The Four Points by Sheraton Pune is owned by Duet India Hotels Private Limited, a subsidiary of U.K.-based, real estate investment group Duet Hotels, dedicated to hotel investment and development in India. The Four Points by Sheraton Vizag is owned by Vishnupriya Hotels & Resorts Private Limited, a regional development company based in Visakhapatnam, India.

“The opening of these two properties represents our second and third properties under management since we formed our joint venture with JHM Hotels and launched our third-party management platform in India,” said Thomas F. Hewitt, Interstate’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Our business model, focused on local contacts and in-country experience, has translated well to India and enabled us to establish a strong operating platform there. Working with Duet Hotels, our largest hotel owner and investment partner in India, and JHM Hotels, our JV partner, we have developed a robust pipeline of third-party management opportunities in India. We are also proud to be expanding our management relationships with such highly respected regional developers as Mr. K. Sarat Kumar Reddy, managing director of Vishnupriya. We expect to see continued vigorous growth in 2011 and beyond.”

Lloyd Lauland, executive director, JHM Interstate Hotels India, noted that JHM Interstate Hotels India offers significant competitive advantages. “We have unparalleled international experience, a proven management track record, depth of resources, strong local ties and strong relationships with all the major hotel brands.”

“JHM Hotels is opening Auro University of Hospitality and Management in Surat, India in 2011,” said HP Rama, chief executive officer of JHM Hotels. “As JHM Interstate continues to expand in India, Auro University will become a platform for our company both to source exceptional talent for our hotels and to continue to train our corporate team in cutting edge hospitality practices. JHM Interstate is focused on its long-term future in India and education is a key to that success.”

Interstate and JHM Hotels have an equity interest in Duet.