International hotel brands are aggressively expanding in India, signing multiple deals with local property owners to tap into one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality markets. This surge is fueled by increasing business travel and the rise of new holiday destinations, industry experts say.
Thailand’s Dusit and Minor Hotels, UAE’s Kerzner, Maldives’ Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, and Hong Kong’s Mandarin Oriental are actively scouting for locations in India. Meanwhile, larger chains like Accor, IHG, and Hilton are set to introduce brands such as Handwritten Collection, Vignette Collection, Hampton, and Signia.
Minor Hotels, for example, aims to operate 50 hotels in India by 2035. The company recently launched Anantara Jewel Bagh in Jaipur and is in discussions with property owners across tier I and II cities. Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier attributes this interest to India’s strong economy and improved domestic connectivity.
Radisson Hotel Group is also ramping up its expansion, having signed 21 hotels in 2023, including the introduction of Radisson Collection in Hyderabad and a presence in Ayodhya. Hilton, on the other hand, plans to quadruple its hotel capacity in India over the next five years, targeting the growing demand for domestic leisure travel.
Industry projections indicate that by 2027, India will rank among the top five outbound travel markets, contributing $89 billion to global tourism—more than double its 2019 figures. This trend reinforces India’s growing significance in the global hospitality sector, making it a prime market for international brands.
Source: Mint
