The Wealthy Indian Tourist in India is here to stay - and party too

 

At the oldest and newest and best bespoke 5 star hotels in India, the word is out - the era of the wealthy Indian tourist in India is truly here.

Just about a week ago, I was staying at the best hotel in Kolkata, not one of the new pretenders or the old relics, but one with lineage as well as class, not to mention style. The breakfast buffet is amongst the most opulent I have seen, and they also have, in addition, a separate card for South Indian filter coffees and yet another card for freshly cooked Indian breakfasts from different parts of the country.

And yes, Eggs Benedict, with double proper pork ham is what I found on the card too.

The evening before, we were parked at their bar, exercising our elbows. And there also, the finger foods served were from the best of Indian options, with a huge range of Indian origin spirits and beverages.

Unlike in the past, when I had stayed at this grand old hotel, however - there was one huge change. There were no foreigners in the bar and just two for breakfast. A huge change from the day and age when 66% to 75% of guests were visible foreigners.

I asked one of the friendly young managers whether this was unique to their hotel or across the other hotels - and he said, well, Sir, dosas and idlis are my fastest moving food items now, often with non-vegetarian side-dishes too.

I have similar sentiments in other parts of India too - the wealthy South Indian tourist, mostly on business but often also on pleasure or pilgrimage, is the visibly main clientele hitting the bigger hotels now.

And yes, once there, they also often ask for the suites or the cabins within restaurants and bars. And are willing to pay well as well as tip well.

More power to us in our own country, then.