Marriott International, the largest hotel chain in India, announced plans to expand its footprint to 90 cities by 2026, targeting both tier-two and tier-three cities. Currently operating 158 hotels with 29,000 rooms across 42 cities, Marriott’s pipeline includes an additional 20,000 rooms across 112 new properties.
Speaking on CNBC, Rajeev Menon, President of Marriott’s APAC division, highlighted India’s strategic importance to the company’s global growth strategy. “India continues to be one of our most promising markets, and this expansion reflects our commitment to meeting the needs of an evolving hospitality landscape,” said Menon.
A Hotelivate report revealed that Marriott accounts for 13.6% of all branded hotel rooms in India, making it the country’s leading hotel chain. It is closely followed by IHCL (12%), Radisson, ITC, and Accor, which round out the top players in the market.
Despite its potential, the Indian hospitality market remains challenging due to bureaucratic hurdles, high land and interest costs, and the difficulty of sourcing skilled staff while catering to local preferences. However, favorable demographics and a growing middle class continue to make India an attractive market for international hotel chains.
Marriott’s ambitious plans underscore the brand’s confidence in India’s growing demand for quality accommodations, further solidifying its leadership in the country’s hospitality sector.
