Taj group will tap wildlife tourism potential
Daily News & Analysis — October 27, 2006

The Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), which runs the Taj group of hotels, is launching two wildlife tourism projects in Madhya Pradesh in the next four-five months as part of a nationwide expansion plan. Two years ago, IHCL had launched a joint venture company titled Taj Wilderness Lodges Ltd (TWLL). Ajoy K Misra, senior vice-president, sales and marketing, IHCL, told DNA Money that the rollout will be planned in a phased manner across key wildlife locations in the subcontinent.

"We have about 87 national parks and 485 sanctuaries in the country and I don't see any reason why we should restrict ourselves to just a handful of wildlife tourism projects in India. While the first phase will see us launching five such facilities, we will explore the eastern and southern region besides other potential destinations." While TWLL - an equal joint venture between IHCL, Cigen Corp (part of the Chaudhary Group) and Conservation Corp Africa (CC Africa) - will be responsible for setting up these projects, its management will be done by IHCL.

Each facility will require investments of Rs 8-10 crore. Funding of the projects will be done by all the three parties that will contribute in equal proportions. Raymond N Bickson, MD, IHCL, said: "There is immense global interest generated about India in the recent past."