US-based Hyatt Hotels Corporation, a leading hospitality company, plans to grow its presence in Delhi, Goa, Kolkata and Mumbai, as well as expand into 15 new Indian markets over the next five years.

The company said it will open Hyatt Regency Pune, Hyatt Regency Chennai, and Grand Hyatt Goa in 2010.

Reflecting its strong commitment to driving growth in one of the world’s leading emerging markets, Hyatt has chosen India as the first location outside of the US for its upscale select service brand, Hyatt Place.

Full service hotels under the Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, and Park Hyatt brands are currently under development.

These new properties - three of which are slated to open this year - will expand the Indian properties in Hyatt’s worldwide portfolio, which currently consists of Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Hyatt Regency Delhi, Hyatt Regency Kolkata, and Hyatt Regency Mumbai.

“We believe India represents one of the greatest hotel markets over the next decade – one that will play a key role in driving Hyatt’s long-term growth,” said Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt Hotels Corporation president and chief executive officer.

Hoplamazian said that approximately one-fourth of Hyatt’s global pipeline of more than 120 properties is earmarked for India.

Hyatt seeks to increase opportunities for all of its brands in India by expanding its presence in second- and third-tier cities, where business travel is increasing.

“Creating brand preference by enhancing our distribution in India is a top priority,” said Ratnesh Verma, senior vice president of real estate and development for Hyatt in South Asia.

As part of its expansion, Hyatt is seeking to attract and develop high-quality talent in India in order to drive future growth.

Currently, more than 3,500 associates are employed at Hyatt hotels in India, and with the development effort, it is expected that more than 10,000 new associates will be welcomed into the Hyatt family.

Hyatt is investing in training curriculums and accelerated leadership programs in order to ensure that new associates support the company’s mission to deliver authentic hospitality and to develop new professional opportunities for its associates. – TradeArabia News Service