The Park Hotels: Designing Communications

Abstract

The case describes how Priya Paul, the Chairperson of The Park Hotel (TPH), and her team created a uniquely Indian boutique hotel network — infusing each property with local ethos and a charming distinction, emphasizing intimate and personalized service, and positioning each hotel as an entertainment destination for customers. The case invites students to consider the communication choices open to the TPH management in 2010 as they cope with growing competition from the entry of international majors (Hyatt, Starwood Hotels and JW Marriott) and the expansion plans of domestic giants (The Taj, Oberoi and ITC Welcomgroup) while seeking to retain the distinctiveness and individuality of each of the properties in the network. The case describes the communication strategy adopted by TPH and elaborates on the various channels of communication used such as personal selling, advertising, public relations, and social media. The rich exhibits of the case allow for analysis of creative as well as media strategy. The case will enable participants to understand the challenges in integrating the different elements of marketing communications and the challenges in communicating experiences as opposed to products or services.