Priya Paul, 

The hospitality industry in India was recently given some respite. In a climate of currency volatility and security concerns, hotels have been finding it difficult to raise capital. The government recently declared that large hotel projects (over Rs 200 crore) would now qualify as infrastructure projects. That’s not particularly exciting for Paul, since Park Hotels plans to roll out its new chain, the Zone, in tier II markets such as Raipur in Chhattisgarh and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. The idea behind Zone is to cater to Indian middle-class travellers, as well as those looking for affordable accommodation. Reports claim Paul is working with the London-based design house, Project Orange, to create a distinct identity for Zone.