A Century Old Tradition

More than a century back, Abad group, the forerunners in the hospitality industry in Kerala, began its operations at Mattancherry in Kochi with a sea food processing unit. The business grew rapidly and their products were exported to several countries across the world. Several clients from various countries used to visit the seafood processing unit at Mattancherry. Abad had to arrange accommodation facility for their clients during their visit and lack of quality hotels in the locality became a problem. That made them venture into the hospitality industry by setting up their first property at Mattancherry twenty five years back.

The tourism industry in Kerala began to grow and along with that the Abad group too. The group diversified and a separate hospitality wing began to function and now the group has eight properties in the state. Realizing the potential of tourism in Kerala, they have ventured into four new projects. The property nearing completion at Munnar is expected to be commissioned in two months and once it starts functioning, it will have fifty rooms. The 42 roomed property at Thekkady is expected to be completed by October- November 2007. The property at Mararikulam will be completed by next season and it will have thirty rooms. The one at Kozhikode will also be opened soon, but there the group will do only the management part. Together the group will have 12 properties in Kerala by the beginning of the next tourism season.

The Managing Director of the group, Riaz Ahmed said that they had identified some land at Wayanad to set up a property, but is yet to make a final decision. Aimed at giving more facilities and comforts to the guests, the existing properties of the group are being renovated.

Ahmed said that they give much importance in selecting a location for setting up a property. “Selecting the right location is the first and foremost thing. We had to search for three years to get a right spot at Munnar. The location has to be good and the price has to be reasonable. It’s a business and not a hobby. The location we have identified has a very good view and is only ten minutes drive from the town.”

“Once a location is finalized, the service of an efficient architect is made use of to make the design of the building. In each and every aspect I involve myself and never stand away as a silent spectator. From my previous experience, suggestions of our clients and guests, we try to improve our self and complete the project at the minimum time span.”
He said that the Tourism Department in the State has a positive approach and attitude. Information Technology and Tourism were identified as the core sectors in Kerala. The Government of Kerala has been extending several concessions for entrepreneurs in the IT sector. At the same time there is a wrong perception about the tourism industry in general. Tourism is usually seen as something which is for entertainment of rich people. This should be changed for better. When compared to IT, Tourism creates more employment opportunities. In the IT industry only skilled and highly qualified get job, where as in tourism, common men are involved. Tourism industry does not pollute much and the wastes let out are degradable and that nature can absorbed back. The government should relax taxation on hotels, reduce electricity tariff and facilitate easy functioning. “The government should not kill the goose that lays golden eggs,” he added.

A person who wants to have a very cordial relation with the local residents of each and every property he owns, says that he give due consideration to the needs of the neighbours. All the problems with the local people are solved amicably before starting the construction works.
The Abad group that has established a prominent position in the hospitality industry in Kerala, has proved itself in the seafood and construction industry also. ••