims to create a niche segment in the pilgrimage hospitality sector in India with its brand presence in five major pilgrim locations, namely Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), and Dwarka (Gujarat) which are part of the renowned Char Dhams and or Jyotirlingams along with Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) and Katra (Jammu & Kashmir).

With an initial investment of Rs.180 crores, these five, company owned hotels will be operational in the next 30 months. Commencing with its aggressive expansion plans, Daiwik hotels is presently focusing at the Southern market with its first pilgrim hotel undergoing soft pilot run in Rameswaram.

Tapping opportunity in this segment, the company is aiming to be the leader in the pilgrimage hospitality circuit by expanding its capacity base to 2000 keys in the course of next five years and plans to acquire additional land banks in 15 other pilgrim destinations in next two years. Apart from providing international quality hotel infrastructure and services, Daiwik Hotels intends to provide a never before holistic pilgrimage experience to the consumers.

Daiwik Hotels is promoted by Mr. Debashis Ghosal, who had previously pioneered the concept of multiplexes in Eastern India with the launch of 89 Cinemas. Denoting ‘Divine’ or ‘By the grace of the Lord’, Daiwik will offer pilgrim focused, full-service elegant and efficiently designed, value-for-money four-star hotels. Targeted at the aspiring middle income segment to the high income group, Daiwik Hotels proposes to be a complete brand that takes out the entire stress of pilgrimage.

Pilgrim travelers usually do not regard their journey as a leisure activity neither do they receive the opportunity to enjoy facilities beyond the basic necessities. The endeavor of Daiwik Hotels is aimed at providing services beyond the conventional trip to the temple or shrine aligned with a leisure holiday. And to enhance this experience, Daiwik Hotels will provide a host of knowledge-based services like guided tours, historical information about the place and recreational activities like yoga, ayurvedia spa etc. apart fromworld class hospitality standards to the discerning, yet conscious pilgrim travelers of today.

To enrich their pilgrim services further, Daiwik has also roped in Ms. Subhadra Sengupta, renowned historian and author on pilgrim destinations to create singular content and special programmes for guests who are seeking more than just a religious expedition. Daiwik Hotels intends to provide knowledge based wholesome experience to the pilgrims starting with the engagement in its website.

Commenting on the launch and sharing his thoughts about the brand, Mr. Debashis Ghosal, Managing Director and CEO, Daiwik Hotels Pvt. Ltd. said, “We chose to enter pilgrimage hospitality because of the huge demand and supply gap in the country for quality branded products which are standardized in the mid-segment market. Pilgrim tourists are the largest travel group after ‘travel for social purpose’ in our country.

In CY2010, 740 million domestic travels were estimated out of which 440 million were pilgrimage travelers only. Also with increased development in the travel infrastructure and growing aspiration of people for better facilities, this sector has huge scope of growth. We are initially planning to launch in five prime pilgrim spots in India with a total investment of Rs.180 crores in 30 months. Apart from that we are surveying land banks in 15 other major pilgrim centers in India. We are currently beginning with our first hotel in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu which will be followed by Tirupati and the other three locations in the next two years.”

The pilgrimage tourism industry in India is experiencing tremendous growth with figures indicating that out of 740 million domestic travels, 440 million trips were just for religious purposes in CY 2010. (Source: Dept of Tourism, India). Andhra Pradesh had the highest pilgrim flow (92.4 million) followed by Uttar Pradesh (88 million) and Tamil Nadu (66 million) in CY 2010.

(You need to login first to read complete news).
New User? Register for FREE!
» Back to Travel News