Hyatt Hotels is focusing on establishing itself in the emerging business travel markets of the Commonwealth of Independent States, India and China over the next few years.
Having secured Hyatt’s position in worldwide business markets such as mainland Europe, the UK, Middle East and North America, director of marketing UK and Ireland David Sparrow said it is now working on positioning properties in new business sectors.
According to Sparrow, investing in emerging markets such as Kyrgyzstan could be very lucrative.
“It’s a great opportunity if you can get in there at the right time,” he said.
The Grand Hyatt Delhi, opening February 2000, will be Hyatt’s first property in India. Properties in Goa, Calcutta and Bombay are scheduled to open over the next three years. Other openings scheduled for this year are Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan; Kathmandu in Nepal; Hangzhou in China; Hua Hin in Thailand; and Taba in Egypt.
Hyatt is working on 10 new property openings per year. Sparrow said although the growth is modest, there are no plans for a more aggressive approach because it would not sit with the Hyatt mandate.
The 433-room Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh resort opened in January as its second Egyptian property and offers reef diving.
“Those who don’t want to go the long haul, now have an option,” said Sparrow.
The group presently holds management contracts for 190 international properties.