DRKolkata: ITC Ltd. announced the inauguration of its new super-premium luxury hotel in Kolkata – the ITC Royal Bengal. Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the iconic hotel. The 456 keys ITC Royal Bengal is ITC Hotel’s 14th Luxury Collection hotel in India and is a befitting tribute to the timeless traditions and royal heritage of Bengal, which has been ITC’s headquarters for over a 100 years. Christened ‘One of a Kind’, the grandiose property is a mark of ITC’s confidence in the tourism potential of the region and serves as a true badge of honour that Bengal can proudly showcase to the world.
Built with an investment of nearly Rs 1400 crore, the ITC Royal Bengal will redefine Kolkata’s hospitality landscape making it a preferred destination for global MICE tourism and other large events. From a sprawling 16400 sq feet pillar less magnificent ballroom, pre-function areas and outer courtyards attached to the Grand Ballroom together adding approximately another 33000 square feet,to exquisite arrival lobbies and huge lawns ideal for Kolkata socials, ITC Royal Bengal offers versatile banquet options for both the business meetings and events with total banquet and convention facilities covering an area of 61000 sq feet.
A distinctive proposition of this new super-premium luxury offering from ITC Hotels lies in the fact that the composite properties – ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar will be marketed together as one of the largest hospitality and MICE destinations in the region. The launch of ITC Royal Bengal adjacent to ITC Sonar, marks the unmatched offering of two world-class hotels complementing each other. Together, the two hotels will offer 693 rooms, suites and serviced apartments, 15 signature dining destinations, 22 meeting venues and a sprawling 1,00,000 sq ft of banqueting space. In close proximity to the city’s largest convention and exhibition venues, the ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar duo will offer the best choice for large scale exhibitions, meetings and events in Kolkata.
Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and Managing Directorof ITC Ltd said, “We are delighted to announce the opening of the iconic ITC Royal Bengal. This signature property will provide further impetus to transforming the tourism landscape in the state and will be an icon of repute on the world tourism map. This landmark investment from ITC is a part of the Company’s growing footprint in the State across all sectors, namely agriculture, manufacturing and services.”
Nakul Anand, Executive Director,ITC Ltd said, “The addition of ITC Royal Bengal to our luxury hotel portfolio further strengthens our presence in Eastern India. Bengal is ‘Royal’ in a unique way – it has celebrated the royalty of the intellect through the centuries, where literature, poetry, painting, sculpture, theatre, cinema, science, have not only blossomed, but are inherent to the fabric of Bengal. In keeping with ITC Hotels’ philosophy of Responsible Luxury and creating indigenous experiences, ITC Royal Bengal is rooted to the ethos of the land and pays a tribute to these finest experiences that while being indigenous to the State are celebrated globally.”
ITC Royal Bengal – ‘One of a Kind’
Standing tall, at a height of 133 meters, the 30 storied ITC Royal Bengal’s magnificent and monumental edifice, inspired by regional history and culture, towers over Kolkata’s skyline and blends fine indigenous architecture with contemporary design. Conveniently located in the business district of the city, this 456 keys architectural marvel endeavours to celebrate the spirit of Bengal and the unique fervour of its people through its super premium offerings – 374 rooms and suites, 82 serviced apartments, 5 culinary brands, the one of a kind state-of-the-art meeting and convention spaces and the rejuvenating wellness experience spread across 24,000 sq ft, including, Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa.
The accommodation is characterized by an eloquently tempered expression of luxury, drawing inspiration from Bengal. An expression of an exquisite confluence of contemporary architecture and the distinct warmth of old world hospitality, the 14 suites offer pleasing contemporary décor and a bouquet of signature services to elevate the stay experience. Featuring finest Italian marble, timber floors, state of the art gym, elegantly designed furniture, The Grand Presidential Suite &The Presidential Suite are spread across a striking expanse of 6620 sq.ft. and 3500 sq.ft. respectively.
A contemporary Indian ethos underscores ITC Royal Bengal’s architecture and design philosophy, manifest in the endeavours to enable a ‘sense of destination’ through a showcase of local cuisine, arts and culture matched by hi-tech accent on services to enhance guest experience. A stand-out in-room tech feature is the amalgamation of all services through the E-Butler iPad. Built according to the highest standards of environmental excellence, ITC Royal Bengal is targeting to obtain USGBC LEED® Platinum rating as well as GRIHA Five Star rating.
The sprawling property symbolises the traditions of the region through culinary destinations that include the acclaimed Royal Vega, featuring the luxury vegetarian cuisine of India; Reminiscent of Kolkata’s historical market is the Grand Market Pavilion, the 24*7 restaurant showcases Indian and Inventive international cuisines, with an exclusive showcase of the 7 sisters (the North-Eastern States of India). ITC Royal Bengal will also house Ottimo – Cucina Italiana, ITC’s signature pan-Italian brand, and Darjeeling Lounge is a warm reminder of the city’s tea culture, and the culture of Adda, offering the finest teas from the region as well as from the world, single origin coffee and finest beverages paired with pre-plated comfort food. A lobby level jazz bar, The Brass Room rings in the city’s fondness for music and good life.
ITC’s Investments in West Bengal
ITC’s journey towards making Kolkata a premium hospitality destination began with the launch of ITC Sonar nearly two decades ago. Considered as a giant leap of faith by ITC at that time, the hotel transformed the landscape into a thriving hub of social and commercial activity, representing the resurgence of the city and the State.
With its diversified business portfolio, ITC today has a growing presence in West Bengal across all three sectors of the economy –agriculture, manufacturing and services, supporting sustainable livelihoods for millions in the state. ITC has invested in building world-class assets for Bengal’s future. To unleash the opportunities in food processing and agriculture, ITC has within a span of couple of years, set up 2 world-class integrated food processing facilities which are manufacturing ITC’s nationally acclaimed food brands. The two factories at Panchla and Uluberia are running at full capacity and are among ITC’s biggest packaged food manufacturing units in the country.
ITC’s state-of-the-art Information Technology facility, ITC Green Centre & Infotech Park in Rajarhat, Kolkata, is also underway. While these recent investments strengthen ITC’s growing footprint in the State, the Company is also planning to set up a state-of-the-art Personal Care Products manufacturing facility in the state, which will strengthen ITC’s growing FMCG Businesses in the State. ITC has also invested in a Décor Paper manufacturing capacity in Tribeni which will be a significant step in the Nation’s efforts towards import substitution. Investments for a new manufacturing facility in Dhulagarh as well as other expansion projects are also underway.
ITC has been expanding its footprint in the agricultural sector in the State. Leveraging the knowledge and experience of ITC’s globally acknowledged e-Choupal programme, the Company has been working with farmers in West Bengal to promote contemporary and relevant agriculture practices in over 500 villages, leading to reduction in input costs, improved yields & enhanced incomes. Over 70,000 farmers have benefitted from ITC interventions in the state, so far. In addition, the Company has spearheaded a wheat development programme that covers around 8,500 acres, focusing on providing region-specific improved varieties & agronomical practices to increase yield. ITC has implemented targeted interventions in rice, fresh fruits and vegetables. The Company also engages with aqua farmers, supporting a prawn value chain that is anchored by our brand ITC MasterChef Super Safe Prawns, which is exported to the US, Japan and Vietnam. ITC’s subsidiary, Technico’s early generation high-quality seed is used by over 1,35,000 farmers in 12 districts, increasing yield, quality and reducing costs.
To promote all round socio economic development, ITC’s engagement with rural communities in West Bengal extends to supporting various social initiatives including primary education, vocational training, health and sanitation, solid waste management among others. Celebrating the rich cultural legacy of Kolkata, the ITC Sangeet Research Academy embodies ITC’s commitment to the heritage of Hindustani Classical music.
ITC has recently forayed into the milk and dairy products sector. New investments have been made in this sector in West Bengal. To develop the farmer backend, ITC is progressively expanding its milk productivity improvement and procurement programme across 300 villages in the State.
