ITC Hotels Limited has signed a management agreement to operate a 22-key boutique retreat on Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) under its Storii by ITC Hotels brand, the company said on Tuesday. The move represents ITC's first branded entry into the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and expands its presence in high-potential leisure destinations.
Property and facilities
The resort, to be called Storii Havelock, has been described as an intimate island retreat that will leverage the area’s beaches, marine biodiversity and tropical landscape. Planned facilities include well-appointed rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa and a children’s play area, according to the announcement.
ITC said the property aims to offer guests a rounded leisure experience within the serene island setting while reflecting the local character of the Andaman Islands.
Industry context and local impact
The signing strengthens ITC Hotels’ growing portfolio of leisure properties as the company targets holiday markets that attract domestic and international travellers. Swaraj Dweep has gained traction among leisure travellers for its beaches and diving sites, and branded hospitality offerings are seen as a step toward structured tourism growth on the island.
Branded hotels can have several local impacts: they tend to create direct and indirect employment during construction and operations, introduce standardised training for hospitality staff, and can influence supply chains for food, beverage and services. At the same time, they can raise discussions around environmental safeguards and infrastructure carrying capacity on sensitive islands.
What the parties said
“Swaraj Deep (Havelock Island) has emerged as one of India’s most sought-after leisure destinations, drawing travellers with its unparalleled natural beauty and distinctive experiences. The signing of Storii Havelock reflects our strategy of expanding across high-potential leisure markets through properties that are rooted in their surroundings. We look forward to introducing the Storii brand to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands,”
The statement was attributed to Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited.
“We are pleased to collaborate with ITC Hotels on this project. Swaraj Deep continues to attract travellers seeking a blend of nature, adventure and relaxation. We are confident that Storii Havelock will create a compelling hospitality offering that reflects the true spirit of the Andaman Islands,”
said Arjun Kapoor, Director, M/s Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts Private Limited, the local partner named in the announcement.
Project specifics and timelines
The announcement gives the size of the property as 22 keys but does not specify opening dates, investment figures or construction timelines. Details on environmental clearances, local employment targets and procurement plans were not disclosed in the statement.
| Detail | Information provided |
|---|---|
| Brand | Storii by ITC Hotels |
| Location | Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) |
| Room count | 22 keys |
| Facilities mentioned | Rooms and suites, all-day dining, bar, pool, fitness centre, spa, kids' play area |
Potential implications for tourism and planning
The entry of a national hospitality group into the Andaman market may encourage more demand from domestic travellers who prefer branded accommodation; it may also influence seasonal pricing and attract longer-stay guests. Local authorities and tourism stakeholders typically monitor such projects to ensure development aligns with environmental norms and local community interests on ecologically sensitive islands.
- Employment: Branded hotels usually bring formal employment opportunities for local staff across operations, housekeeping, culinary and management roles.
- Supply chain: Resorts source food, goods and services locally where possible, potentially boosting small suppliers but also increasing demand for logistics and cold chains.
- Environment: Small-island ecosystems require careful management of waste, water and coastal impacts; project approvals often incorporate environmental conditions.
What remains to be confirmed
The announcement does not include several operational details that matter to residents and planners: the construction timeline, the scale of local recruitment, investment amount, and the status of statutory and environmental clearances. Observers will look for further disclosures from ITC and the local partner as the project moves from signing to execution.
For travellers and local stakeholders, the Storii Havelock signing signals increasing interest by mainstream hotel brands in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, a trend that could reshape visitor experiences and the local economy if developed with attention to sustainability and community benefits.
