Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new hotel in Puducherry, India, which will operate under the Vivanta brand.

The Greenfield project, a strategic expansion for the company, aims to cater to the increasing popularity of Puducherry as a travel destination.

IHCL real estate and development executive vice president Suma Venkatesh said: "In recent years, Puducherry has emerged as a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers.

"This hotel will be a modern oasis in the heart of the charming former French colony."

The upcoming 85-key hotel will boast a variety of amenities, including an all-day diner, a bar, a gym, and treatment rooms for wellness services.

It will also provide ample space for corporate meetings and social gatherings with its spacious meeting rooms and pre-function areas.

Reflecting the locale's heritage, the hotel's design will meld modern elements with Puducherry's French influences. 

Guests of the new hotel will benefit from its convenient location, offering easy access to the city's main attractions and enabling them to engage with the local culture.  

Partners Ajay Virmani and Sandip Ganguli of Auroma Soft Resorts and Hotels shared their enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: "We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL to introduce the Vivanta brand to Puducherry. This partnership will bring a fresh and exciting energy to the city, providing guests with a distinctive and exceptional stay." 

Venkatesh added: "This strategic expansion aligns with IHCL's commitment to establishing its presence across key locations in India. We are delighted to partner with Ajay Virmani and Sandip Ganguli for this venture."

With this new addition, IHCL continues to expand its portfolio, which includes brands such as Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Gateway, and Ginger.

Earlier this month, the company also strengthened its presence in Jammu and Kashmir with the launch of its second Ginger hotel in the region.