GUJARAT JHM HOTELS, owned by the Rama family along with U.S.-based Auro Hotels, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Gujarat to develop the JW Marriott Surat Resort & Spa in Surat in the state of Gujarat, India. It is GJHM's third Marriott hotel in the city after the Surat Marriott Hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott Surat.
The upcoming property will feature more than 300 guestrooms and villas, according to a joint statement by GJHM and Auro Hotels, according to a release on the Press Trust of India website.
"This transformative project, backed by more than $120 million (Rs 1,000 crore) investment, aims to create jobs for 800 individuals, offer crucial infrastructure for the city's growth, and establish Surat as the commercial capital of Gujarat," said D.J. Rama, director of GJHM and president and CEO of Auro Hotels. "Aspiring to be a 'Smart City,' this strategic investment underscores Gujarat JHM's commitment to fostering inclusive development. Surat is poised to emerge as a beacon of urban advancement, seamlessly combining financial strength with technological innovation."
The JW Marriott Surat, conceived as an urban resort, provides a view of the city's first 9-hole executive golf course, the statement added. Alongside the hotel, GJHM plans to build a convention and events center with the goal of attracting large-scale national conferences and events to Surat. This new facility will be a part of the envisioned social, convention and meeting district, equipped with essential facilities.
"As we undertake this project with the esteemed Government of Gujarat in Surat, we embrace not just an agreement but a shared vision for holistic progress," said H.P. Rama, chairman of GJHM and Auro Hotels. "Our commitment goes beyond business; it's a spiritual alignment towards uplifting communities and fostering enduring prosperity. Together, we establish the foundation for a meaningful collaboration that acknowledges the interconnectedness of economic growth and the well-being of citizens."
GJHM said it is showing commitment to Surat's progress through a strategic venture benefiting industry, citizens, and the next generation, the statement further said. Building on a track record including Surat's first five-star hotel and Auro University, GJHM aims to contribute to the city's growth.
"With Surat experiencing rapid economic development, we are excited to oversee this upcoming JW Marriott-branded property," said Ranju Alex, Marriott’s area vice president for South Asia. "This partnership reinforces Surat's strategic significance, now boasting three operating hotels. We anticipate offering guests access to our world-class brands and delivering exceptional customer experiences."
Surat Marriott Hotel, opened in 2019, marked Auro's second hotel in Surat, following the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Surat. In 2021, Auro University in Surat partnered with Marriott International to offer training, internships, and employment opportunities. This collaboration prioritizes students from the School of Hospitality Management, emphasizing the university's dedication to preparing students for improved placement, especially with companies like Marriott.
On Feb. 17, 2022, Jayanti P. “J.P.” Rama, former AAHOA chairman and co-founder of JHM Hotels (now Auro Hotels), passed away at the age of 74. His son, D.J. Rama, currently serves as the president and CEO of Auro Hotels, based in Greenville, South Carolina. J.P. Rama was the brother of H.P. Rama, founder of AAHOA, and M.P. Rama, a past AAHOA Chairman.
