IHCL Enters a New Segment, Forays into Plantation Trails and Homestays with the Launch of Ama Trails & Stays

Mumbai, February 19, 2019: The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), South Asia’s largest hospitality company today announced the launch of “Ama Trails & Stays”, the first branded product in the homestay market in India.  Ama Trails & Stays are a group of heritage bungalows, guesthouses and homestays at unique locations across the country. The Company signed a management contract for nine heritage bungalows with Tata Coffee in Coorg and Chikmagalur and is adding two of its own bungalows in Goa by mid next year under the AMA umbrella.

“IHCL has launched Ama Trails & Stays in response to evolving guest needs for local, immersive and authentic experiences. We are delighted to partner with Tata Coffee for the first collection of plantation trails leveraging Tata Group synergies. With India’s rich diversity we are confident that we will be able to scale this product to the first 100 units before the end of 2020 and bring distinctive offerings for our guests across the Indian sub-continent.” said Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL.

Ama Plantation Trails comprise nine bungalows. Eight are located in and around the idyllic coffee estate of Pollibetta in Coorg set amidst 20,000 lush acres. One is a few hours’ drive in scenic Chikmagalur. Secluded in close communion with nature with stunning views, they are original plantation bungalows with contemporary conveniences. Guests have a choice of taking a tour of the plantation, go birding with the region’s 300 bird species or play golf.  Ama Homestays will commence operations with two units in Candolim, Goa.

“We are delighted to partner with IHCL with its 115 years of history of hospitality. This association will bring a new, authentic offering for travellers looking for offbeat experiences in the realms of nature.” said Mr. Sanjiv Sarin, MD & CEO, Tata Coffee Ltd.

The guests will be able to earn and burn loyalty points through the Taj InnerCircle Loyalty Programme. Bookings open effective March 1, 2019.         

About Tata Coffee

Tata Coffee is a subsidiary of Tata Global Beverages Limited. It is Asia's largest integrated coffee company, the second largest exporter of Instant Coffee and foremost producer of Specialty Coffee in India. The Company produces 8000 - 10,000 MT of shade grown Arabica and Robusta coffees at its nineteen estates in South India and its two Instant Coffee manufacturing facilities have a combined installed capacity of 8400 MT. The Company is in the process of setting up a 5000 MT Greenfield Freeze dried instant coffee plant in Vietnam. It exports Green Coffee to countries in Europe, Asia, Middle East and North America.  Tata Coffee's farms are triple certified: UTZ, Rainforest Alliance and SA 8000 reinforcing its commitment to the people and the environment. The Company is the largest producer of Pepper in India.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the hallmark of iconic hospitality, SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels, Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels and Ginger which is revolutionizing the lean luxe segment.

Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel - The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL operates 178 hotels including 30 under development globally across 4 continents, 12 countries and in over 80 locations.  

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is South Asia’s largest Indian hospitality company by market capitalization. It is primarily listed on the BSE and NSE.

Please visit www.theindianhotels.com; www.tajhotels.com; www.gingerhotels.com;

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For more information, please contact:  rakhee.lalvani@tajhotels.com