IHG Hotels & Resorts and Samhi Hotels are gearing up for a significant expansion in Bengal’s hospitality sector, with the launch of a INR 40 crore Holiday Inn Express in Kolkata. This 113-key property, owned by Samhi and managed by IHG, marks the 18th Holiday Inn Express in India and highlights the region’s growing potential.
Samhi, which owns 12 of these properties, is committed to further investments, with plans for additional Holiday Inn Express locations in Kolkata and suburban areas. Sudeep Jain, IHG’s Managing Director for South Asia, stated that Bengal offers opportunities in cities like Siliguri, Durgapur, Santiniketan, Digha, and Darjeeling.
IHG currently operates 52 hotels across India under brands like Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express, with plans for a 2.5-fold growth through 84 hotels under construction.
Ashish Jakhanwala, CMD of Samhi Hotels, emphasized their interest in acquiring more properties in Kolkata, calling this project “the first of many” in the region.
Despite the enthusiasm, no fixed timeline has been announced for these expansions. Industry forecasts suggest stable performance in Bengal’s hotel market, supported by government initiatives for streamlined approvals.
IHG and Samhi’s investments underscore the growing confidence in Bengal’s tourism and hospitality sector, paving the way for job creation and economic growth.
