Luxury hotel rates in India lag other markets, says Accor's Mark Willis

India still needs to catch up with other markets in terms of the rates the hotels command. He also touches upon the expansion plans

French hospitality major Accor has just expanded its luxury footprint in India with the signing of Fairmont Udaipur with Keystone Resort. Set to open in 2024, the ‘upper upscale’ brand is expected to be the go-to destination for mega Indian weddings and corporate off-sites. Mark Willis, CEO, India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, tells Shally Seth Mohile that most Accor brands in India have surpassed the pre-pandemic years in terms of average daily rates. However, India still needs to catch up with other markets in terms of the rates hotels command. Edited excerpts: 

How has the overall region (Middle East,