Priyanka Saxena Ray
ITDC has been a key player in the Indian hospitality sector for decades. Could you highlight the recent growth trends within your hospitality segment and the factors behind this success?
Incorporated in 1966, ITDC has played a pivotal role in developing and expanding India’s tourism infrastructure. Our consistent efforts focus on delivering growth, world-class services, and unparalleled amenities. While managing hotels remains central to our operations, we have also diversified into various non-hotel sectors such as ticketing, tours and travels, event management, duty-free shopping, publicity and printing consultancy, engineering consultancy, sound and light shows, hospitality education, and skill development—all under one roof.
We are particularly proud of our steady growth, especially in recent years. Since FY23, ITDC has seen an impressive 24% year-on-year growth. Several factors contribute to this success:
- Diverse Offerings: We’ve expanded our hospitality services to cater to conferences, luxury weddings, and high-profile events like the Miss World Inaugural Event 2024, aligning with the rising demand for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities driven by India’s economic growth.
- Rebranding: Our rebranding efforts, particularly in the wedding segment, have strengthened our engagement with clients. By supporting the government’s “Wed in India” campaign, we’ve positioned The Ashok, New Delhi, as a premium wedding venue, tapping into the flourishing Indian wedding market.
- Infrastructure Enhancements: Our commitment to upgrading services and infrastructure has established us as a leader in the ever-evolving hospitality industry.
What motivated ITDC’s recent rebranding initiative?
As a leader in hospitality, we are dedicated to continually improving guest experiences. Our recent rebranding reflects our commitment to innovation, portraying ITDC as a dynamic, agile organization. This transformation includes the launch of our new mascot, “Adyant,” a joyful ant symbolizing dedication and perseverance, and a new tagline, “Sabse Shreshtha Aatithya ki Aur,” indicating our journey towards superior hospitality.
The rebranding enhances ITDC’s market presence and positions The Ashok as a premier venue exemplifying holistic hospitality. It also aims to leverage the unique strengths of our other verticals—Ashok Travels & Tours, Ashok Institute of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Ashok Events, Duty-Free Shops, and Ashok Consultancy & Engineering Services—while reinforcing our role as a leader in tourism and hospitality.
Could you highlight some of ATT’s key achievements?
Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT), a subsidiary of ITDC, has consistently delivered exceptional travel services. A recent milestone was our role as Team India’s official travel partner for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where we flawlessly managed all travel arrangements for the Indian contingent, further establishing our global expertise. We also had the honour of serving as the official travel partner for India’s Paralympic team, showcasing our dedication to supporting the nation’s athletes.
Additionally, ATT has partnered with the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), offering fixed airfares to SSB, CISF, CRPF, NSG, NDRF, ITBF, BSF, and Assam Rifles personnel and their families. This initiative reflects our commitment to serving those who protect the country.
MICE tourism is becoming an essential part of India’s travel industry growth. How is ITDC capitalising on this trend?
ITDC is capitalizing on the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism trend by offering comprehensive, tailored packages. Our state-of-the-art facilities—spanning event spaces, accommodations, event management, and F&B services—provide a seamless experience for corporate gatherings and large-scale events. The Ashok Events, our in-house events team, ensures every detail is meticulously handled to deliver impactful events.
Our iconic flagship property, The Ashok, offers over 30,000 square feet of banqueting space, spread across 21 acres, with 550 rooms, making it an ideal MICE destination in New Delhi. Adjacent properties like Samrat Hotel further extend our capabilities, allowing us to cater to large-scale events with additional venues and guest rooms.
How does ITDC collaborate with state governments and local service providers to support the “Wed in India” initiative?
ITDC actively collaborates with state governments, local venues, and service providers to promote India as a top wedding destination. By partnering with state tourism boards, we highlight the country’s rich cultural diversity and unique venues, such as The Ashok, renowned for luxury and world-class service.
Our experienced workforce leverages the inherent strengths of our hotels—offering versatile spaces, thematic décor, cuisine, and picturesque wedding shoot locations. The Ashok’s legacy, being the venue of choice for multiple generations of families, adds a distinct charm. Additionally, we engage in digital marketing and influencer collaborations to showcase our unique wedding offerings, further enhancing India’s appeal as a wedding destination.
Blurb:
“At ITDC, we are proud of our steady growth trajectory, especially in the past few years. Since FY23, we’ve witnessed a remarkable 24% year-on-year growth. This success can be attributed to several key factors, including our focus on diversifying offerings across the hospitality sector and aligning with initiatives like the ‘Wed in India’ campaign, positioning The Ashok as a premium wedding venue.”
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