Chennai: The state-owned Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), which operates the popular chain — Hotel Tamilnadu, appears to find it difficult to run them — though not all, at least eight of its hotels located in the prominent places including Tiruttani and Mandapam. They will soon be handed over to the private players to run the show.
At present, the corporation operates about 22 hotels and it has already franchised 21 hotels besides 6 restaurants including the one at the Mudaliarkuppam boathouse near here. Its hotels at Virudhunagar, Mandapam, Pudukkottai, Nagapattinam, Vattakottai, Tiruttani, Namakkal and Tranquebar will be leased out for six years and presently, the TTDC is looking for ideal hoteliers to lease out the properties.
The eight hotels are being leased out in consonance of the corporation’s policy to invite private sector participation. Nevertheless, the enterprise has stipulated certain conditions with regard to catering and operating bars.
“The food quality provided by the lessee should be of high standards and should include South Indian, North Indian and Continental food and safe water should be provided,” an official said. The bar could be operated only after obtaining the FL3AA licence from commissioner of prohibition and excise and should be renewed every year.
“The entire purchase of liquor for the bar should be purchased only from Tasmac. Any purchase of liquor from shops other than Tasmac is illegal and shall be liable for termination of the contract,” says one of the conditions.
The bar licenses ought to be obtained at the lessee’s own expenses for the hotels alone while none would be permitted to operate the bar for restaurants.
Among the identified eight hotels, Hotel Tamilnadu at Nagapattinam, established on sprawling 1.28 acres land, has 18 rooms while the Mandapam hotel with 16 rooms has been established on 2.04 acres land.
