ECO Hotels & Resorts , a BSE-listed hospitality company, has made a strategic move into the spiritual tourism sector with the launch of Ecoxpress Satva in Varanasi. This new venture marks a significant expansion for the company, introducing a specialized pure vegetarian hospitality concept in one of India's most revered pilgrimage destinations.

Key Features of Ecoxpress Satva

• Location: Jai Prakash Nagar, Varanasi
• Proximity: Near major pilgrimage sites including Dashashwamedh Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Room Count: 35 rooms
• Total Operational Rooms: Increased to 171

Unique Selling Points

Pure Vegetarian Concept

• First hotel in Varanasi with completely separate kitchens, utensils, and dining infrastructure for vegetarian offerings
• Adheres to Jain and Vaishnav principles

Dining Options

• Sahar Restaurant: Serves meals following Jain and Vaishnav principles
• Kick in the Brick: Offers Pan-Asian and Continental vegetarian cuisine

Premium Amenities

• 400-thread count linen
• 650 GSM bath towels
• Orthopaedic mattresses
• 2,000-sq-ft banquet facility with LED screen

Expansion Plans

ECO Hotels & Resorts has ambitious growth plans, targeting over 350 operational rooms within the next six to eight months. The company plans to open additional properties in:

• Sambhajinagar
• Shirdi
• Nagpur
• Vadodara

Strategic Partnership

It's worth noting that EaseMyTrip, a prominent online travel booking platform, holds a significant stake in ECO Hotels & Resorts. This partnership could potentially provide synergies in marketing and distribution for the newly launched property.

The launch of Ecoxpress Satva in Varanasi represents a strategic move by ECO Hotels & Resorts to tap into the growing spiritual tourism market in India. By offering a pure vegetarian concept with high-end amenities, the company is positioning itself to cater to the specific needs of pilgrims and spiritual tourists visiting Varanasi. This expansion not only diversifies the company's portfolio but also aligns with the increasing demand for specialized accommodation options in religious destinations.

ECO Hotels & Resorts has marked a significant milestone in its expansion strategy with the launch of a new 57-room property in Vadodara. This addition brings the company's total operational capacity to 136 rooms across three hotels, underscoring its commitment to growth in the mid-segment hospitality sector.

Strategic Location and Amenities

The newly opened Vadodara property is strategically positioned to cater to business travelers, offering premium amenities in a prime location. Situated near key transportation hubs including Vadodara Airport and railway station, as well as the GIDC Industrial Zone, the hotel is well-placed to serve corporate clients and business visitors to the region.

Key features of the new property include:

• 57 well-appointed rooms
• Two restaurants specializing in vegetarian cuisine
• A spacious 2,800 square foot banquet hall for events and conferences

Expansion Plans

ECO Hotels & Resorts has outlined an ambitious growth trajectory:

• Immediate plans include adding 30 more rooms in Varanasi later this month
• Target of 350+ rooms by March 2026
• Long-term goal of 5,000 rooms by FY 2030

The company operates under several mid-segment brands, including:

• The Eco
• EcoXpress
• EcoValue

These brands are positioned to capture various segments of the mid-range hospitality market, aligning with the company's expansion strategy.

Corporate Backing

It's worth noting that EaseMyTrip, a prominent player in the online travel booking space, holds a 13% stake in ECO Hotels & Resorts. This strategic investment potentially provides synergies and support for the hotel chain's growth plans.

Market Performance

As of the latest trading session, shares of ECO Hotels & Resorts closed at ₹18.10 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

The hospitality sector in India continues to show promise, with companies like ECO Hotels & Resorts capitalizing on the growing demand for quality accommodations in tier-2 cities. The company's focus on business travelers and its strategic expansion plans position it to potentially capture a significant share of the mid-segment hotel market in the coming years.