Oriental Hotels will be merged with IHCL through a Scheme of Arrangement, subject to statutory approvals and clearances. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “In line with our Accelerate 2030 strategy of creating value, simplifying the group’s holding structure and unlocking the full potential of OHL portfolio including iconic assets like Taj Coromandel, Chennai, Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai and Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin, the Boards of IHCL and OHL have today approved this merger.”
He added, “The merger will drive long-term value creation by leveraging IHCL’s strong balance sheet to support strategic investments, including inventory expansion and product enhancements further strengthening the premium positioning of the portfolio.”
Oriental Hotels Limited is an associate company of The Indian Hotels Company Limited. The company has a portfolio of seven hotels with 825 rooms. This includes freehold assets: Taj Coromandel -Chennai, Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa – Chennai and Gateway Coonoor, and long tenure lease hold assets: Taj Malabar Resort & Spa – Cochin, Vivanta Coimbatore, Vivanta Mangalore and Gateway Madurai. Additionally, OHL has strategic investments in several IHCL group hotel companies in India and internationally including St. James Court, TAL Hotels and Resorts Ltd, Lanka Island Resorts Ltd, Taj Madurai Ltd and Taj Karnataka Hotels and Resorts.
With over 17 years of experience in the B2B travel and hospitality sector, she brings deep insight into travel trade dynamics, industry challenges and market developments. She holds an MA in English Literature and a Diploma in Journalism from the Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, which underpin her strong editorial expertise. An avid nature enthusiast, she prefers outdoor and adventure-led travel, including hiking and trekking.