Leela hotels host Kempinski's first global sales meet in India.

Kempinski, one of the oldest premium hospitality brands in Europe and the international marketing distribution partner of the Leela Palaces & Resorts held its first Global Sales Meet in Asia at Leela Hotels in India from Sept. 22 to 28, 2006. Kempinski, which manages 56 world class hotels across the world, in fact chose India as the location for its international Sales & Marketing meet as a clear recognition of India's rise into a key source market for travel and hospitality business.

The meet in India is not just an opportunity for Kempinski to discuss its international sales & marketing strategies but also a window to learn more about India as a destination and as an emerging market poised for major growth. Over 80 Kempinski associates led by their president Reto Wittwer held meetings across Leela hotels in Mumbai, Bangalore & Kovalam. The team also used this opportunity to announce plans to open up its first Sales & Marketing offices in Mumbai and Delhi in association with the Leela as part of its efforts to get a larger share of business for Kempinski Hotels worldwide from India.

According to Peter Leitgeb, President of The Leela Palaces and Resorts, Kempinski is growing its footprints in India alongwith The Leela. The Kempinski will have an opportunity to market and distribute the forthcoming Leela luxury hotels in Gurgaon-Delhi, Udaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune in the next 3 years.

The Leela also is in negotiation with leading developers to sign operating management contracts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Jaipur which may throw up more opportunities for Kempinski. Leela is also opening its own sales and marketing offices in London, Dubai & New York in order to strengthen its efforts to secure more premium business out of foreign markets like U.K, Middle East, North America.

Leela currently owns and operates super deluxe hotels in Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore and Kovalam and the expansion will more than double its room inventory.

Issued by
Mithu Basu
Group Head Corporate Communications
The Leela Palaces~Hotels~Resorts
Sahar, Mumbai 400 059
Tel: +91 (22) 66911052
Fax: +91 (22) 66911455
Cell: +91 9820414732
mithu.basu@theleela.com