The Merlin Group has partnered with Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), a hospitality firm under the Tata Group, to rename its resort in Kolkata, which has been in operation for more than twenty years.
The Merlin Group, headquartered in Kolkata, intends to invest approximately ₹60 crore in upgrading and enhancing the infrastructure of its resort near Joka over the next 14-15 months. Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU), IHCL and Merlin Group have agreed to this initiative. While Merlin will retain ownership of the property, the Tata Group’s firm will oversee its management.
Sushil Mohta, Chairman of the Merlin Group, expressed intentions to further expand their presence in the hospitality sector, with a preference for IHCL as a partner.
The urban resort IBIZA, part of IHCL SeleQtions, is situated on Diamond Harbour road in Kriparampur, a popular tourist destination. The resort, featuring 130 rooms, is slated to open in October 2025.
With the new addition, IHCL will have a total of seven hotels in Kolkata under various brands such as Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, and Ginger, including two properties currently under development.
Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President of Real Estate & Development at IHCL, commented on the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), stating, “This agreement marks another stride in IHCL’s expansion in Kolkata, a bustling capital of a thriving metropolitan state. It will cater to the growing demand for nearby getaway destinations, serving both leisure travelers and those attending meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). We are excited to partner with Merlin Group, a prominent real estate entity in East India, for this resort.”
Source: Thehindubusinessline
