Chennai's Empee group of companies has come up with a new plan for expanding its hospitality business. The latest expansion plan includes construction of new luxury hotels, renovation of the existing ones and getting hold of new properties. According to the company officials, Empee group is aimed at emerging as the leading business house in south India.

"As per our existing plans, the group will have total room strength of around 600," Empee Distilleries Ltd joint managing director Nisha Purushothaman said. "We are also scouting for a suitable three-star 50-room hotel property for acquisition. Our idea is to first set up hotels in places where we have a land bank," Purushothaman added.

One of the group's companies, Empee Hotels Ltd., has decided to establish Hilton Chennai, a 362-room hotel, and another hotel in Sriperumbudur with a capacity of 100 rooms. The group has also decided to expand its business-class Grand Orient Hotel to four-star category and renovate the New Victoria Hotel, both located in Chennai.

Moreover, Empee group is in its quest for land or an existing property for acquisition in Hyderabad and has also identified eight locations in Kerala to set up budget and heritage hotels. According to Empee International chief executive Ravi Chawla, the group of companies aims at setting up seven hotels in sever years and mark their presence across other categories including resorts.