Tourism Breaking News
Ahsan Shervani, Vice President, Star Hotels, shared insights into the company’s growth, expansion plans, and strategic focus on the domestic travel market. Shervani Hotels, the brand operated by Star Hotels., currently boasts four properties, with ambitious plans for further expansion.
Shervani, an integral part of Star Hotels, oversees the operations of Shervani Hotels. The brand, which currently includes four distinct properties, aims to cater to both business and leisure travellers. With a strong presence in Uttarakhand and recent expansions into other regions, Shervani Hotels is poised for significant growth in the Indian hospitality sector.
“Currently, we have four hotels under our portfolio,” Shervani explained during an exclusive interview at their Hotel in New Delhi. “This is a boutique 30-room business hotel, primarily catering to business travellers, with facilities like a conference room, a boardroom, and a banquet hall.”
Shervani Hotels’ flagship property, Shervani Hilltop in Nainital, features 48 rooms, an in-house restaurant, and a unique specialty cafe called the Nursery Cafe. “The Nursery Cafe is a greenhouse setup where we serve food and beverages as well as sell plants,” Shervani added. “It’s a big part of our charm, offering little souvenirs that our guests can take home.”
The two newest additions to the Shervani portfolio are in Jim Corbett National Park and Mukteshwar. “Our Jim Corbett property has 48 rooms and a large banquet hall accommodating up to 300 people. In Mukteshwar, we have Te Aroha by Shervani, Mukteshwar, a boutique 18-room property with additional cottages for larger groups.”
Focusing on the travel trade, Shervani emphasized the importance of both offline and online partnerships. “We participate in various trade shows and have strong relationships with travel agents. About 40-45% of our business comes from these offline agents, while 25% is driven by online travel agents like Booking.com and MakeMyTrip.”
Shervani also highlighted the company’s strategy to enhance visibility and appeal to the domestic market. “We believe the appetite for travel among Indian families has never been larger. Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, we’re seeing a significant increase in domestic travel.”
The company is not just stopping there; it is actively exploring new opportunities for expansion. “We have an appetite for one more hotel in Uttarakhand and are also eyeing Himachal Pradesh, specifically Mashobra. Rajasthan and Goa are also on our radar, with a focus on less crowded destinations like Jaipur and the northern belt of Goa.”
In addition to expanding its footprint, Shervani Hotels is committed to providing unique guest experiences. “In Mukteshwar, for example, we offer a village walk experience where guests can interact with locals and enjoy a home-cooked meal. It’s about creating memorable experiences beyond just providing a good room.”
As Shervani Hotels continues to grow, Ahsan Shervani remains optimistic about the future. “We are very excited about what lies ahead. The domestic travel market is thriving, and we aim to cater to this growing demand by offering exceptional hospitality and unique experiences.”
With a robust expansion plan and a clear focus on enhancing guest experiences, Shervani Hotels is set to become a significant player in the Indian hospitality industry.
