Japanese chain Nikko Hotels International plans to expand its operations in India in the next few years and is looking at cities other than New Delhi, reports www.ehotelier.com . Nikko, operated by JAL Hotels, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, would initially focus on "strongly establishing our luxury brand" in India in the coming months, according to Norihisa Ishida, Assistant Vice President (Sales and Marketing).

He said that the group was looking at opportunities to enter into management contract agreements with hotel developers in different cities, but did not elaborate.

Ishida, who was accompanied by Takashi Kondo, his counterpart in JAL Hotels, said the New Delhi property was being refurbished to make it a "benchmark" for luxury hotels to be established elsewhere in India , primarily for business travellers.

"This hotel (in Delhi ) will be established as a flagship" for the expansion plans in India , Kondo said.

"We will continue to add special Japanese touches to cater to the tastes of our clients, besides expanding the footprints of our brand globally," Ishida said.

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