SBI Term Loan: RLLR: 8.15 | 7.25% - 8.45%
Canara Bank: RLLR: 8 | 7.15% - 10%
ICICI Bank: RLLR: -- | 8.5% - 9.65%
Punjab & Sind Bank: RLLR: 7.3 | 7.3% - 10.7%
Bank of Baroda: RLLR: 7.9 | 7.2% - 8.95%
Federal Bank: RLLR: -- | 8.75% - 10%
IndusInd Bank: RLLR: -- | 7.5% - 9.75%
Bank of Maharashtra: RLLR: 8.05 | 7.1% - 9.15%
Yes Bank: RLLR: -- | 7.4% - 10.54%
Karur Vysya Bank: RLLR: 8.8 | 8.5% - 10.65%

IHCL acquires majority stake in Tree of Life brand, aims to expand boutique resorts in India

#Hospitality & Retail#India
Last Updated : 14th Nov, 2024
Synopsis

IHCL has acquired a majority stake in Rajscape Hotels, operator of Tree of Life Resorts & Hotels. This acquisition enhances IHCL�s position in the experiential travel market and supports its plan to expand Tree of Life to 100 properties by 2030. Known for luxury offerings, IHCL has previously partnered with the Ambuja Neotia Group on several projects. The move responds to rising demand for personalised travel experiences, with Tree of Life properties in offbeat destinations across India, attracting travellers seeking unique stays. This acquisition reflects IHCL�s commitment to diversifying its portfolio in the boutique leisure segment.

On 5th November,, IHCL revealed its decision to acquire approximately 55% of RHPL's equity from the Ambuja Neotia Group, a Kolkata-based company known primarily for its real estate ventures. According to an exchange filing, IHCL's board approved this major acquisition as part of its strategy to strengthen its brand portfolio and cater to the rising demand for unique travel experiences in India.


RHPL manages the Tree of Life Resorts and Hotels brand, which operates 19 resorts and boutique properties spread across various regions. These properties are positioned in offbeat locations that appeal to travellers seeking more personalised and immersive experiences.

IHCL, renowned for its luxury and premium hospitality offerings, is not new to partnerships with the Ambuja Neotia Group. The two companies have previously worked together on several projects, including seven hotels and resorts featuring Taj properties like Taj Chia Kutir in Darjeeling and Taj Guras Kutir in Gangtok. This existing collaboration laid a solid foundation for IHCL's deeper investment into RHPL.

Puneet Chhatwal, IHCL's Managing Director and CEO, highlighted the importance of this partnership, noting that it aligns well with IHCL's strategic objectives to scale up its offerings in the leisure segment.

A spokesperson for IHCL emphasised that the Tree of Life brand is a natural fit for the company's existing brands-cape due to its unique value proposition and boutique hospitality model. With this acquisition, IHCL aims to scale the Tree of Life brand to 100 properties by 2030, reflecting the company's ambitious growth plans in response to increasing consumer demand for experiential travel. This move also positions IHCL to strengthen its portfolio in drive-to destinations across India, which have gained popularity post-pandemic as travellers seek nearby getaways.

The Ambuja Neotia Group, headquartered in Kolkata, has a strong reputation in real estate and has recently diversified into sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, and education. Tree of Life Resorts, managed by RHPL, has established itself as a prominent player in the boutique hotel market, with properties in over 15 locations. These include unique and offbeat destinations like Dared, Dehradun, Varanasi, Binsar, Kumaon, and Udaipurwati, which attract travellers looking for serene, less-explored settings.

Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of the Ambuja Neotia Group, expressed confidence in IHCL's ability to expand the Tree of Life brand. He pointed to IHCL's track record of successfully scaling brands across various formats and their expertise in managing boutique leisure properties as key reasons for his optimism.

IHCL's acquisition of a majority stake in Rajscape Hotels reinforces its commitment to expanding in the experiential travel market and aligns with its growth goals for the Tree of Life brand, offering travellers diverse and unique stays across India.

Have something to say? Post your comment