Kerala-based Kairali Ayurvedic Group, much known for its luxury ayurvedic spa offerings, is embarking on a major overseas expansion drive in 2016. The group which presently has 25 overseas centers in 10 countries ( with five centers in Japan) is likely to add over 10 units during the course of the forthcoming year while making debut in new markets like the US.
“ 2016 is going to be a very significant year for us in terms of our international expansion. During the initial months of the new year, we will be making debut in the Czech Republic (two centers) and Bulgaria. Later in the year, we will also have an important opening in Stanford, the US. We are also eyeing to open in other new markets like Australia and Bangladesh before the end of 2016 apart from adding units in some existing markets. On an overall basis, we expect to open 12 new international centers in 2016,” Abhilash Ramesh, Executive Director, Kairali Ayurvedic Group told TourismFirst in a recent conversation. Kairali Ayurvedic Centers are much known for offering scores of ayurvedic treatments (as many as 40) which are both generic as well as ailment specific solutions. The group is also involved in producing in-house ayurvedic wellness products and has emerged as a major name in the arena of alternative therapy, believed to be a strong pillar of India’s medical tourism offerings.
Lebanon, Poland, Mauritius and Gerogia are other countries where Kairali intends to open its outlet in 2016. Most of the new openings would be undertaken via the franchise route while some of them could well be acquired as well. “ For our international expansion, it is the franchise model we have resorted to in the past and this will continue to be the fulcrum of our strategy since it is faster and cost effective. Most of the new openings will happen in association with local partners,” Ramesh added.
The group also has planned out to expand within the country with new centers. Currently Ayurvedic centers are present in 15 locations in the country and the group is eyeing for more destinations. “ Our domestic expansion has been quite steady. In the recent months, we have opened ayurvedic centers in Nagaland, Raipur and Siliguri and we are currently examining more destinations. We will shortly take a call on our future domestic destinations,” he underlined.
