JHM Interstate Hotels India Adds Two Contracts to Growing Management Portfolio in India

Luxury Resort in Jaipur Expected to Open in August; Ramada Amritstar to Open in September

ARLINGTON, VA—Interstate Hotels & Resorts, the United States’ largest independent hotel management company,  announced that India-based JHM Interstate Hotels India, a 50/50 joint venture management company between Interstate and JHM Hotels, has signed agreements to manage two new-build hotels in India: a 62-room independent luxury resort in Kukas, Jaipur, expected to open in August 2010, and a 140-room Ramada Hotel in Amristar opening in September. Including these hotels,

JHM Interstate Hotels India has executed a total of four management contracts in that country.

“India has tremendous growth potential for the hotel industry,” said Thomas F. Hewitt (top right photo), Interstate’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Last year there was a 19 percent increase in branded hotel rooms there, with no decline in occupancy. Another nearly 60,000 hotel rooms are expected to be added over the next five years, according to HVS India.

“Our joint venture platform for third-party hotel management with JHM Hotels continues to yield positive results, as evidenced by these new contracts.

" India plays a key role in our international expansion plans, and we continue to build a robust pipeline of hotel management opportunities throughout the country, establishing a strong foundation for future expansion. Our ability to successfully source management contracts is a direct result of our relationships on the ground in India, a hallmark of our international growth platforms.

"The joint venture is actively sourcing other management opportunities throughout key markets in India.”

H. P. Rama,  (middle left photo) founder and CEO of JHM Hotels and director of JHM Interstate Hotels India, added that the company’s ability to attract quality owners is extremely gratifying.

 “Our proven management track record, as well as our experience worldwide in operating premium hotels and resorts, makes our association with these high quality projects the logical next step to our growth in this country.

"We look forward to matching the product quality represented here with the service excellence we are known for worldwide.”

Contact:

Jerry Daly, Carol McCune, Media, Daly Gray, (703) 435-6293, jerry@dalygray.com
 Carrie McIntyre, SVP, Treasure, rInterstate Hotels & Resorts, (703) 387-3320, carrie.mcintyre@ihrco.com