2706 New Rooms Entered in India in H1 2024 in Upscale & Premium Segment- SKYE Report

2706 New Rooms Entered in India in H1 2024 in Upscale & Premium Segment- SKYE Report

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 6, 2024

SKYE Hospitality, an end-to-end hospitality & strategy consulting company, has released its maiden market analysis on the pulse of the Indian hotel industry for the first six months of 2024. The analysis has shared some interesting insights and perspectives on the Indian hospitality sector.

According to the analysis, 2706 rooms have entered the market in H1 2024. Out of these, 994 rooms (~37%) consisted of upscale rooms, while the remaining (63%) consisted of premium inventories. A total of 22 new projects have opened in H1 2024, with major hospitality brands such as IHCL, ITC, Radisson, Hyatt, ROHL, Bharat Hospitality, and Wyndham contributing to the new projects.

34% of the new supplies were located in the West, followed by the East (28%). The North and South contributed to 26% and 12% respectively. "The Indian hospitality industry is on a strong footing marked by a rise in occupancy, new projects opening, and a bullish pipeline for the future. In the first half, average occupancy in major hotels ranged between 70-75%. Occupancy has risen by around 15-20% compared to the same period last year," quoted Mr. Ankit Kansal, MD, SKYE Hospitality.

"The Indian hotel industry is witnessing a robust rebound backed by a rise in business events, leisure travels, wedding season, etc. Other factors such as the growing trend of staycations, a surge in experiential travel trends amongst millennials & Gen-Z, and a rise in wellness tourism packages are also fuelling demand for hospitality businesses in India. The concept of revenge travel is also there, as most of the hotels operate at 100% occupancy during extended weekends," added Mr. Kansal.

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The government is also playing a pivotal role through concentrated policy efforts to boost infrastructure and introduce numerous attractive schemes. Multiple schemes such as Dekho Apna Desh, Incredible India, PRASHAD, Aayush, etc., have been introduced, helping in hotel demand. There has been notable growth in infrastructure development in the form of highways, railway corridors, and airports, enhancing overall accessibility. Consequently, major hotel brands are now launching new products in territories such as North East, J&K, Andaman, and Lakshadweep. These locations have been relatively less explored in the past.

During the same period, around 243,000 Sq. Ft of hotel-based meeting and banquet space entered the market, as per the SKYE analysis. Eastern parts of India accounted for the highest supplies (47%) followed by the North (25%). The Indian event and meeting industry is growing at a steady rate of 8-10%. India is becoming a reputed MICE destination internationally, stemmed by growth in infrastructure, a rise in the economy, and rich cultural heritage.

Commenting on the future outlook of the industry, Mr. Kansal said, "The next 3-5 years will see aggressive expansion in the industry, as both domestic and international brands will extend their footprint across segments."

Taj is presently working on over 20 projects, while Vivanta is invested in around 50 new projects. International hospitality brand Accor is planning to add 5500 new rooms across various brands such as Pullman, Novotel, IBIS, etc. Oberoi Groups is also planning to add around 50 projects in the next 5 years across Oberoi Hotels and Trident. The group is also planning to introduce a new brand, "Oberoi Nature," which will be a smaller format hotel.


Raffles Cambodia Secures Top Honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

Raffles Cambodia Secures Top Honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on June 30, 2026

Raffles Cambodia’s iconic heritage hotels have secured top honours in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026, reaffirming their position among the region’s leading luxury hospitality destinations.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh was ranked Cambodia’s No. 1 city hotel, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap secured the No. 2 position in the same category. Both properties also featured prominently across additional award categories, highlighting their continued excellence in luxury hospitality.

In the “Best Hotel Swimming Pools” category, Raffles Hotel Le Royal ranked No. 2, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor secured the No. 4 position. The Siem Reap property also earned the No. 4 spot in the “Best Hotel Spas” category. Adding to the accolades, Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons was recognised among Cambodia’s best General Managers.

Commenting on the recognition, Dagmar Lyons said the achievement reflects the dedication of the entire team in bringing the heritage spirit of the hotel to life while maintaining Raffles’ signature warm and intuitive service.

Joseph Colina, General Manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, noted that the recognition reinforces the hotel’s role as a historic gateway to Angkor and its commitment to preserving Cambodia’s cultural and hospitality legacy.

The strong performance at the awards follows recent heritage-focused initiatives by Raffles Cambodia, including the launch of the “Grand Path of History” tour and a new publication chronicling the golden age of travel in Southeast Asia. The brand also continues to showcase archival materials and historical artefacts across its properties.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, originally opened in 1929, is known for its French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco-inspired design, following a major restoration completed in 2019. Meanwhile, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, established in 1932, continues to reflect classic French Art Deco architecture blended with Cambodian influences.

Both properties were previously among the select hotels in Cambodia to receive MICHELIN Keys in the inaugural edition of the guide for the country. Raffles Hotel Le Royal was also ranked the No. 2 hotel in Southeast Asia in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

With continued global recognition, Raffles Cambodia strengthens its position as a custodian of heritage luxury hospitality, blending history, culture, and refined service across its iconic properties.


Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Novotel Cairo Airport commemorated World Oceans Day with its "From the Nile to the Ocean" initiative, a sustainability-focused programme designed to highlight the connection between local environmental responsibility and global marine conservation.

The initiative brought together wellness, education, and responsible dining experiences to encourage greater awareness of the importance of protecting water resources. Through the campaign, the hotel sought to demonstrate how local actions can contribute to broader environmental preservation efforts.

The day began with an outdoor yoga session overlooking the Nile River, creating a reflective and mindful setting for participants. The wellness activity reinforced the campaign's message that meaningful environmental change begins with individual awareness and conscious choices.

Following the yoga session, hotel associates participated in an interactive educational presentation focused on water conservation and ocean safety. The discussion highlighted the role local waterways play in supporting larger marine ecosystems and emphasized the importance of protecting rivers such as the Nile as part of a global sustainability effort.

As part of the celebration, Novotel Cairo Airport's culinary team curated a special menu centred on fresh, local, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Served poolside, the dining experience showcased how sustainable sourcing and conscious food choices can contribute to environmental stewardship while supporting local communities.

By integrating wellness activities, environmental education, and sustainable dining into a single initiative, the hotel aimed to create a holistic experience that encouraged participants to reflect on their relationship with natural resources and the environment.

The programme further reinforces Novotel Cairo Airport's commitment to responsible hospitality and sustainability, while supporting Accor's broader vision of promoting environmentally conscious practices across its global portfolio.

Through initiatives such as "From the Nile to the Ocean," the hotel continues to engage both its team members and guests in conversations around sustainability, inspiring collective action toward the protection of vital water ecosystems and the preservation of the planet's natural resources.


The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

By Hariharan U

Published on June 24, 2026

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre marked International Yoga Day with a thoughtfully curated wellness initiative that brought together guests, wellness enthusiasts, and hotel associates for a morning dedicated to mindfulness and holistic wellbeing in Ahmedabad.

The event featured a guided yoga and meditation session designed to encourage participants to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace balance in an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle. Attendees from different age groups took part in yoga asanas, breathwork exercises, and mindfulness practices in a calm and energising environment.

Positioned as a community-focused initiative, the celebration reflected the growing importance of wellness in modern hospitality experiences. The session aimed to create a shared space where participants could prioritise both physical and mental wellbeing while taking a conscious break from daily routines.

Speaking about the initiative, Kalpesh Prajapati, Managing Director of The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre, highlighted that wellness has evolved from being an occasional luxury to an essential part of contemporary living and travel. He emphasised the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that promote mindfulness, balance, and overall wellbeing within the community.

As wellness continues to shape the hospitality landscape, The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre has been focusing on experiences that extend beyond accommodation and events, encouraging meaningful engagement with both guests and the wider Ahmedabad community.

The International Yoga Day celebration concluded with healthy refreshments and informal interactions among participants, reinforcing the importance of conscious living and collective wellbeing.

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