HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
According to TOI, the success story of motels in America has long been credited to Indian-origin Patels, who have played a pivotal role in the industry. Now, an American hospitality giant is eyeing India’s infrastructure boom, particularly along its expanding highways, with plans to establish budget to mid-scale hotels. Dimitris Manikis, President of Europe, Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa at New Jersey-based Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which is widely known in India for the Ramada brand, sees significant potential for $30-40 per night accommodations along Indian highways and linked service stations.
In an interview with TOI on Thursday, Manikis stated, “The next wave of hotels in India will be in the budget to mid-scale segment, similar to how budget carriers have dominated aviation. It’s surprising that a country like India, with so much to offer, attracts about 12 million foreign tourist arrivals, while Greece, with a population of 9-10 million, welcomes 35 million in just nine months. With the rapid development of highways in India, there is enormous potential to develop hotels along these routes and at service stations. People will want to drive, rest for a night, and continue their journey the next day, refreshed.”
The budget hotel sector in India remains largely unorganized, and the government has long urged major hotel chains to enter this unregulated space. Wyndham currently operates 60 hotels in India across seven brands, with an additional 45 properties in the pipeline, expected to open within the next 2.5 years. Globally, Wyndham has 9,200 properties across 95 countries and 25 brands.
Manikis explained, “We primarily acquire brands. Of our 25 current brands, we purchased 20, developed four, and licensed one. We are seeking the right opportunity to acquire budget to mid-scale brands in India. I envision Wyndham having 150 hotels in India by 2025.” He also acknowledged the significant contribution of Indian-origin individuals to the U.S. hospitality industry, stating, “The backbone of U.S. hospitality is the Indian diaspora.”
Source: TOI
