Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company, has continued its rapid expansion across Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa (EMEA) in 2024. With 83 new contracts signed and over 50 hotels opened, the company has added more than 6,400 rooms to its portfolio, strengthening its presence in high-growth markets such as France, India, Spain, Türkiye, and Portugal.

This growth contributed to Wyndham’s 5% year-over-year increase in its global development pipeline, which now stands at a record 252,000 rooms worldwide. The EMEA region alone achieved 10% RevPAR growth, further demonstrating the strength of Wyndham’s brand portfolio and its commitment to supporting hotel owners through its Owner First™ approach to franchising.

"Wyndham's strong momentum in 2024 underscores the strength of our diverse brand portfolio and growing regional demand. We continue to strengthen our presence in key markets across EMEA while expanding into high-growth segments such as extended stay and branded residences. Our expansion in upscale segments, including Dolce by Wyndham in Europe, India, and the UAE, offers exciting opportunities for our business partners. As we grow, our focus remains on delivering long-term value through our Owner First strategies and providing exceptional experiences for travelers."

— Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Key Growth Highlights Across EMEA

1. Strengthening Presence in Türkiye

Wyndham remains the largest international hotel company in Türkiye, with 120+ hotels across 40+ cities. Key 2024 openings include:

• Days Inn by Wyndham Alanya – A modern, budget-friendly resort along the Mediterranean coast.
• Boreas Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham – The first Trademark Collection hotel in Ankara, offering a contemporary stay in the capital.
• Wyndham Garden Cambasi – A picturesque retreat in the Black Sea highlands of Ordu.

2. Expanding Ramada Across the Middle East & South Asia

The Ramada by Wyndham brand continued its strategic expansion with notable 2024 openings, including:

• Ramada by Wyndham Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium Motera – Ideally located inside Narendra Modi Stadium.
• Ramada by Wyndham Kathmandu Dhumbarai – A premium hotel near UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Ramada Resort by Wyndham Gilgit – A luxury resort in Gilgit’s growing tourism hub.

3. Meeting Midscale Demand with Ramada Encore

Wyndham expanded its Ramada Encore brand across EMEA to cater to the growing midscale market. New openings in 2024 include:

• Ramada Encore by Wyndham Konya Karatay (Türkiye)
• Ramada Encore by Wyndham Rajbagh Srinagar (India) – A serene riverside getaway.
• Ramada Encore by Wyndham Bhiwadi Phool Bagh Chowk (India) – Strategically located in an industrial hub.
• Ramada Encore by Wyndham Viramgam (India) – A full-service hotel in Ahmedabad’s business district.

4. Expanding Dolce by Wyndham in the Upscale & MICE Segments

Dolce by Wyndham, a leader in luxury and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hotels, continues to grow with two major openings:

• Dolce by Wyndham Barcelona Resort – A luxury golf retreat in Spain’s Penedès wine country.
• Dolce by Wyndham Çeşme Alaçatı – The brand’s first Turkish resort, located on the Aegean coast.

Future Expansion Plans

1. Introducing Microtel by Wyndham in India

Wyndham is bringing its Microtel by Wyndham brand to India in collaboration with NILE Hospitality. The brand will debut in 2025, with plans to open 40 Microtel hotels across Tier-2, 3, and 4 cities by 2031.

2. Strengthening Presence in Portugal

Wyndham is working with The Lakhani Group to launch new hotels, including:

• Wyndham Garden Alentejo Alcácer do Sal
• Wyndham Residences Lisbon Loures
• L Hotels Fátima, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
  (Opening in 2025)

3. Expanding Branded Residences Portfolio

Wyndham is set to launch multiple branded residences, including:

• Wyndham Grand La Cala Golf Residences (Costa del Sol, Spain – April 2026)
• Wyndham Residences Piraeus (Greece – December 2025)
• Ramada Residences by Wyndham Halkidiki (Greece – May 2026)

The Wyndham Advantage: Technology & Rewards

Wyndham’s growth is backed by its $325 million investment in next-gen property management systems and digital innovations. With a global network of 114 million enrolled Wyndham Rewards members, the company continues to drive occupancy and revenue for its franchisees.

As international tourism demand rises in 2025, Wyndham remains focused on strategic expansion, strengthening its presence in key markets, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd. has announced its strongest quarter yet in Q3 FY25, marking a milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. With 18 consecutive quarters of profitability, Sterling’s performance in Q3 surpassed even its traditionally dominant Q1, thanks to strategic portfolio expansion that strengthened revenue streams beyond peak seasons.

The company reported a 12% YoY income growth, reaching ₹1,389 Mn. EBITDA increased by 14%, with a solid 38.8% EBITDA margin, while EBIT rose 13% YoY.

Expanding Horizons: Three New Resorts Launched

Sterling’s portfolio now spans 48 locations with 57 resorts, hotels, and retreats in the upper-mid to upper-upscale segments. Strengthening its footprint, the company added three new resorts in Q3:

• Sterling Lontano Waterfront Wayanad (Kerala)
• Sterling Brookstone Coorg (Karnataka)
• Sterling Bagh Ranthambore (Rajasthan)

Maintaining its rapid growth pace, Sterling has launched one resort per month for the past 18 months, with several more in the pipeline.

"Sterling has witnessed its strongest-ever quarter, a testament to our brand's growing preference among customers. A surge in holiday demand, coupled with our aggressive resort expansion, has fueled this success," said Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts.

Food & Beverage Sees 20% Growth

Sterling’s food and beverage division has been another strong performer, recording a 20% YoY growth. The company attributes this to its enhanced dining experiences and a diverse range of culinary offerings across its properties.

Sustainability at the Core: Sterling Sankalp Initiative

Further strengthening its commitment to sustainability, Sterling has introduced Sterling Sankalp, an ESG initiative aimed at responsible tourism. The company has implemented key measures across several resorts, including:

• Energy Conservation: Heat pumps for optimized energy use
• Waste Management: Organic Waste Converters for eco-friendly disposal
• Water Sustainability: Rainwater harvesting and water recycling programs

Looking Ahead

On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, Sterling has achieved a 14% growth in income (₹3,842 Mn) and a 35% EBITDA margin, showcasing its sustained upward trajectory. With an expanding portfolio, a thriving food and beverage sector, and a strong focus on sustainability, Sterling continues to solidify its leadership in the hospitality industry.

The Union Budget 2025 has introduced key measures that promise growth across the hospitality, food & beverage, and startup sectors. Industry leaders see these developments as game-changing, driving innovation, infrastructure enhancement, and workforce development.

Strengthening the Catering Industry

Mayank Prasad, Founder of Curated Catering by Design, sees the budget as a positive step for the catering and hospitality sector.

"The establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology will drive innovation and skill development in food processing, benefiting the entire ecosystem. The push to enhance tourism by developing 50 key destinations is a welcome move that will directly boost demand for premium catering services. Additionally, government support for hospitality training programs will help bridge the skill gap, ensuring a well-trained workforce for the sector," he said. With these measures, the catering industry is poised to scale, innovate, and contribute significantly to India's evolving culinary landscape.

A Vision for Holistic Tourism Growth

Rahul Taneja, Head of Operations at Dharana at Shillim, highlighted the transformative impact of the budget on tourism.

"A standout feature is its strong emphasis on the travel and hospitality industry, with well-structured measures to boost both domestic and international tourism. Initiatives like promoting spiritual and medical tourism, along with the Heal in India initiative, will be game-changers," he noted. The budget’s collaboration with the private sector and simplified visa norms aim to position India as a top destination for holistic well-being, integrating Preventative Medicine, Healing Nutrition, Ayurveda, and more. Additionally, investments in skill development within the hospitality sector will enhance service quality, elevating India's global tourism reputation.

A Strong Push for Startups and Infrastructure

Vishal Puri, Co-Founder of Spalba, praised the budget’s steps toward fostering innovation and sustainability.
"Investments in tourism infrastructure and connectivity enhancements, like the development of greenfield airports and the modified UDAN scheme, should boost domestic and international travel. However, the quality of services at these airports, specifically regarding cancellations, needs to be controlled for these measures to be effective," he pointed out. The inclusion of hotels in the harmonized tourism infrastructure scheme and the ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund are also expected to transform urban tourism experiences. Additionally, startups will benefit from an extended tax holiday, simplified compliance, and increased funding through the ₹10,000 crore Startup India Fund, driving digital innovations and sustainability.

With a strong focus on tourism, catering, and startups, the Union Budget 2025 sets the stage for accelerated growth, making India a more attractive and accessible destination for travelers and entrepreneurs alike.