Goa hotels offer apex rates to increase footfalls

Following the aviation and telecom sectors, the hotel industry has now opted for lower tariffs to attract domestic tourists during the summer season.

Major resorts in Goa have announced apex rates that could make five-star comfort affordable at three-star fares. However, the revised prices will only be available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

From packages ranging between Rs 4,500 and Rs 30,000, Now, five-star hotels are offering revised fares at Rs 1,550"�2,500 per day including breakfast and taxes.

While tour operators are busy working out special holiday packages, hotels are also pushing their schemes. Even as some five-star hotels have already come up with offers, other are watching the scenario before announcing bonanzas.

The Taj Group of Hotels has slashed prices by as much as 50 per cent in select cities and their offer begins from Rs 1,250. "The packages are designed to attract customers, who were earlier deprived of the five-star luxury stay," said Sandhya Kunjur, director (marketing) of Taj Hotels.

She said, "Now, apex fares are the in-thing, thus we have also planned to offer them on a first-come-first-serve basis. Even if our competitors slash their rates, they will not be able to compete with the destinations we have on offer."

The Leela, which introduced the apex fare scheme in the industry last year, is ready with its 'Grand Summer Beach Sale' for Goa and Kovalam, Kerala, that commenced from February 16 and offers a rate of Rs 1,650 per night. Sanjoy Basricha, vice-president (sales and marketing) of Leela Palace and Resorts, said, "This year we plan to expand our market with our innovative schemes."

While Taj and Leela are competing against each other, others are still observing a "wait-and-watch" strategy.

Reacting to the announcement of apex fares by its competitors, Jaideep Khanna, director of marketing of Park Hyatt Goa, said, "Like every year, we will continue to have our Timeless Moments offer during summer and monsoons. We will come up with offers after conducting a research on customer-buying pattern."

Said Abhishek Nath, president (operations), La Calypso Resort, Goa, "The hospitality industry is witnessing a boom and there is room for everyone to grow. The rates floated by five-star hotels will not have a major impact on our business."

La Calypso, a three-star resort, offers a wide range of package from Rs 1,500 to Rs 6,000. "Our packages are specially planned depending on the number of days you want to stay. The more days you stay, more discounts you get," Abhishek said.