Kolkata: The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), a state government agency, has entered in to an agreement with Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd (ASPHL) to develop and operate a hotel at International Convention Centre of the state’s popular sea resort, Digha, said an official on Sunday.
The agreement was signed between the KMDA and the hospitality sector major, ASPHL in the presence of Digha Sankarpur Development Authority (DSDA) officials. A KMDA official said that the deal was ”signed a week back in Kolkata” in the presence of West Bengal municipal affairs minister Firhad Hakim and senior officials of the development agencies.
”As per the arrangements, the well-known hospitality chain will run and manage the hotel, which also consists of a convention centre and an exhibition hall,” the official said.
Earlier this month, ASPHL had issued a statement, mentioning that it was delighted to announce a long-term agreement with the KMDA.
”Spread over 5.50 acre land, the hotel has 65 rooms, a 1,000 seater convention centre with banquet halls and an exhibition centre,” the statement said.
“We are delighted to partner with KMDA and the government of West Bengal to harness tourism potential” said ASPHL managing director Vijay Dewan after the signing of the agreement. The hotel will be crucial for tourism development and employment generation in the area.
ASPHL officials said that they have prepared the blueprint for transformation of the facilities and in all likelihoods the premises will be ready for meetings and accommodation from January next year.
A KMDA official also said the move was necessitated as part of an objective to turn Digha into an international tourist destination.
