Global hotel chains are set to embark on a period of unprecedented expansion in India, with plans to significantly increase their presence across the country. Radisson Hotel Group, for instance, aims to reduce driving distances between its properties by having a hotel within every two hours of driving. Last year alone, Radisson signed 21 new hotels in India, including locations such as Jhansi and Sonipat. The group plans to continue this momentum by signing approximately 30 hotels annually for the next five years.

The next half-decade is expected to witness a surge in expansion efforts by global chains like Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Wyndham in India. According to Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, this period represents the most bullish phase the industry has ever experienced.

Marriott International, for instance, is gearing up to open its 150th hotel in Katra next month, with plans to reach 250 operating hotels in the next five years. Similarly, Hilton anticipates 2024 to be its strongest year yet in India, with plans to open and sign more hotels than ever before. Alan Watts, APAC President at Hilton, emphasised India's growth trajectory and macroeconomic strength as key factors driving their expansion plans.

IHG Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts are also optimistic about India's hospitality market. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director for South-West Asia at IHG Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the underpenetrated nature of the Indian market, indicating strong demand for hotel rooms. Dimitris Manikis, President of Europe, Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, announced plans to open 150 hotels in India by the end of 2025.

The shortage of hotel rooms in India presents a significant opportunity for global hotel chains to expand their portfolios. With ambitious growth targets and bullish outlooks, these chains are poised to make significant contributions to India's hospitality sector in the coming years.