Nair told a group of newsmen, in response to queries, that his group ``may participate'' in the strategic sale of ITDC hotels the government is planning in the wake of disinvestment commission reports to that effect.

A doyen of the hotel business, Nair would, however, like to concentrate on the expansion of his own empire, including the Leela Palace, Goa, which he considers the pride of the group.

Situated next to the Indian Ocean, bordered by Mobor beach and near fishing villages on the river Sal, the Leela Palace resort is a villa enclave rich in Indian heritage.

Designed in the style of ancient Indian summer palaces, the resort has 159 rooms and suites set in regal villas, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and lagoons--all spread in a 75-acre area.

``If you want to experience the ultimate in luxury,come to the Leela Palace,'' says Capt Nair in the presence of his general manager Reto V Torriani who proudly nods in agreement.

No wonder, more than 80 per cent occupants are foreign nationals and holiday makers who come to Goa in search of the ultimate touristic pleasure. They come from all over the world, Torriani tells reporters.

But Capt Nair has a vision of his own. He wants to turn Leela Palace into more than a tourist haven. ``My resort is the ideal venue for meetings and international conventions, with four conference and banquet rooms providing almost 1,000 square metres of flexible meeting space,'' he says. The world energy conference was held in the Leela Palace, Goa. This would not only further the cause of tourism in the country, but also help decongest metros like Delhi, Mumbai, etc, which are already bursting at the seams. ``Why hold most of the international meets in Delhi,'' he asks, ``when all facilities are available in places like Goa?''

Capt Nair, who recently won the covetedenvironment award from the UN, pleads for more infrastructure facilities for Goa. For example, he says, there are several foreign charters landing in Goa. But there is not enough parking bay. This puts off the charter operators.