Hospitality group Kamat Hotels (KHIL) is working on a strategic plan to set up 50 hotel properties in five-star, four-star and fort segments by 2012 at an estimated investment of Rs 500 crore, a top company official said.

"As part of our expansion plans, we plan to open 41 VITS (4-star luxury brand) properties in the next five years. We will launch the VITS hospitality in Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Baroda, Belgaum, Chinchwad, Hubli, Kolhapur, ... and 20 more locations in the next five years," KHIL Executive Chairman and Manging Director Vithal Kamat said.

Each VITS hotel would have 80-120 rooms, and would cost the chain about Rs 20 lakh per room, said Kamat.


Kamat Hotels also has plans to launch heritage hotels under the brand name 'Gadh' in December. It has acquired six fort properties from earstwhile Maharaja's to set up fort hotels in Maharashtra and Goa and has formed Gadh Hotels Pvt Ltd for the said purpose.

"We have internal accruals. But at the same time, today for all the VITS brand hotels we are receiving enquiries for partnerships. So, we will also be managing it and giving it on a franchise basis. This is a new opportunity where capex will be very low," Kamat said.