Shillong, Dec 04: In a stride towards improving Meghalaya’s tourism infrastructure, the Tourism Department and the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of the Orchid Hotel into the Aurika Hotel Shillong.
Expressing his delight on the project, Shri Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister said,that this is a PPP project. An investment of 124 crores will be made by the Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd, to make the project a possibility.
“This is a luxury five-star hotel with 130 rooms, a top of the line and with facilities like banquet halls and other amenities so that we can attract not the clientele from all over the country and the world, but we will be able to promote large mice tourism.”
The Hon’ble Chief Minister stated this particular step is not just for the overall growth of the tourism sector in the state, but it is a very positive financial gain for the MTDC.
While moving forward in this agreement, the upfront amount that will be paid to MTDC is an amount of Rs 5 crores by Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. This will also follow a payment of Rs 2.5 crores every year to MTDC as a revenue or annual lease rental.
He also stated that such investments will not only benefit the tourism sector but all stakeholders involved because when tourism grows it is not just the government or the particular hotel or particular individual that gains but the society and the economy and the public gains as a whole because tourism affects different forms of livelihood different stakeholders in the system.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Tourism Minister stated that this day has been productive showing that the government walks the talk and dares to make a difference that will impact generations to come.
“It certainly is a day that bears testimony to the fact that Meghalaya has arrived as far as tourism is concerned. We are emerging as the most favoured tourist destination by Indian tourists by 2025.”
He emphasized on how the tourism industry employs about 50000 persons directly and indirectly, and for tourism to have reached 50,000 at this nascent stage, certainly indicates that if strengths are optimized, the state should be able to touch an increase of not less than 60% in the next three to four years.
Shri Paul Lyngdoh also urged Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd to retain the name of the “Orchid Hotel” as it bears the name of the official flower of the state of Meghalaya, the ‘lady slipper orchid’.
Shri SanborShullai, South Shillong MLA & Chairman MTDC expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, highlighting the MDA government’s achievements over the years, working tirelessly to materialize various schemes including development of the tourism sector which will lead to the growth and development of the state.
Dr Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner & Secretary in his address mentioned that this is a big day for Meghalaya Tourism with two Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects being laid; the Shillong Ropeway Project and the Aurika Hotel Shillong stating that this is the largest private sector investment.
He emphasized on tourism being one sector that has made significant strides through private sectors and the re-development of the Orchid Hotel into the Aurika Hotel is one of the largest PPP projects in the tourism sector.
Shri Prashant Mehrotra, Chief Operating Officer, South East, of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd said, “It is an honour to be here, with its scenic beauty and abundance of natural resources. I believe that this state has enormous business and leisure tourism potential.”
He also highlighted that this new venture is a dedication to the growing our presence in the vibrant region of Meghalaya, providing travelers with a blend of seamless hospitality, combined with authentic local charm of service. Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd, runs around 109 hotels at present and that he is positive that with the government’s support, they will be able to add to the success of the beautiful city of Shillong.
The Orchid Hotel managed by MTDC has been a landmark in the hospitality landscape of Meghalaya for many years. In association with Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd., the hotel is now being redeveloped into the Aurika Hotel Shillong, spanning over an area of 1.15 acres and a three year completion period.
The ceremony witnessed the attendance of a host of dignitaries including Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister; Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Tourism Minister; Shri SanborShullai, MLA, South Shillong and Chairman, Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (MTDC); Shri Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner & Secretary; Shri Cyril Diengdoh, IAS, Director, Tourism Department; Shri Prashant Mehrotra, Chief Operating Officer, South East of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd; representatives of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd, MTDC amongst others.
