HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
India’s hospitality sector is undergoing a groundbreaking transformation, driven by rapid infrastructure development and a surge in domestic travel. Alan Watts, President of Hilton’s Asia Pacific region, likens India’s current evolution to the US superhighway boom of the 1950s, a period that revolutionized travel and tourism.
In a recent interview Watts emphasized the significance of India’s expanding travel infrastructure. “The development of new airports, expressways, and high-speed rail networks is reshaping the travel landscape, unlocking tremendous opportunities for the tourism and hospitality industries,” he noted. Major initiatives like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and plans for 100 new airports are pivotal in this growth, enabling a dramatic rise in domestic travel. “We’re witnessing an explosion in domestic travel, and this will only grow as more people enter the middle class,” he added.
In response to this burgeoning market, Hilton has announced the launch of its **Spark** brand in India, aimed at catering to the aspirations of the rising middle class. In partnership with the Embassy Group, Hilton plans to roll out 150 Spark properties across the country. Designed as an entry-level, price-sensitive offering, Spark seeks to deliver Hilton’s hallmark hospitality at a more accessible price point. “This is our most price-sensitive brand, tailored for first-time and budget-conscious travelers,” Watts explained. Drawing inspiration from the success of Hampton by Hilton during America’s travel boom, he expressed confidence that Spark could replicate this success in India’s rapidly growing market.
As the country undergoes a transformative phase in travel and hospitality, brands like Hilton are positioning themselves to redefine the experience for a new generation of travelers.
Separately, Piyush Pandey, Chief Advisory at Ogilvy India, shared insights on his journey to winning the 2024 LIA Legend Award and reflected on the key learnings of the year.
Source: CNBC TV18
