THE INTERVIEW : PRIYA PAUL
India about 18 months ago , and the economy that was growing at 8 % is now at 5.5 %, which is slow for India and challenging . New supply is coming on in different markets across India and therefore putting a lot of pressure on some markets . Some have held their own , and others have crashed . Generally , occupancies have been strong , but rates have fallen , putting margins under pressure .
In the meantime , our plans for expansion have progressed . A managed hotel is coming online in Cochin in a few months , and we are working on the new brand , which will have about 100 rooms located in strong businessrelated suburbs . It will be a more replicable , new-build model with strong F & B and will bring the uniqueness of The Park brand at a smaller scale with lower prices . Two will be ready to go in next quarter and two more by the end of 2013 . H : Why “ Zone ”? PP : After much deliberation , we zeroed in on the brand “ Zone ” by The Park . Its name and dynamic identity echoes this idea of new connections and constant activity , and as a place where people can refresh and recharge themselves . And drawing from The Park ’ s design spirit , we ’ ve created creative and playful interiors , multifunctional spaces , great restaurants and bars and , of course , great nightlife options .
H : Are you planning expansion outside India ?
PP : Once we reach 15 in India with The Park brand , we believe we will have an opportunity to expand in and around India . We have looked in the past , but we have enough to work on now in India . But Thailand , Sri Lanka , the Maldives and Dubai are areas of growth for us , as there are only so many Indian cities where we can do The Park . H : Describe India ’ s boutique sector . PP : The first W is coming to Bombay in about two years . In one sense we own the space as we have been doing this for 20 years , but everyone is trying to do something similar now , and we see the space getting confused . While
Strong use of color is a trademark at The Park .
some try to say they are at the center of things and are creating a fun space , I don ’ t think we believe it as much as they do . We continue to work to better redefine and reemphasize the brand as more clutter comes into the space . H : What are your thoughts on the evolution of luxury hotelkeeping ?
PP : It is changing — call it relaxed luxury or contemporary luxury , as that is how people are living . Even if guests are doing business , they want to have fun , put their feet up and live life on their terms . People are much more
F & B can account for more than 50 % of The Park revenue .
casual , especially the younger travelers . There is less need for hierarchies as they want luxury service , but without the gloves on . When I started working in the business , that is how I defined myself and my style , and I started creating hotels as places that I would enjoy going to . The next generation who are now 25 will have a different idea of what luxury should be , and it will change again .
H : How did you become a design-led hotel company ?
PP : When my father died I was in
28 HOTELS January / February 2013 www . hotelsmag . com