Tamil Nadu   

Tapping heritage value for tourism

— Photo: S. Gopakumar

Wooing tourists: The heritage block of Hotel Mascot in Thiruvananthapuram.

Hotel Mascot here, run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), will go for heritage tag. The hotel showcases the magnificence of erstwhile Travancore.

The oldest star hotel and flagship property of the corporation was recently renovated into a five-star deluxe property. It will become the first hotel in the capital to get the heritage status if the Hotel and Restaurant Classification Committee grant s it that. Heritage will then become its USP.

Built to house officers of the British Army during World War I, the hotel, spread over about two hectares of land in the heart of the city, is a most-sought-after place for corporate activities. “The aim is to convert Hotel Mascot into a model property, taking into account the heavy demand for rooms, meetings and conventions,” says KTDC Chairman Cherian Philip.

Even after constructing a seven-storey block, which offers a panoramic view of the capital city, the corporation has retained the old block sandwiched between the lobby and the convention-centre complex. This block, comprising 18 rooms, including three suites, will be refurbished in six months. Its grandeur will be retained, a corporation official says. Care will be taken not to disturb the open balcony and flooring.

After the completion of the work, which has already started, the corporation will approach the classification committee, seeking the status

The open-air cafeteria Sayana will be reopened. It will be relocated near the old block, from where the KTDC’s corporate office was functioning. The landscaping had begun. Kerala delicacies will be served to those stepping in from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

S. Anil Radhakrishnan

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