US-based theme restaurant Planet Hollywood has entered India with a beach resort in Goa which is being developed by JMJ Group with a Rs 250-crore investment and it is likely to be operational in about two months.
Hospitality major Wyndham Hotel Group has signed a franchise agreement with JMJ for the property. The Group has licence to franchise the Planet Hollywood Hotel brand.
The Hollywood-inspired theme hotel, expected to be operational before Christmas, will be only the second in the world after Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas.
"This is the second Planet Hollywood which will be spread across 10 acres and cater to a variety of travellers. It will replicate the same style as its property in Las Vegas typically decorated with movie memorabilia, including props from famous films," Wyndham Hotel Group Regional VP (Indian Ocean, EMEAI) Deepika Arora told reporters here today.
The Planet Hollywood Beach Resort would a a 115-room and 15-luxury tent property located on the white sands of Uttorda Beach in South Goa. WHG is also looking at franchise agreements for Planet Hollywood in China and North America.
"We are looking at more Planet Hollywood. Currently, we are in talks for franchise agreements for the brand in China and North America.
"We are also open for more Planet Hollywood resorts in India. However, the location has to support the brand in terms of specific market and environment," Wyndham Hotel Group President and Chief Executive Officer Geoff Ballotti said.
JMJ Group, incorporated in 1995, is mainly into perfumery blending and manufacturing of essential oil extracts used by most of the top brands of pan masala, chewing tobacco, mouth fresheners, incense sticks and similar products.
"We have invested Rs 250 crore in developing Planet Hollywood. We are looking forward to Planet Hollywood being a landmark destination in Goa. The property, going by the tag line of 'Let there be fame', will be more of a luxury meets rejuvenation destination where guests will be treated like celebrities," JMJ Group MD Sachin Joshi told PTI.
The company is also developing two upscale properties in New Delhi, one each in Jaipur, Pune, Raipur besides one resort and spa in Dehradun with 80 rooms, he said.
"We have a huge land bank spread across different States. We have lined up an overall investment of Rs 1,500 crore for developing these seven properties, including Planet Hollywood in Goa," Joshi added.
The company is also looking at acquiring operational hotels, he said, adding after having 10-15 properties JMJ Group will look to develop its own brand, he said.
