Mumbai, 11 February, 2019: The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), South Asia’s largest hospitality company signed a management contract for two hotels in Goa adding 506 rooms to its pipeline. The Company will take over the management of the legendary 207 key Cidade de Goa which will form a part of the SeleQtions portfolio – a named collection of hotels and resorts with a distinct character. An additional 299 rooms which are under construction, will be added to the same complex under the Taj brand scheduled to open by the end of this year.

Commenting on the signing of this agreement, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said “IHCL has a special relationship with the state of Goa since 1974 when Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, India’s first beach resort opened its doors and firmly established Goa on the global map. Iconic properties like Cidade de Goa under a management contract with Fomento Resorts and Hotels Ltd., promoted by the illustrious Timblo family will further strengthen IHCL’s position as the most iconic and profitable hospitality company.

Both the hotels will be located at the same site at Vainguinim beach in the vicinity of Dona Paula in Goa. Cidade de Goa, designed by Charles Correa with its distinctive old-world charm, often known as one of Goa’s best kept secrets will be the first hotel to join IHCL’s SeleQtion’s portfolio as of April 2019. The Taj branded 299 room hotel will have a contemporary design with floor to ceiling glass windows offering superb sea views. The hotel will boast of extensive conferencing facilities with the largest convention hall in Goa, measuring approximately 1200 square meters. It will have several dining options including an all-day diner, speciality restaurants and bars. It is slated to open in early 2020.

Commenting on the partnership, Mrs. Anju Timblo, Managing Director, Fomento Resorts and Hotels Ltd. said, “We are very excited with our partnership with IHCL, with its highly recognized portfolio of brands. With this association, Cidade de Goa and the new development will achieve its full potential and pave the way for a successful and mutually beneficial collaboration for many years to come. Together with IHCL, we look forward to promoting the ‘Goan-ness’ of Goa.”

Goa is home to six existing IHCL branded hotels with another three under development, offering something unique for every traveller. For more information, please visit www.tajhotels.com.