The Indian Hotels Company has signed a memorandum of co-operation for a joint venture with Yunnan Tourism, a subsidiary of Yunnan Expo Tourism Holding.

The project will see the companies engage in the development, construction, operation and management of two hotels in Kunming Expo Garden, in the Yunnan province of south-west China. 

The agreement was signed by Abhijit Mukerji, executive director, The Indian Hotels Company and Ge Bao-rong, general manager, Yunnan Tourism, in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to India, Zhang Yan.

Mukerji said: “The Indian Hotel Company’s presence in Kunming is critical for our selective global expansion plan because of its strategic location with access to key markets like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Laos.

“It is a major communication and transport hub in China having good connectivity with the domestic Chinese tourism circuit.

“The entry of Taj and Vivanta by Taj brands in Kunming offers an exciting opportunity to establish the brands in the Chinese market.”

Taj already has management contracts in place for a landmark hotel, Taj Temple of Heaven Beijing, in close proximity to the Temple of Heaven Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was constructed between 1406 and 1420 and used by Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Taj will also manage a 300 room Vivanta by Taj hotel in Hainan Island.

This MoC has been done with the support of Strategic European Investment Management Ltd (SEIM) who is the representative of IHCL in China.

Bao-rong added: “We are delighted to partner with The Indian Hotels Company to bring the Taj legendary service to the Yunnan province and to China. 

“We are confident that their expertise of the Indian and international markets combined with our understanding of the Chinese market will be immensely helpful in developing world class hotels at the historical Kunming Expo Garden.”