ITC Hotels Targets Overseas Expansion with Focus on Proximal Markets

ITC Hotels Targets Overseas Expansion with Focus on Proximal Markets

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 19, 2025

ITC Hotels Ltd, now an independent entity after its demerger from ITC Ltd, is setting its sights on international markets. The hotel chain plans to expand its presence starting with neighboring countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka, as well as West Asia, reflecting its ambition to grow from 140 to over 200 properties.

Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Puri highlighted the strategy:
"We have been India-centric, but we are now venturing overseas. We already operate hotels in Colombo and Nepal and have signed up for another in Nepal. Our focus is on proximal markets like West Asia and beyond, with a commitment to leveraging interesting opportunities."

A Transition to Asset-Light Growth

The demerger grants ITC Hotels operational autonomy, allowing it to adopt a more asset-light growth strategy. Currently, 45% of ITC’s 13,000 rooms are owned, while the remaining 55% are operated through management contracts. The company plans to further expand through management agreements and franchise models to increase its global footprint.

Over the past two years, ITC Hotels has opened 26 properties and introduced two new brands - Mementos by ITC for luxury leisure destinations and Storii for boutique leisure properties. This complements its existing portfolio of brands, which includes ITC Hotels, Welcomhotel, Fortune, and WelcomHeritage. 

Sustainability at the Core

ITC Hotels stands out with its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The chain boasts impressive achievements such as:

  • Emissions levels below Paris 2030 Agreement targets.

  • The world’s first 12 LEED-certified net-zero carbon hotels.

  • The world’s first five net-zero water hotels.

"Consumers increasingly prefer greener products and services. Our sustainability credentials and iconic service standards, including globally acknowledged cuisine, position us strongly in the competitive market," Puri emphasized.

Expanding a Unique Legacy

ITC Hotels’ focus on its green initiatives and distinctive culinary offerings, like the famed Bukhara restaurant at ITC Maurya, continues to attract global dignitaries and travelers. These differentiators, combined with its asset-light model and international expansion, align with the company’s vision of creating a more upscale and diverse portfolio.

With an ambitious goal of reaching 200 properties and a renewed focus on upper-upscale segments, ITC Hotels is poised to redefine its legacy, both in India and globally.

For more updates, visit ITC Hotels.


Sayaji Hotels Launches Enrise by Sayaji in Gandhidham, Strengthening Gujarat Presence

Sayaji Hotels Launches Enrise by Sayaji in Gandhidham, Strengthening Gujarat Presence

By Hariharan U

Published on November 6, 2026

Sayaji Hotels has expanded its presence in Gujarat with the launch of Enrise by Sayaji in Gandhidham, adding a new hospitality property to its portfolio in the commercial hub of the Kutch region. The hotel is positioned to serve business travellers, transit guests and visitors exploring the destination.

Gandhidham's proximity to Deendayal Port (Kandla) and its established trade and logistics network make it an important centre for commercial activity in the region. The city's business ecosystem also creates demand for accommodation and meeting facilities for professionals and enterprises operating across Kutch.

Enrise by Sayaji features 39 rooms and suites across three categories: Deluxe, Premium Deluxe and Suites. With room sizes ranging from 300 to 600 sq. ft., the property offers accommodation options for different guest requirements.

The hotel's dining offering is anchored by Momentt, a 60-cover multi-cuisine restaurant providing an in-house dining space for guests.

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For corporate meetings, business gatherings and social occasions, the property has three venues: Jewel, Crystal and Solitaire. The spaces offer flexible configurations for different event requirements, adding to the hotel's offering for business and social events in Gandhidham.

Speaking on the launch, Sumera Dhanani, Corporate Head – Business Development, Sayaji Hotels Ltd, said, “Gandhidham presents an exciting opportunity for Sayaji Hotels as we continue to build our presence in key markets across India. With its strong commercial ecosystem and strategic location in Kutch, the city aligns well with our expansion plans. Enrise by Sayaji marks another milestone in bringing our brand to a wider audience.”

Lalit Nawani, Director, Hardik Hotels Pvt Ltd, added, “We envisioned Enrise by Sayaji as a space that brings together thoughtful design, good food and functional spaces for business and social gatherings. Every element has been planned to meet the needs of today’s traveller while reflecting the character of Gandhidham. We are excited to introduce the property to the city.”

The launch adds another property to Sayaji Hotels' Gujarat portfolio, extending its hospitality offering into a commercial market with demand from business and transit travellers.

About Sayaji Hotels Ltd

Sayaji Hotels follows its 'Yours Truly' service philosophy and has a hospitality portfolio spanning business and leisure destinations across India. According to the company, its portfolio comprises 43 properties, including Enrise by Sayaji in Gandhidham, with a combined inventory of more than 2,700 keys.

With a presence spanning over four decades, the group focuses on contemporary design and personalised guest service. It has also been recognised as a Great Place to Work® in India.

Property Details

  • Hotel: Enrise by Sayaji

  • Location: Gandhidham, Kutch, Gujarat

  • Rooms: 39

  • Room Categories: Deluxe, Premium Deluxe and Suites

  • Restaurant: Momentt – 60 covers

  • Event Venues: Jewel, Crystal and Solitaire


Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Targets Over 10,000 Keys by 2031

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Targets Over 10,000 Keys by 2031

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 6, 2026

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced its strategic roadmap for 2027–2028, focusing on hotel expansion, profitability and operational excellence across India and South Asia. The announcement was made during THRIVE 2026, the group's 9th Annual General Managers' Conclave, held on October 29–30 at Cygnett Collection, Gurugram. The company is also marking 12 years of operations in the hospitality industry.

Cygnett currently has a development pipeline of 55 hotels and resorts, comprising approximately 3,750 keys. Building on its presence across business, leisure and pilgrimage destinations, the group aims to grow its portfolio to more than 10,000 keys by 2031. Its expansion plans include new hotel openings, brand diversification and entry into high-potential markets.

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The group's strategic alliance with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is expected to support this growth by strengthening its international reach, global distribution capabilities and brand portfolio. The collaboration combines Cygnett's understanding of regional hospitality markets with Wyndham's international network and brand platforms, supporting expansion across India and South Asia.

Alongside portfolio growth, the company is placing greater focus on hotel performance and profitability. Its 2027–2028 roadmap identifies revenue per available room (RevPAR), gross operating profit (GOP), market share, cost efficiency and owner returns as key priorities. Cygnett also plans to use artificial intelligence, automation, digitalisation and data analytics to improve revenue management and operational decision-making.

Commenting on the company's growth journey, Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, "When we started Cygnett twelve years ago, our vision was to build an Indian hospitality company capable of growing across emerging markets while delivering consistent service and strong value to hotel owners. Over the years, we have expanded our presence, diversified our brands and established a foundation for long-term growth. Our next chapter is about translating that scale into stronger performance, profitability and global competitiveness. With 55 hotels and resorts in our development pipeline and our strategic alliance with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, we are moving confidently towards our ambition of exceeding 10,000 keys by 2031."

Held under the theme "From Evolution to Excellence – Building Cygnett 2027–2028," THRIVE 2026 also focuses on leadership development and guest experience. The conclave brings together general managers and corporate leadership to strengthen accountability, develop future-ready leaders and align hotel operations with the group's growth plans.

Cygnett will continue to reinforce its service philosophy through the Cygnetture Experience, Namaskar Culture and Emotional Unlimited Hospitality. These initiatives aim to maintain consistent guest experiences as the hotel portfolio grows.

The company sees opportunities in India's hospitality sector, supported by rising travel demand, infrastructure development, spiritual tourism, destination weddings and increasing corporate mobility. With its next phase focused on both expansion and operational performance, Cygnett aims to build a globally competitive Indian hospitality platform while delivering sustainable returns for hotel owners and long-term value for stakeholders.


Sunday PropTech Acquires 89-Room Hotel in Kolkata

Sunday PropTech Acquires 89-Room Hotel in Kolkata

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 6, 2026

Sunday PropTech Limited, a PRISM-backed hospitality ownership company, has entered Eastern India with the acquisition of an 89-room hotel in Rajarhat, Kolkata. The property will be operated under Clubhouse, the company's mid-premium hotel brand within the Sunday Collection portfolio.

The company plans to reposition and rebrand the hotel over the coming months as part of its ongoing expansion across India. Located in Rajarhat, a growing business hub, the six-storey property was built in 2017 and features food and beverage facilities and meeting spaces.

The hotel is situated close to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and key commercial destinations, including Ecospace Business Park, Bengal Silicon Valley and Biswa Bangla Convention Centre. Its location makes it suitable for business travellers, corporate guests and visitors to the city.

Sunday PropTech aims to strengthen the property's performance by using PRISM's hospitality brand ecosystem, technology platform, distribution network and centralised revenue management capabilities. The move is part of its strategy to invest in well-located hospitality assets with long-term growth potential while improving positioning and guest experience.

Kolkata is an important market in the company's expansion plans, supported by growing commercial activity and the development of IT and business infrastructure. Sunday PropTech is also evaluating further hotel investment opportunities across West Bengal.

Commenting on the acquisition, Saurav Agarwal, Board Member, Sunday PropTech, said, “We thank the Government of West Bengal for their support and facilitation. This acquisition reflects our confidence in the state's hospitality and tourism potential and our commitment to contributing to its growing hospitality ecosystem. We look forward to building on this milestone as we continue to expand our hotel portfolio across West Bengal.”

Sunday PropTech has been expanding its premium and mid-premium hospitality portfolio in India and international markets. The company recently acquired eight premium serviced-apartment hotels with a combined value of approximately ₹800 crore. These properties will operate under PRISM's hospitality brand ecosystem, including Sunday Hotels, Belvilla and other suitable brands, supported by its technology and distribution capabilities.

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