Ahmedabad hotels full up for Vibrant, tariffs rise by 20%

Ahead of Vibrant Gujarat 2011, the hospitality industry in Ahmedabad is chock-full of bookings. All star hotels are fully booked and vacancy for the period duringthe biennial summit in January is just a no-no.

According to industry sources, almost all five-star, four-star and three-star hotels are booked for January 12-13, and in some cases from January 9.

The hotels are unable to entertain further enquiries for accommodation. “We are overflowing with bookings because many people from across the world are keen to attend the summit either for business or for investment in the brand-building event of the state,” said Narendra Somani, CMD of The Grand Bhagwati.

When compared to Vibrant Gujarat 2009, there has been an increase in the number of rooms and hotels in the city this time but still the demand is high. 
“As many as 500 rooms have been added in the city in a span of two years. Still the demand is on the higher side,’’ said Somani, who is also president of Gujarat Hotels and Restaurant Association.

The Gateway Hotels are 100% booked. Its general manager Darius Merchant said, “Even in the previous summit in 2009, we were fully booked.’’

Looking at the huge demand for rooms, some hotels in Ahmedabad have also increased their tariff by up to 20% while some others have discontinued with their discount offers. Sanjeev Thadani, AGM (marketing and communication) of Neesa Group, said: “Our tariff has gone up and it is now in the range of range of Rs6,500-Rs8,000 from the regular range of Rs4,500-Rs6,000 per room per day.’’ He said they are fully booked for the summit period.   “The infrastructure available in Ahmedabad makes it attractive for delegates to reside in the city.”