Category Archives: Hotels

In 2024, India’s hospitality sector shifted focus to tier II and III cities like Amritsar and Bikaner, accounting for nearly half of hotel transactions, as per JLL report. CY 2024 witnessed 42,071 keys in terms of branded hotel signings and 11,352 keys in terms of branded hotel openings. As many as 77 per cent of these signings were concentrated in tier II and III cities.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts recently wrapped up its multi-city India Showcase 2025, hosting impactful events across Mumbai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi. The showcase attracted over 300 prominent stakeholders from India’s travel trade, MICE, weddings, and corporate travel sectors. This strategic outreach not only reinforced Cinnamon’s brand presence but also created a strong pipeline of potential business opportunities from India, its largest source market. The events spotlighted the brand’s diverse offerings across Sri Lanka and the Maldives, aiming to deepen engagement with Indian planners and agents while presenting Sri Lanka as a compelling alternative to other short-haul international destinations. With Indian travellers accounting for approximately 20% of Cinnamon Hotels’ overall guest volume, the hospitality brand is placing strong emphasis on the India market. According to Radhey Tawar, Chief Commercial Officer, “We see this number growing even more in 2025, especially in Colombo, which is witnessing a surge in tourism-related infrastructure.” He emphasised that with Sri Lanka expecting a record year for tourist arrivals this year, our India-focused strategy is geared towards capitalising on this momentum. “Our roadshows, direct partnerships with airlines and agents, and expanded sales presence in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are all aligned toward driving business from India”, he said. At the heart of this strategy is Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, a $1.3 billion integrated resort in Colombo. Opened in late 2023, the project is Sri Lanka’s largest private investment and is expected to redefine Colombo’s skyline and tourism value proposition. “Cinnamon Life is not just a hotel. It’s a destination,” said Johan Aschan, Area VP, Sri Lanka Resorts Sector and General Manager, Cinnamon Bentota Beach. With over 800 rooms, a convention center, a high-end …

Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO– South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “In terms of rate dynamics, I foresee continued growth in Average Daily Rates (ADRs) across metros and leisure destinations, despite a possible short-term dip in occupancy during Q2 of FY2025. But other than that, I don’t see any drop in ADRs in India.”

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Hyatt Hotels plans to introduce its all-inclusive resorts to India breaking new ground in the branded hospitality segment in the country. Sunjae Sharma, Managing Director, Hyatt (India and South West Asia), says that the hotel group is planning to introduce its all-inclusive brands Ziva and Zilara brands to India. He added that he is convinced India is ready for the all-inclusive model as domestic guests now account for up to 80% of its bookings.

Sharing his audacious vision for IHCL, its CEO & MD, Puneet Chhatwal, says, “With the highest GDP growth and a rapidly expanding middle-income segment, the road ahead for Indian hospitality looks exceptionally promising. Over the past seven years of my tenure—including the challenging pandemic years—IHCL has evolved into a robust brand with a portfolio of over 380 hotels. On average, we have opened 15 hotels annually and we are committed to maintaining this momentum. We aim to double our revenue and portfolio to 700 hotels by 2030. When you have willingness to do, you find ways to do it.”

Emphasising that domestic tourism continues to be Radisson Hotel Group’s (RHG) growth driver, now accounting for 90–95 per cent of business post-COVID. Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO– South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Inbound travel is gradually picking up, with the group actively collaborating with GoI to further develop this segment.”

Maintaining an asset-light strategy, Dusit Hotels & Resorts India’s tally touches 10 hotels with fresh signings in Raipur, Bhiwadi, Kolkata, Lonavala, Kasauli, and Manali. Siradej Donavanik, VP, Global Development, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are aiming for 5-6 operation properties in the coming years and achieving the 3000 keys target in the next 5 years.”

Speaking at a hospitality event, Naveen Kundu, MD, Ebixcash Travel Services, said, “To attract Indian travellers, the global hospitality industry must get its hotels ‘India ready’.” He suggested focus should be on food and beverage including other amenities and services and there should be an India manager for India market. India is never going to disappoint you, he added.

Serena Hotels Africa, the premier collection of award-winning safari lodges and camps, city hotels and beach resorts across East and Southern Africa, is proud to announce a strategic partnership ARK Travel Group. As the official representative for Serena Hotels in India, Anjum Lokhandwala, Director, ARK Travel Group, will spearhead efforts to connect discerning Indian travellers with premium travel experiences in East Africa. Through this partnership, Serena Hotels Africa will now offer Indian families, honeymooners, wildlife enthusiasts, and premium travellers an insider gateway to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and beyond. A Bridge Between Continents From the cosmopolitan charm of Nairobi Serena Hotel to the historical shores of Zanzibar Serena Hotel  in Stone town, and the majestic wilderness of Kirawira Serena Camp in Tanzania.  Indian travellers will now have unprecedented access to handpicked journeys within the Serena Hotels unforgettable itineraries, which fuse cultural depth with world-class service. “India is not just a growing outbound travel market—it’s a community that appreciates heritage, family, and the richness of storytelling, all of which Serena embodies,” said Lokhandwala. “My goal is to help Indian travellers reimagine East Africa—not just as a destination, but as a soul-stirring experience. With Serena Hotels, we are offering more than premium getaways; we are offering journeys that leave an imprint.” A United Vision Ashish Sharma, CEO of Serena Hotels Africa, expressed confidence in the new partnership: “Anjum Lokhandwala brings unmatched insight into the Indian travel landscape. With her at the helm, we assure our Indian travellers a seamless brand experience. Joyce Wangui, Director of Sales, added: “Indian travellers are looking for more than sightseeing—they want immersive stories and meaningful connections. Through Anjum’s contribution, we are curating experiences that blend refinement with the …