Wyndham Hotel Group Advances India Development
Already, the Company announced plans to expand its presence in India in 2012 and beyond with a non-exclusive development agreement to launch the iconic Howard Johnson® brand in India with 3,000 rooms across 35 new properties by 2017.
Executive team members at Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company based on number of hotels and part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), are traveling throughout India this month to explore development opportunities in the country.
Already, the Company announced plans to expand its presence in India in 2012 and beyond with a non-exclusive development agreement to launch the iconic Howard Johnson® brand in India with 3,000 rooms across 35 new properties by 2017.
This agreement with Unique Mercantile India Private Limited, a large firm in India with investments in real estate development in Gujarat and Hyderabad, India, also includes the development of a new 120-room Ramada® resort in Udaipur that will feature a spa, swimming pool, game room, a poolside bar and international cuisine. The hotel's first 72 rooms are due to open in April 2012 with 48 additional rooms completed by December 2014.
These properties will add to Wyndham Hotel Group's 14 hotels already in operation and the 15 properties that are currently under development in the country.
"Given the rise in tourism, India is full of growth opportunities," said Eric Danziger, Wyndham Hotel Group president and chief executive officer. "We are happy to start the New Year with such exciting expansion plans and look forward to many more opportunities. We remain committed to developing hotels with distinctive services and offerings while strengthening our global presence in sought after destinations."
The agreement with Unique Mercantile India Private Limited increases Wyndham Hotel Group's portfolio in the Asia Pacific region, which currently consists of 466 properties and over 65,453 rooms under the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Ramada, Howard Johnson, Days Inn®, Super 8®, Microtel Inns & Suites® and Dream® brands.
"We are excited to be partnering with Wyndham Hotel Group as we expand into the hospitality sector and are proud to help bring the Howard Johnson brand to India," said Mr. Rajkumar Rai, Chairman and Managing Director at Unique Mercantile India Private Limited. "This is a special partnership that marks a new chapter in Unique Group's overall strategy of creating a Pan-India presence whilst developing a unique space in the region over the next few years."
The planned expansion in India follows the recent opening of the luxurious 154-room Wyndham Grand Agra under the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts flag. The hotel, owned by Shekhar Resorts Limited, is lavishly designed and offers a true feel for the area's vibrant architecture. Spread over 18 acres of landscaped gardens, Wyndham Grand Agra is a mere five minutes from one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal.
About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world's largest hotel franchising company by the number of properties, with approximately 9,200 hotels across over 95 countries on six continents. Through its network of nearly 885,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 25 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel®, La Quinta®, Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. The Company's award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers approximately 110 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit wyndhamhotels.com.
About Wyndham Rewards
Part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH), the world's largest hotel franchising company, Wyndham Rewards is the #1 hotel rewards program as named by readers of USA TODAY. Members—approximately 120 million enrolled around the world—earn a guaranteed 1,000 points with every qualified stay and can redeem for free nights starting at just 7,500 points. With more than 60,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally, no other hotel rewards program is more generous. Join for free at WyndhamRewards.com.