In a significant move within West Bengal's hospitality sector, the Kolkata-based Hotel Sonar Bangla Group has acquired the Mukutmanipur property previously operated by Peerless Hotels. This strategic acquisition marks a step in the group's ambitious expansion plans across the state and other regions.
Strategic Acquisition and Expansion Plans
The takeover was finalized on December 5, as confirmed by the group's Chairman, Avishek Paul Chowdhury. The acquired property, which is around 30 years old, sits on a sprawling 4-acre plot and features 25 rooms with scenic views overlooking a lake. The group has announced plans to renovate this leisure destination, with refurbishment work scheduled to commence from April.
This acquisition is not an isolated event. The Hotel Sonar Bangla Group is actively drawing up plans to acquire more hotels within West Bengal. With this new addition, the group's portfolio now stands at 12 properties. This includes recently opened hotels in Susunia and Ayodhya Hills, with another property in Bolpur slated to open soon.
A Sharp Focus on Rural Tourism
Outlining the group's vision, Chairman Paul Chowdhury emphasized a strategic pivot towards rural tourism. He highlighted the untapped potential of numerous locations across Bengal that offer rich experiences but lack adequate accommodation facilities for extended stays.
"Our focus is now rural tourism. There are a lot of places in Bengal which can be promoted. There is a lot to see in such places, but you can't stay a day or two in most spots," Paul Chowdhury stated. This philosophy is driving the group's expansion into non-urban centres.
The group's ambitions extend beyond the state's borders. Future plans include setting up hotels in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Diamond Harbour, Bakkhali, and Kalimpong. Paul Chowdhury revealed that the group has already secured some land in the Andaman Islands for this purpose.
Peerless Group's Strategic Shift
On the other side of the transaction, the Peerless Group explained the rationale behind the divestment. Supriyo Sinha, Director of Business Development and Transformation at Peerless Group, indicated a strategic refocusing of their hospitality business.
The group has decided to concentrate more on business hotels and is gradually exiting the leisure hotel segment. Post this deal, the Peerless Group's hotel portfolio now comprises four properties located in Kolkata, Durgapur, Hyderabad, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Hotel Sonar Bangla's Journey and Portfolio
The Hotel Sonar Bangla Group began its journey in 2002 with its first property in Tarapith. Its second venture was in Darjeeling, followed by expansions to Puri, Mandarmani, and Kolaghat.
According to Paul Chowdhury, the Kolaghat property is the group's largest, boasting 125 rooms. It is closely followed by the hotel in Taki, which has 105 rooms. The acquisition of the Mukutmanipur property aligns with the group's growth trajectory and its renewed emphasis on developing tourism infrastructure in rural and scenic locations across Eastern India.
