Hotels for 2010 CWG: DIAL Shows Some Hope

Five domestic and global hospitality companies have been selected to build deluxe and five-star hotels around the international airport here, with the target of completing the projects before the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the airport developer, has awarded the contracts to Accor, InterGlobe Hotels, Lemon Tree, Bird Group and Hyatt, the company’s major stakeholder GMR said in a regulatory statement Monday.

These developers would also offer facilities like convention centres, restaurants and commercial plazas within the hotel premises to meet the requirements of passengers and airlines.

DIAL had received 60 bids for the hospitality project.

As per an agreement with the government, DIAL will use 5 percent of 5,000 acres of airport land for commercial purposes. It has so far released 65 acres, out of 250 acres of allocated land for the hotels, which will have a built-up area of 45 acres.

A government report titled “Development of Tourism Infrastructure and Amenities for 2010 Commonwealth Games” says DIAL would develop 500 rooms in the 45-acre project.

A parliamentary committee report recently said DIAL is expected to be ready with only a sixth of the 3,000 rooms targeted in Delhi’s international airport by next year.

As per projections, Delhi will be short of at least 15,000 rooms for the 2010 Games.