‘We have plans to launch new properties across India’

Known for its enchanting locations along the backwaters of Kerala, the UDS Hotel Group offers a blend of modern amenities and the traditional essence. Decked up with lavish accommodations, it provides a perfect stay in the lap of Nature. At the helm of affairs is Raja Gopaal Iyer who comes with over 35 years of experience in the hospitality sector. Known for crafting a strategic vision to achieve business goals, Iyer’s uniqueness lies in team building, hospitality development and operational improvement. As the founder of Raj Hospitality and the CEO of UDS Hotels, he has improved the service delivery, standardisation and business systems performances.  

Tell us about your journey in the hospitality industry and what motivated you to stay in the hotel business for all these years?  

I started my career with the Oberoi Group of Hotels and moved to the Taj Group after three years where I worked six years. During my tenure at Kodikanal, I designed and developed a few hotels with quality and improved standards but was mainly involved in designing the restaurants, lobbies and kitchens. After my two-year stint at Green Park Kottayam, I took over as the consultant and General Manager for the complete revamp of the property. This was followed by Hotel Sangam in Trichy as a General Manager. Immediately afterwards, I took over Oriental Towers at Thanjavur and then joined The Kodai International as Vice President in 1996 for the next two years. At present, I’m the CEO of UDS Group which is growing at a rapid pace in the Indian hospitality sector with its upcoming projects.   

Having served the UDS Group since its inception, what do you think has been the milestone achievement for the Group?  

I worked with UDS Group previously for eight years where I had an opportunity to promote the beaches of Kerala with other beach destinations in India. While with UDS, I have put my skills and network to work to get the property of 38 rooms to the current 227 rooms in Kovalam, 45 rooms in Shanghumugham near Trivandrum Airport and flight catering unit and 75 rooms in Alleppey backwaters and Hotel & Convention Centre in Trivandrum. I formed a non-profitable organisation called GUDS, a CSR Programme by UDS Group. Every year, we conduct CSR activities related to health, education and environment and support differently abled people too.  

How did the Group ride the Covid-19 wave and how is it combating the current revenue challenges?  

UDS Hotels implemented all Covid-19 protocols as per the directions of MoHFW and conducted intensive training programmes for the staff on handling guests, touch points in rooms, restaurants and other areas. All of our staff is 100% vaccinated. On the revenue, we are facing challenges as we had launched new properties in Trivandrum and Alleppey and it takes a lot of effort to keep them operational even when there is no revenue generation. But we are constantly in touch with our customers who support us. We have some leads in promoting our property for weddings and social gatherings. Nowadays, organising weddings is gaining popularity as the customer only needs to pay for the F&B and gets the venue free.  

Your thoughts on staycations and workcations and how is the UDS Group planning to capitalise on these. 

We did have a few packages for staycations and workcations as also private dining where we converted the rooms as private dining areas for locals,but it wasn’t too successful. Our main target were the techies in Trivandrum Technopark, but they preferred the remote areas and hill stations.  

Any plans to expand the business to other regions apart from Kerala?  

Our next project is Ayurveda Wellness Resort at Vagamon and a hotel complex attached to the convention centre at Trivandrum which will include a seating capacity of 2,500 people plus 190 rooms and a backwater resort in Alleppey. UDS Group plans to launch new properties across India and abroad.