Having four operational properties across the state, Bhubaneswar, Paradeep, Puri and Joda, Odisha’s home grown hospitality group – Empires Group of Hotels – a unit of OSL Group is all set to add two more properties, ‘Empires Luxe’ in Puri (second in the city) and ‘Empires Gopalpur’ to the existing portfolio.
While talking exclusively to Whereabouts about the expansion plan, Rabindra Kumar Das, General Manager, Empires Hotel Puri said: “OSL Groups is very ambitious to become the leading hospitality group of the state and cater to all segments of guests from budget to high-end. Apart from the urban cities of the state, the group is exploring opportunities to foray in wildlife destinations of Odisha as well, however, the locations are yet to be finalised.”
Up-Coming Properties
Apart from the existing operational 90 keys Empires Hotel located at Baliapanda, the group is all set to add its second property, Empires Luxe a boutique hotel with 49 keys near Panthniwas.
While elaborating on this upcoming property, Rabindra Das said: “This property will be among the top hotels in Puri attracting wedding and MICE events. The hotel will be eyeing high-end travellers and wedding events as the key segments. Job completion is at the final stage and the property will be ready to receive guests in next two months (by November),” he added.
“Well equipped rooms with standard facilities and amenities, conference halls, event halls and restaurants, the upcoming hotel will be an ideal destination to cater the wedding and MICE events,” he added.
Empires Gopalpur – the 6th property of the Group, is coming up in Gopalpur coastal town of southern part in Odisha, known for its beach, port, and historical significance as a former military and commercial port. “It will be a five star property with 150 rooms. The construction is under way and the work will be completed in next two years. The hotel will be ready to receive guests by 2027,” he informed.
Clientele of Empires Hotel
While talking about the clientele of the Empires Hotel, especially in Puri, he said: “Destination wedding is the most crucial segment or primary source of business for us. Almost 40% of our business is coming from destination weddings only. During the last wedding season (November-April) we had organised more than 35 wedding events. And, this year too, we are expecting to surpass this number with approx 40 events.”
Talking about the potential markets/cities, he informed that huge chunk of business to Puri is coming from Kolkata, mostly on weekends. However, Ranchi, Chhattisgarh, Vizag and Raipur etc. are other important cities, the hotel is getting lot of tourists of all segments.”
Hotel Investment Scenario in Puri
Already renowned as religious tourism destination mainly because of the Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri is fast emerging as potential leisure and MICE destination with blue flag beaches and a number of world renowned attractions around the city such as Konark Sun Temple and Chilika Lake.
And, this has attracted a lot of the investment to the hospitality sector in Puri. Now, the city boasts hundreds of hotels and other accommodations, ranging from luxury resorts to boutique hotels and guesthouses, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Elaborating more on this, Rabindra Das said: “Today, Puri is among the fast emerging cities of the state in terms of hotel development. Apart from the home grown brands like Swosti, Mayfair and Empires, many internationally renowned hospitality brands such as Taj Hotels & Resorts, Radisson, Fortune, Holiday Inn, Sterling, etc have made their presence in Puri. Some hotels are already operational and rest are in development pipeline.”
It has been noticed that tourist traffic to Puri has been increased significantly, and with the upcoming airport at Puri which is expected to be operational in next two years, the city would be among top rated destinations of the country.
Speaking more on this, he further said: “Puri has become a round the year destination, whether you talk about business, leisure, religious or wedding events, the city offers amazing ambiance and facilities to cater all segments of travellers.”
Mr Das is one of the best and prominent business person of Empires Group. Mahima Bhai should trust and expand the hotel business. 3-4 personal marriage was done at Puri with 90 rooms. His support was excellent. He should be a group head of hotels. Trust me he will make it very positive.