IHCL Accelerates Growth with 35 Signings and 12 Openings in H1 FY 2025

IHCL Accelerates Growth with 35 Signings and 12 Openings in H1 FY 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 7, 2024

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has marked impressive growth in the first half of FY 2025, with 35 new signings and 12 hotel openings, bringing its total portfolio to 345 hotels. The company also boasts an industry-leading pipeline of 115 hotels, reflecting its aggressive expansion strategy.

Speaking about this momentum, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development at IHCL, emphasized the buoyancy in the travel and tourism sector. She remarked, "IHCL's record signings in H1 FY 2025 across our diverse brandscape is a testament to the trust of our partners and the premium positioning of our brands. This expansion aligns with the growing demand for hospitality beyond India's top ten cities, as 70% of our new signings are in emerging markets like Srinagar, Varanasi, Mangalore, Kanpur, Mysore, Hosur, and Lonavala."

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Venkatesh also highlighted IHCL's international growth, with signings in Bhutan and Bahrain, and a 200-key Taj project set to launch in Ranchi. These strategic moves underscore the company’s commitment to both domestic and international markets.

Adding to this, Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – Hotel Openings & New Businesses, highlighted that the company’s hotel openings have kept pace with their ambitious target of opening two hotels per month. In the first half of FY 2025, IHCL expanded its footprint with a Taj in Patna, SeleQtions at Mahabaleshwar, and a Ginger hotel in Nagpur. Additionally, the company enhanced its presence in cities such as Srinagar, Gangtok, Udaipur, Jamshedpur, Coimbatore, and Delhi.

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In the second quarter, IHCL also launched a reimagined Gateway brand with a new hotel in Bekal and the migration of four hotels located in Nashik, Coonoor, Madurai, and Chikmagalur.

With a strong focus on both domestic and international expansion, IHCL is well-positioned to continue its industry-leading growth trajectory, meeting the growing demand for premium hospitality across diverse markets.


The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

Marking Earth Day, The Leela Gandhinagar has introduced an immersive e-cycle experience in collaboration with Svitch, reinforcing its focus on sustainability-led luxury.

The initiative is designed to offer guests a low-impact, mindful way to explore Gandhinagar, encouraging slower, more conscious travel while reducing carbon footprint. By integrating eco-friendly mobility into the guest journey, the hotel continues to position sustainability as a core element of its hospitality experience.

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Set against the city’s serene surroundings, the e-cycle experience allows guests to engage more deeply with their environment, blending wellbeing, exploration, and environmental responsibility. The offering reflects a broader shift in luxury travel, where guests are increasingly seeking experiences that are both meaningful and sustainable.

Commenting on the initiative, Vikas Sood, General Manager, highlighted the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that are enriching while embedding responsible practices into everyday operations.

The launch was complemented by an Earth Day cyclethon, bringing together guests, hotel associates, and members of the local community. The activity aimed to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards sustainable living, while encouraging active participation in eco-conscious initiatives.

Following the ride, guests experienced the hotel’s signature Aujasya breakfast, aligning the sustainability narrative with wellness-focused dining.

Through initiatives like this, The Leela Gandhinagar continues to evolve the concept of responsible luxury, where sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience, enhancing both comfort and awareness.


WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa Elevates Luxury Escapes in Kasauli

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa Elevates Luxury Escapes in Kasauli

By Hariharan U

Published on April 25, 2026

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa is redefining luxury getaways in the hills with its expansive offering set amidst the scenic Kasauli Hills.

Perched in the lush Shivalik range, the resort blends natural beauty with refined hospitality, offering guests a tranquil escape marked by panoramic views, fresh mountain air, and a thoughtfully curated luxury experience. Designed as a sanctuary for relaxation, the property combines modern amenities with a serene setting that encourages guests to unwind at a leisurely pace.

Operated under the WelcomHeritage umbrella since December 2022, the resort has positioned itself as a full-scale five-star destination in Solan. With 93 well-appointed rooms, the property caters to a wide range of travellers, offering accommodation options that include deluxe rooms, suites, family-friendly cottages, and an exclusive four-bedroom luxury villa.

The resort is equipped with a comprehensive range of amenities, including a luxury spa and salon, wellness centre, and an all-weather heated indoor swimming pool, along with a dedicated children’s pool. These features ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for guests across seasons.

Beyond leisure stays, the property has also emerged as a preferred venue for destination weddings, corporate conferences, and large-scale events, supported by its expansive layout and premium infrastructure.

The design philosophy strikes a balance between modern sophistication and timeless charm, creating a space that feels both elegant and inviting. From intimate vacations to grand celebrations, the resort offers an environment that blends comfort with understated luxury.

With its scenic location, comprehensive facilities, and focus on guest experience, WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa stands out as a premier mountain retreat, offering travellers a refined escape in the hills.


IHCL Partners with Etihad Guest to Expand Global Loyalty Benefits

IHCL Partners with Etihad Guest to Expand Global Loyalty Benefits

By Hariharan U

Published on April 25, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited has announced a strategic partnership between its loyalty platform Taj InnerCircle-Neupass and Etihad Guest, expanding global benefits for travellers.

The collaboration brings together two established loyalty ecosystems, enabling members to access enhanced travel and stay privileges across participating hotels worldwide. As part of the alliance, Etihad Guest members can enjoy exclusive savings at IHCL properties and earn miles on hotel stays.

The benefits extend across IHCL’s diverse portfolio, including brands such as Taj Hotels, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Gateway, amã Stays & Trails, and Claridges Collection.

Commenting on the partnership, Praveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL, noted that as travel becomes increasingly seamless, guests are seeking familiarity and added value across destinations. He highlighted that the collaboration will allow IHCL to engage with a broader global member base while enhancing the overall loyalty experience.

From the aviation side, Etihad Airways strengthens its ecosystem by extending benefits beyond flights. Mark Potter, Managing Director, Etihad Guest, stated that the partnership enhances value for members by offering more opportunities to earn and redeem miles across a wider travel network.

The alliance reflects a growing trend in the travel and hospitality industry, where integrated loyalty ecosystems are becoming key to delivering seamless, personalised experiences. By combining hospitality and aviation rewards, the partnership aims to create a more connected journey for global travellers.

With this collaboration, IHCL and Etihad Guest are set to broaden their global reach, offering members a more rewarding and cohesive travel experience across destinations

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