Vivanta by Taj opens in Srinagar

According to a PTI report, Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) announced their foray into Jammu and Kashmir with the formal opening of the 'Vivanta by Taj', the first no-smoking hotel in the state, on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. Located on Kralsangri hill, the resort spread over six acre has 89 rooms. IHCL has entered into a management contract with SAIFCO Hill Crest Hotels, thus expanding its footprint in the Northern region with the launch of the property in Kashmir. Khwaja Saifuddin, the owner of the hotel, said the property is a 'no-smoking' and 'no-polythene' property. 

Veer Vijay Singh, Chief Operating Officer, IHCL said, “With this opening, we endeavour to pioneer new and unique destinations. While Jammu and Kashmir needs no introduction, we feel that there is great scope to develop tourism and hospitality here. The hotel will generate employment and will have a downstream effect in bringing business to Kashmir.”

The hotel also consists of high tech meeting rooms, business centre and retail spaces, Singh said adding Vivanta offers 'Shikara' (boat) rides in the scenic lake, trout fishing and water skiing.

Singh further added, “We are happy to have received support and encouragement from the government and hope to grow and expand in the state. Over the last few years, the tourism industry in the state has seen a distinct upswing.”