Asmita Mukherjee 
With a legacy spanning 56 years, Soaltee Hotel Limited is renowned as a pioneer of exceptional hospitality services and experiences in Nepal. With a firm commitment to upholding its position as a leader in the industry, Soaltee Hotels boasts a portfolio that reflects its dedication to excellence. Now, as it looks ahead to the future, Sudarshan Chapagain, Vice President, Soaltee Hotel Limited shares insights on the brand’s current portfolio, expansion plans, strategies for attracting Indian tourists with Asmita Mukherjee.
Can you provide an overview of the current portfolio of Soaltee Hotels?
For over five decades, Soaltee Hotels has been the beacon of exceptional hospitality in Nepal, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of travelers from across the globe. As pioneers of the country’s hospitality industry, Soaltee Hotels has expanded its portfolio to include three distinctive properties, each offering a unique and immersive experience to guests, reflecting the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
- Soaltee Westend Premier in Nepalgunj: The only five-star hotel of Nepalgunj, Soaltee Westend Premier is also the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental (LEED) certified hotel in Nepal from The US Green Building Council, indicating its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
- Soaltee Westend Itahari: The only five-star hotel situated in Sunsari District of Nepal and is strategically located on the East-West Highway, making it easily accessible for travelers. The Hotel caters to luxury accommodation needs, offering well-appointed rooms and suites that are designed with comfort and elegance in mind.
- Soaltee Westend Resort Chitwan: An upscale luxury resort located in Chitwan, Nepal. Set amidst the picturesque landscapes and natural beauty of the region, the resort offers a serene and indulgent retreat for travelers seeking a luxurious getaway.
Each property within the Soaltee brand offers a unique and immersive experience to guests, reflecting the brand’s commitment to excellence. With a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional Nepali hospitality, our hotels provide a comfortable and luxurious environment for both business and leisure travelers.
What are the expansion plans for Soaltee Hotels in the near future? Are there any new properties or destinations that the group is eyeing for potential acquisitions or developments?
Soaltee Brand is not only maintaining its strong presence but also planning to expand further in the future, the brand has sustainable expansion plans in the pipeline, aiming to grow its portfolio through both owned properties and managed properties. As part of these plans, the brand is currently in the finalisation phase of two owned properties, one located in Pokhara and another in Til-Ganga, Kathmandu.
The property in Pokhara is set to be a high-end resort, offering a luxurious retreat amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. On the other hand, the hotel in Tilganga, Kathmandu, will cater specifically to the pilgrims visiting the renowned Pashupatinath Temple. Positioned as an mid-scale 3-star hotel, it will provide comfortable accommodations and essential amenities for pilgrims seeking a convenient and accessible stay near the temple premises. In addition to its own expansion plans, Soaltee brand has garnered attention from various parties seeking its management expertise for 4 and 5-star hotels across different parts of Nepal. This indicates the brand’s strong reputation and trust within the industry.
The approach from other hotel owners to engage Soaltee for management opportunities serves as a testament to the brand’s track record and its ability to deliver exceptional results.
In terms of attracting Indian tourists, what strategies or initiatives has Soaltee Hotels implemented to capture this market segment?
Soaltee Brand is strategically targeting the Indian tourist market, employing proactive measures to attract travellers from India. The brand has set up a dedicated office in Delhi NCR, staffed with a specialized team of four professionals. Additionally, contact teams in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata exclusively work to build relationships, promote Soaltee hotels, and cater to the needs of Indian travellers.
To enhance visibility and engagement, Soaltee Hotels and Resorts actively participates in various trade shows, sales blitzes, and hospitality events across India and internationally. By showcasing their properties and connecting with potential guests, the brand effectively raises awareness among Indian tourists.
These focused efforts exemplify Soaltee Hotels and Resort’s dedication to understanding and meeting the preferences of Indian travellers. With a physical presence, dedicated contact teams, and active participation in industry events, Soaltee aims to establish strong connections, forge partnerships, and become the preferred choice for Indian tourists exploring Nepal.
Could you provide information on the average RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) and average occupancy rate for Soaltee Hotels during the previous year?
Soaltee Hotels has been a pioneering force in the Nepalese hospitality industry, consistently ranking among the top hotels in terms of RevPAR. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we achieved an impressive 25% increase in RevPAR compared to pre-COVID levels, with a focus on key source markets such as India, China, Middle East, and Europe, contributing over 52% of our total inbound guests in 2019. To gain a major market share in India, we established a PAN India sales office, while also intensifying efforts to attract more visitors from China and the Middle East.
Furthermore, Soaltee Hotels & Resorts actively participates in major international and national trade fairs, including NTB, HAN, and NATTA, fostering stronger relationships with Foreign DMCs and FTOs. By continuously enhancing our products and services, we aim to boost our Average Daily Rate (ADR) and further elevate our RevPAR.
