Date:24/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/03/24/stories/2005032402640400.htm

Back Taj Leisure Hotels plans tie-up with domestic airlines

Our Bureau

Chennai , March 23

TAJ Leisure Hotels is planning to tie up with Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Sahara for holiday packages for the domestic tourists at key Taj destinations.

The company came up with the branded holiday idea seven years ago and now there are 24 hotels where these packages are offered, said Mr Manoj Vijayan, Director, Sales, Domestic Leisure (West & South), Indian Hotels Company Ltd.

Besides the stay, guests can participate in a variety of activities, he said.

Mr Vijayan said that research had shown that Indian tourists liked to travel with family and most often it would be during summer months — during the school holidays. Mr Deepak Khullar, Head Sales, Leisure Division, Indian Hotels Company, said that number of tourists coming to Taj properties during the summer months has gone by 26 per cent. Almost 85 per cent of the arrivals during the summer months are domestic tourists. The company has just launched its new advertising campaign `Finding Heaven'.

The Taj Group has also upgraded and modernised a number of its properties. The Taj Green Cove Resort Kovalam now has 18 deluxe floating cottages.