IHCL Strengthens Its Spiritual Tourism Circuit with Gateway Hotel Signing in Sarnath

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a hotel in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. The Greenfield project will be branded a Gateway hotel.

Speaking on the occasion, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, "This signing is in line with our recent announcement about the launch of the re-imagined Gateway brand. Sarnath holds immense significance as a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide, making it an ideal location for expanding our presence in spiritual destinations. We are delighted to partner with Raj Hotels for this venture."

Gateway Sarnath is poised to become the city's largest hotel, offering 160 well-appointed rooms. It will feature an all-day diner, a bar and recreational facilities including a gymnasium and a swimming pool. With over 6,500 sq. ft. of a spacious banquet hall complemented by meeting rooms, the hotel will be an ideal choice for social as well as corporate events.

Mr. Vishal Singh, Chairman, Raj Hotels (a unit of Raj Complex) said, "We are excited to partner with IHCL, India's leading hospitality company to introduce the first branded hotel in Sarnath. This will elevate the city's hospitality landscape."

Sarnath is globally one of the four most important places of pilgrimage for Buddhists and an important part of the famed Buddhist circuit in Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that Gautam Buddha taught his first sermon here after attaining enlightenment.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 24 hotels in Uttar Pradesh under Taj, SeleQtions,Vivanta and Ginger brands including 11 under development.

Mr Vishal Singh Chanchal is a Member of the Legislative Council from the Ghazipur constituency in Uttar Pradesh. He owns a large car dealership and has interests in real estate.