PRESS RELEASE

June 02, 2009 (London)

Mahindra Homestays has revealed that Kerala is their most popular Homestay destination. The region currently accounts for more than 50 per cent of all bookings, and is followed by Rajasthan and Delhi.

The survey also confirmed that the UK is Mahindra Homestay’s strongest market, accounting for three times as many bookings as its nearest rival.

The company, which has increased in size from 50 Homestays at the UK launch in July 2008, has already exceeded its initial target to operate 120 Homestays within 12 months as the current total has already reached 133. The Homestays are spread across ten states and 27 locations; additional locations are planned for the near future. Mahindra Homestays aims to have 350 affiliated Homestays by March 2010.

The average cost of a Homestay is just £44 per room per night, providing guests with a value for money experience of the ‘real’ India.

Head of marketing for Mahindra Homestays, Japa Ghosh, commented: “The survey reinforces our initial belief that UK consumers want an affordable holiday experience and are keen to discover the ‘real’ India by staying in private homes with no more than eight rooms available for guests.

“Our Homestays provide travellers closer access than ever before to life in India at a reasonable price and also help to make a real difference to local communities” He went on to add “Guests from the UK who stayed with us have really enjoyed the comfort and insight provided by our homestays and absolutely loved the local cuisine.”

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Notes to Editors
MAHINDRA HOMESTAYS
Mahindra Homestays is an effort by Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited to organise the growing Homestay industry in India and market it under a strong brand. Mahindra Homestays has set up a pan-India network of homes that delivers the real India through an enriching host- guest interaction.

A Homestay is accommodation provided in a private home, with no more than 8 rooms available for guests, run by the homeowner.
Mahindra Homestays has implemented a stringent quality inspection system to ensure that the affiliated homes provide services and amenities that meet the expectations of the discerning traveller. The Mahindra Homestays are situated in cities and tourist destinations across India and offer good value-for-money accommodation and a unique experience.

MAHINDRA HOLIDAYS AND RESORTS INDIA LTD
Parentage
Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. is a part of the USD 6.7 billion Mahindra Group, one of India’s leading Industrial Houses. The Group has interests in various sectors such as automotive, farm equipment, trade and financial Services, infrastructure and information Technology.

Company
Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd., (MHRIL) is a part of the Mahindra Group. Started in 1996, the company’s flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra Holidays’ now has a fast growing customer base of over 75,000 members and 24 beautiful Resorts at some of the most exotic spots in India and abroad. MHRIL launched its third holiday brand, ‘Zest’ in the month of November 2006. As at 1st April 2008, Zest has a member base of 2,172 members.

For more details on Mahindra Group please visit: www.mahindra.com