The Indian Hotels Co, promoted by the Tatas, is contemplating the introduction of a fresh brand of hotels titled 'The Gateway Hotel' in order to serve a new emerging-section of customers. It is the same company that owns the luxurious Taj brand as well as the economy brand Ginger. The Indian Hotels Co informed that it is aiming 50 operating and signed hotels the coming three years.

The proposed chain, 'The Gateway Hotel' will rank below the prestigious Taj brand and above the Ginder brand. Ajoi Misra, senior V-P (sales and marketing), IHCL, said, 'We think the star game in hotels is outdated and therefore, we have not defined this brand as any star. It remains an upscale option whereas Ginger would be our economy segment.' It is the key smaller cities like Agra and Varanasi which the group is targeting for its new hotel chain.