Wyndham Hotel Group, LLC, the world's largest hotel company based on number of hotels and part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, today announced its expansion in India with the signing of agreements to franchise three hotels under its Wyndham Hotels and Resorts® and Ramada® brands: a luxurious, 154-room Wyndham Grand® property in Agra, and two new-construction Ramada properties in Alleppey and Ghaziabad.
Set to strengthen the company's presence in India, these properties add to Wyndham Hotel Group's 14 hotels already in operation and the 15 properties that are currently under development in the country.
The signings also increase the company's portfolio of hotels in the Asia Pacific region, which currently consists of 425 properties and over 61,700 rooms under the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Ramada, Howard Johnson®, Days Inn®, Super 8®, Microtel Inns & Suites® and Dream® brands.
"With rapidly increasing tourism and business industries, India holds an abundance of growth opportunities for hotel companies," said Ken Greene, Wyndham Hotel Group's president and managing director of Asia Pacific. "We are delighted to announce the signing of these three new properties, especially in such renowned areas like Agra. We remain committed to developing hotels with distinctive designs and offerings while strengthening our global presence in sought after destinations."
Joining the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand's distinguished Wyndham Grand® Collection is the 154-room Wyndham Grand Agra, scheduled to open by the end of 2011. The hotel, owned by Shekhar Resorts Limited, which is exploring additional hotel opportunities in India's Northern area, is lavishly designed, offering a true feel for the area's luxurious architecture.
The Wyndham Grand Agra features 42 suites, an exclusive health club, outdoor swimming pool, five restaurants and cocktail bar, as well as an array of deluxe amenities, including unique artwork throughout the hotel. Spread over 18 acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel is a mere five minutes from one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal.
Mr. Shekhar Sharma, majority shareholder of Shekhar Resorts Limited, added, "We are extremely excited to partner with Wyndham Hotel Group to bring this luxury hotel to Agra. We are confident that the partnership will add value to both our businesses and establish new benchmarks in hospitality, providing a unique travel experience for all of our guests."
Adding to the Ramada brand's presence in the region, the 112-room Ramada Alleppey, including 24 suites, will be nestled along the serene Punnamada River in Alleppey. The hotel is the only of its kind to feature river views from every guest room as well as access to the hotel via waterway. Additional features include a rooftop pool, spa and nearby water sports. The hotel, owned by Mr. Reji Cheriyan, is due to open in March 2012.
The 100-room Ramada Ghaziabad, B.S. Road, including 20 suites, is situated just a short distance from India's bustling capital of Delhi. Often considered one of the most dynamic cities in the world, Delhi offers Ramada guests an ideal position from which to explore the vibrant country. Hotel amenities include outdoor swimming pool and fine-dining. Owned by development company Global Enterprises, the hotel is due to open in March 2016.
Wyndham Hotel Group, part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE:WYN), is the world's largest hotel company with approximately 7,220 hotels and 612,900 rooms in 66 countries under the hotel brands: Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Ramada®, Days Inn®, Super 8®, Wingate by Wyndham®, Baymont Inn & Suites®, Microtel Inns & Suites®, Hawthorn Suites® by Wyndham, TRYP by Wyndham™, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge® and Knights Inn®. In addition, the company has a license agreement to franchise the Planet Hollywood Hotels, Dream® and Night® brands and provide management services globally.
All hotels are independently owned and operated excluding certain Wyndham and international Ramada and Days Inn hotels, which are managed by one of the affiliates of Wyndham Hotel Group or through a joint-venture partner. Wyndham Hotel Group is based in Parsippany; N.J.