Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad 
Capitalising on India’s booming travel market, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is setting its sights on a multi-pronged expansion strategy. Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, spoke with Asmita Mukherjee about their plans to deepen the brand’s presence in tier-II & III cities, cater to the spiritual tourism boom, and diversify their offerings with new brands.
Can you elaborate on your expansion strategy, particularly in tier-II & III cities?
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts recognizes the immense potential in India’s tier-II and III cities, driven by burgeoning infrastructure, increasing disposable incomes, and a rising domestic travel trend. We view these cities as a key part of our expansion strategy, tapping into previously untapped markets. With more than 30 hotels slated to open across Eurasia by 2025, we are committed to bringing our renowned hospitality services to these regions.
In 2024, we are focused on expanding our midscale offerings and footprint in tier-II and III cities. We aim to hire skilled professionals and train our workforce to ensure seamless operations and exceptional guest experiences. This expansion meets the growing demand for quality accommodation and contributes to regional economic development. With diverse brands, we cater to both business and leisure travelers, reaffirming Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to accessible travel.
What potential do you see in spiritual tourism? How is Wyndham planning to capture that market and how is the brand catering to the needs of spiritual travellers?
Spiritual tourism holds immense potential as it not only provides individuals with an opportunity for introspection and spiritual growth but also contributes significantly to the economic and cultural vitality of a region. At Wyndham, we recognize the importance of catering to this growing market segment and our hotel will help both domestic and international travellersexperience the spiritual connections they seek.
By offering comfortable retreats in key spiritual destinations such as Amritsar, Katra, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Bodhgaya, we aim to provide travellers with a seamless and enriching experience. Our recent venture into Ayodhya with our rapidly expanding Ramada Encore by Wyndham brand marks a significant milestone in our commitment to spiritual tourism. With five operational hotels and eight under development under this brand, we are poised to meet the evolving needs of spiritual travellers.
Ramada Encore by Wyndham stands out with its modern design and efficient operations, catering to young travelers. Our new hotel in Ayodhya reinforces our presence in Uttar Pradesh and our commitment to offering memorable experiences. By focusing on spiritual travellers, Wyndham aims to boost spiritual tourism and contribute to regional socioeconomic development.
Your current portfolio in India represents six of Wyndham’s global brands. Are there any plans to introduce additional brands from your portfolio into the Indian market?
Wyndham’s robust portfolio in India already showcases many esteemed global brands, including Wyndham, Ramada, Ramada Encore, Trademark, Howard Johnson, Hawthorn Suites, and Days Inn. We’re strategically planning to introduce additional brands into the Indian market to diversify our offerings further and cater to every traveller.
As transportation infrastructure grows, the demand for accommodations along these routes will soar. Wyndham, brandslike Days Inn and Super 8 will provide convenient and affordable lodging options for travelers across many routes. Over the next 2-3 years, we anticipate substantial growth and development in India’s hospitality sector, and we’re poised to capitalize on these opportunities by expanding our brand presence across the country.
Can you share any details about new signings, mergers, and hotel openings planned for India in 2024-2025? How does this contribute to your strategy of deepening your footprint in the midscale segment?
In 2024-2025, we’re poised for significant growth in India’s hospitality sector, with several strategic moves underway. Our pipeline includes new signings, expanding our presence across 41 cities. This expansion focuses on the midscale segment, deepening our footprint in key urban hubs. With 60+ operational hotels and over 5,333 rooms (along with more than 30 hotels under development), we’re solidifying our position as a leading player in India’s hospitality landscape.
With the ever-changing business landscape, what strategies does Wyndham have in place to ensure business continuity in India, especially in light of recent challenges?
Wyndham has strategically positioned itself to thrive amidst India’s dynamic business landscape. Recognizing the burgeoning potential in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, Wyndham pioneered its presence there early on, foreseeing the saturation in key metropolitan areas. Leveraging this foresight, the company has cultivated substantial growth in these regions. Furthermore, Wyndham is tapping into emerging trends like spiritual and religious tourism, a sector ripe with opportunities. By diversifying its portfolio and embracing evolving consumer preferences, Wyndham ensures resilience against challenges. This proactive approach underscores its commitment to sustained business continuity, poised to navigate any hurdles that may arise.
Talent acquisition and retention are major challenges in the hospitality industry. What strategies are in place to address these challenges, and how does Wyndham plan to expand its workforce in India for 2024?
Investing in finding and nurturing the right talent is vital for success and will close the talent gap. Wyndham employs a multifaceted strategy, that not only invests in our people, but also invests at the grassroots to foster the next generation of young talent. Our primary focus is on nurturing talent within the industry through comprehensive training programmes, mentorship, and tailored development paths.
Partnering with platforms like JobPlus enables us to equip aspiring hospitality professionals with the necessary skills, ensuring they seamlessly transition into our workforce. We are strategically hiring across upper, mid, and junior tiers, aligning recruitment and retention efforts with our pipeline objectives for 2024. With a current workforce of 6500, our target is to onboard 1500-1700 new colleagues this year to support our expanding operations effectively. Wyndham’s commitment lies not only in sourcing talent but also in fostering an environment where employees thrive in a great culture, ensuring long-term retention and organizational success.
What are the current trends and new policies in the hospitality sector that Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is closely monitoring or implementing?
Sustainability is at the heart of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and we are committed to pioneering sustainable practices and providing places to stay, that are socially, ethically, and environmentally responsible. There is a growing demand for ethical tourism and guests now expect brands to move beyond meeting minimal expectations to purposeful impact. Our Wyndham Green programme is mandated for all our hotels and is designed to optimise energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and minimise waste, ensuring environmentally responsible operations.
Technology and personalisation are also a key priority, for example we are implementing contactless solutions for seamless guest experiences, ensuring safety and convenience. Furthermore, Wyndham is adapting to evolving travel regulations, prioritizing guest well-being with enhanced hygiene protocols. These initiatives underscore Wyndham’s commitment to innovation and guest satisfaction in an ever-changing hospitality landscape.
