The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has continued its steady growth, taking its overall portfolio to 628 hotels. This includes 373 hotels currently in operation and a strong pipeline of 255 upcoming properties, showing the company’s clear focus on expansion.

Sharing insights on this growth, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL said, “This fiscal year marked a record of 250 signings through inorganic and sustained organic growth delivering an expanded brandscape and scaling our presence in the midscale segment. Reflective of the rising affluence and accompanying demand, we strengthened our presence in the luxury segment with the on boarding of Claridges Collection, a boutique luxury offering and acquisition of controlling stake in Atmantan, an integrated wellness centre and Brij hospitality in experiential leisure. Ginger leads the midscale segment with the acquisition of majority stake in ANK and Pride hospitality reaching a 250+ portfolio across 150+ locations.”

She further added, “IHCL demonstrated organic growth momentum across its brandscape with 19 signings in Taj including a hotel in Cairo, a 500 key hotel in Patna and a hotel and branded residences in NOIDA. The re-imagined Gateway reached a milestone portfolio of over 50 hotels.”

Highlighting the company’s expansion on the operations side, Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – Hotel Openings & New Businesses, IHCL said, “In line with our guidance, IHCL opened 30+ hotels this fiscal year well represented across brands. Entering new markets of Lakshadweep, Ekta Nagar, Raichak, Kanpur, Vrindavan and Bhutan and strengthening our presence in Goa, Ahmedabad, Coorg, Kochi, Gurugram, Delhi, Varanasi, Udaipur, Haridwar and Dehradun.”

She added, “Through acquisitions this year we added over 100 operating hotels taking IHCL’s operating hotels to 373 hotels with over 33,000 rooms this fiscal.”

With this pace of growth, IHCL is moving closer to its long-term vision under the Accelerate 2030 strategy, aiming to reach a portfolio of 700 hotels in the coming years.

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has announced a strategic alliance with The Aviyaan Luxe Serenity to collaborate on integrated sales and marketing initiatives. The partnership is aimed at strengthening market presence, unlocking growth opportunities, and delivering enhanced value to guests through curated hospitality experiences.

The collaboration brings together the global outlook and experience-driven expertise of Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts with The Aviyaan’s strong regional presence and execution capabilities.

Under this alliance, both organisations will work on integrated sales campaigns, co-branded marketing initiatives, and client-focused solutions to drive growth and improve market reach. The partnership will also focus on increasing brand visibility and using cross-market insights to create differentiated experiences for both leisure and business travellers.

Richa Adhia, Managing Director, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are excited to partner with The Aviyaan. This collaboration reflects our commitment to building strong, value-driven relationships that enable us to better serve our clients and deliver impactful sales and marketing solutions.”

The group currently operates a curated portfolio of properties across India, the United Kingdom, and East Africa. As part of its global expansion strategy, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts recently acquired La Barbarie Hotel, marking its entry into premium European leisure destinations.

In India, the brand’s portfolio includes experiential stays such as Treetop by Eight Continents Astroport Sariska, Stamps Jodhpur, Stamps Golden Lagoon in Amritsar, and Stamps Pushkar. Internationally, it has expanded with Ocho Homes in Belfast and Taychreggan – Signature Collection in Scotland, along with Treetop by Eight Continents in Zanzibar. These developments further strengthen its positioning as a design-led and experience-driven hospitality brand across key global destinations.

Taj Holidays has introduced “Hymns of Ganga,” a thoughtfully curated travel experience rooted in the spiritual and natural essence of North India. Conceptualised by Deorhi, the journey is designed for travellers looking for a slower and more immersive way to explore the region’s sacred landscapes.

The seven-day, six-night itinerary begins at Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa, where guests are welcomed into the calm surroundings of the Himalayas. Mornings are centred around yoga and dhyana sessions led by Yog Guru Surakshit Goswami, followed by sound healing experiences set against the flowing Ganga.

As the journey unfolds, guests travel to Devprayag, where stories of faith are brought to life by kathavachaks. In Rishikesh, travellers discover the destination’s layered past, including its early identity as Kubjāmraka.

The experience continues at Pilibhit House, Haridwar – IHCL SeleQtions, a restored heritage retreat located along the banks of the Ganga. Here, guests witness the iconic Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, where the river comes alive in the evening with lamps, chants, and rituals.

From the spiritual riverbanks, the journey transitions into the wilderness of Jim Corbett National Park. At Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, guests experience the rhythm of the forest through nature walks, serene landscapes, and the sounds of wildlife. Evenings here are marked by regional cuisine and traditional Kumaoni performances, offering a glimpse into the local culture.

With stays at Taj and SeleQtions properties inclusive of meals and transfers, “Hymns of Ganga” offers a seamless and enriching journey. The experience encourages travellers to slow down, stay present, and connect deeply with each destination, going beyond routine travel.

Bookings for the journey are now open, with stays starting from April 26, 2026.