Tirupati’s leisure industry draws big players

Visitors to Tirupati are no more bothered only about Tirumala darshan or the famous ‘Laddus’ but look for leisurely and comfortable stay.

For India, tourism and hospitality industry is a thrilling mix of religion, location and food.

According to India Tourism Statistics 2013, India’s tourist footprint was the eleventh largest in the Asia-Pacific region and the 42nd worldwide. Similarly, the investment on travel and tourism accounted for Rs. 2.11 trillion or 6.2 per cent of the total investments.

There is no denying that Tirupati has a ‘readymade market’ in the form of visitors, be it the pilgrims to the abode of Lord Venkateswara or the academic fraternity to the educational hub having seven universities.

The huge floating population naturally offers enough business potential for new players eyeing the untapped potential.

After the basic needs are met, the visitors look for leisure living in the form of family vacation or outing with friends.

Marasa Sarovar Premiere Hotel, belonging to the East Africa-based Madhvani group and Sarovar, the leading Indian hotel management chain, is inspired by the ‘Dasavatharas’ of Lord Vishnu. Themed to represent religious tourism, it is sure to attract the devout. Apart from the business centre, banquet hall, 121 rooms and suites, the hotel has health club, swimming pool and ‘Buddha’ spa specialising in relaxation and rejuvenation treatment, meant for those wishing to be swathed in comfort.

“People prefer spending valuable leisure time. We offer exhilarating comfort at almost a third of the tariff charged in say, Hyderabad or Bengaluru,” says Yogesh Prajapati, Director-Finance of Marasa Hospitality Private Limited.

On the other end of the spectrum are properties for the no-nonsense visitor. Ginger Hotels from Roots Corporation, a subsidiary of the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), recently opened its first property in the heart of Tirupati, which is its 34th in the country. Rahul Pandit, Chief Executive Officer of Roots Corporation, promises customer-friendly stay for both the business and religious sojourners.

While half a dozen new properties have arrived in the last couple of years, many more are vying for a piece of the burgeoning leisure cake.

The city has a ‘readymade market’ in the form of pilgrims to the abode of Lord Venkateswara or the academic fraternity to the seven universities

A.D. RANGARAJAN The Hindu