DRKochi: UAE-based retail conglomerate, LuLu Group International, unveiled their most awaited venture – LuLu Bolgatty International Convention Centre and Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty at a resplendent inaugural ceremony in Kochi. The Rs. 1800-crore mega project is a part of the Group’s Rs. 13,000-crore expansion plan in India in the retail, hospitality and food processing sectors.
Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, officially inaugurated the property in the presence of Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources; Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister for Tolerance; Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, Bahrain and Yusuffali M A, Chairman and MD, LuLu Group along with ambassadors of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, among other dignitaries.
“This is my dream project in Kerala and I am sure this will go a long way in making Kochi and Kerala the tourist and MICE hub of India,” Yusuffali said. “With the increase in the number of conferences and summits held in Kerala, tourism and related sectors will see tremendous growth which, in turn, will boost the State’s overall growth.”
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said a convention centre of this kind was a matter of pride for the State and the nation. “For the progress of our land, such initiatives must take place. Kerala need many more projects like this to boost our economy, and we will always welcome any investment in these sectors,” he said.
Nitin Gadkari, who delivered the presidential address, focussed on how such initiatives will help generate more job opportunities, thereby leading to development of a region.
With over 10 lakh sq. ft. space including two customizable and column-free venues with a total capacity of around 10,000 people, the Convention Centre is billed as largest of its kind in India. Liwa is the largest hall with 20,000 sq. ft. and can take more than 5,000 people at a time. It has also got a unique automated re-tractable seating system, which is first of its kind in the country, three helipads and parking facility for more than 1500 cars.
Situated on a prime waterfront location, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is the third Grand Hyatt-branded hotel in India. It features 264 luxurious guest rooms, including 38 suites and luxury villas.
Union Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism K J Alphons; State Ministers Kadakampally Surendran and V S Sunil Kumar; Hyatt International Group President Peter Fulton; LuLu Group Executive Director Ashraf Ali M A and LuLu Exchange Holdings MD Adeeb Ahamed were among those dignitaries present.
