The prominent NRI industrialist and businessman, Dr. Ravi Pillai, leading the RP Group, the promoter of Raviz Hotels & Resorts, has announced a significant expansion plan in Kerala with an investment of ₹2,000 crore. The group plans to develop a world-class convention centre and a five-star deluxe hotel in the Thiruvananthapuram district, reinforcing Kerala’s position as a premier destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.
Dr. Ravi Pillai, Chairman of RP Group, shared his vision for the project, stating, “Kerala holds immense potential for high-end tourism and business events. Our investment will create a landmark destination that not only enhances Kerala’s hospitality infrastructure but also attracts global events and conferences to God’s Own Country.”
The ambitious project includes an international-standard convention centre and a five-star deluxe hotel, each requiring an investment of ₹1,000 crore. The hotel will feature a spacious convention hall with a capacity of 3,000 people, making it the largest convention centre in South India, along with more than 200 luxurious rooms, significantly enhancing Kerala’s hospitality landscape.
Speaking about the expansion, Dr Ravi Pillai further remarked, “This investment aligns with our commitment to developing world-class hospitality assets in Kerala. With this project, we aim to set new benchmarks in luxury and business tourism, strengthening Kerala’s appeal as a global tourism and MICE destination.”
The announcement was made at the recently concluded ‘Invest Kerala’ summit in Kochi, where RP Group’s Vice President, Mr Asish Nair, handed over the letter of interest to Kerala’s Industry Minister, Mr P. Rajeev in the presence of Prof K.V. Thomas, former Minister for Tourism and Special Representative of Kerala state in Delhi, Dr A Jayathilak IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary of Kerala, and Mr. Sarath Madathil, Director of Sales & Marketing, Raviz Hotels & Resorts.
Raviz Hotels & Resorts owns and operates The Leela Raviz Kovalam Resort & Spa in Kovalam and The Leela Raviz Ashtamudi in Kollam, both managed by Leela Hotels, Resorts & Palaces. The group also operates Raviz Kadavu Resort & Spa in Azhinjillam, near Calicut International Airport, and Raviz Kozhikode, a prominent city business hotel.
Beyond Kerala, the RP Group owns two hotels in Dubai, UAE, and has already announced plans for new luxury hospitality projects in Kumarakom, Munnar, and Wayanad. This latest investment further strengthens the group’s commitment to enhancing Kerala’s hospitality and tourism infrastructure, catering to both domestic and international travellers.
Industry experts have welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the need for more large-scale convention centres in Kerala. At the Invest Kerala summit, Dr. Venu Vasudevan, tourism expert and former Chief Secretary of Kerala, underscored the importance of developing high-capacity venues to tap into the growing MICE sector, while participating in a panel discussion on ‘A Hub for Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Business’ at the two-day summit at the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Center.
In his keynote address, Mr Suman Billa IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, highlighted the need for more such facilities to sustain Kerala’s leadership in the Indian tourism sector, stating that Kerala’s strength lies in its diversity. “Kerala has become an investment-friendly destination through the gradual growth achieved in the tourism sector over the last 30 years, and the state should fully exploit its brand value as a global destination.”
According to industry veteran Mr. Jose Dominic of CGH Earth Hotels, “This is great news indeed. The announcement by Dr Ravi Pillai to build South India’s largest convention centre along with a state-of-the-art hotel will significantly boost MICE travel and destination weddings. This will bring business to Kerala’s diverse range of hotels, resorts, serviced villas, homestays, and houseboats across the state.”
He further added, “I do hope that the government will also remove barriers created by excise regulations that hinder the growth of MICE and destination weddings. In particular, the restriction of dry days on the first of every month needs reconsideration.”
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