Spiritual Tourism's Rise Transforms Indian Hospitality Landscape

Spiritual Tourism's Rise Transforms Indian Hospitality Landscape

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 30, 2024

The Indian hospitality sector is witnessing a significant transformation, fueled by the burgeoning demand for spiritual tourism. As more travellers seek meaningful, transformative experiences, the industry is quickly adapting, providing accommodations that cater specifically to this growing niche. A recent report by CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd., titled ‘Decoding Real Estate through the Spiritual Tourism Lens,’ sheds light on this trend, highlighting the retail and hospitality boom in 14 key spiritual cities across India.

Cities such as Amritsar, Ajmer, Varanasi, and Shirdi are at the forefront of this shift, attracting not only pilgrims but also travellers drawn to the spiritual heritage of these destinations. This influx of spiritual tourists has led to an increase in demand for accommodations that offer more than just a place to stay. Today's spiritual travellers are looking for clean, hygienic, and family-friendly environments, and they're willing to pay a premium for these features.

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Recognizing this shift, major hotel chains, including global names like Marriott, Taj, and Hyatt, are venturing into these markets, offering a mix of economy, midscale, upscale, and luxury accommodations. These branded hotels provide a comforting blend of modern amenities and traditional hospitality, specifically tailored to meet the needs of spiritual seekers. Moreover, boutique and experiential hotels are making their mark by offering personalised services, curated spiritual activities, and authentic local experiences.

The rise in spiritual tourism is supported by improved infrastructure, such as better-connected roads, airports, and public transportation options. Additionally, the development of various accommodation types, from hotels and guesthouses to wellness centres, is making these spiritual destinations more accessible to a broader audience.

Government initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and improving connectivity between pilgrimage sites have also played a crucial role in this growth. Furthermore, the advent of online retail platforms offering easy access to faith-based products and services has contributed to the sector's expansion.

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According to Anshuman Magazine, chairman & CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East, and Africa, CBRE, the rapid expansion of spiritual tourism is not only driving the growth of India's faith-based tourism market but also bolstering the overall economy. Ram Chandnani, Managing Director, Advisory & Transaction Services, CBRE India, echoes this sentiment, noting the surge in investor interest in capitalising on the market's potential. This trend underscores a commitment to cater to the unique needs of spiritual travellers, driving regional economic growth while safeguarding heritage sites.

As spiritual tourism continues to gain momentum, the hospitality and retail sectors in these key destinations are set to thrive, offering spiritual travellers an enriching and authentic experience that goes beyond the conventional.


Taj Mussoorie Foothills Debuts in Dehradun

Taj Mussoorie Foothills Debuts in Dehradun

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 22, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the opening of Taj Mussoorie Foothills, Dehradun. Speaking about the launch, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, said, "We are delighted to expand Taj’s presence in Uttarakhand with the opening of Taj Mussoorie Foothills in the capital city of Dehradun. IHCL will have a multi-brand presence in the city, and with the recently opened Delhi-Dehradun Expressway enhancing connectivity, Dehradun has evolved into a commercially significant hub. Its proximity to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar makes it an attractive destination for leisure, adventure, and spiritual tourism."

Located in the tranquil foothills of the Himalayas, Taj Mussoorie Foothills is a luxurious retreat that blends contemporary elegance with nature’s beauty. The 115-key hotel, including 16 exquisitely designed suites, provides a serene escape with breathtaking views.

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The hotel features an array of dining options, including Vista, an all-day dining restaurant offering global and Indian flavors, House of Nomad, a sophisticated gastro pub, Tropics, a poolside dining venue, and Emperor Lounge, a space for high tea and handcrafted beverages.

With four versatile banqueting spaces ranging from 1,200 sq. ft. to 8,000 sq. ft., along with well-equipped meeting rooms, the property is an ideal venue for weddings, conferences, and social gatherings.

Guests can rejuvenate at the J Wellness Spa, which offers signature therapies. Additional facilities include dedicated pet-friendly amenities, a kids’ activity zone, a walking track with accessibility features, and EV charging stations. The hotel also offers exclusive curated experiences, such as the Malsi Nature Forest Walk, a trek to Shikhar Falls, and a wildlife safari at Rajaji National Park.

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Naveen Tomar, General Manager, Taj Mussoorie Foothills, Dehradun, shared his excitement about the launch, stating, "Taj Mussoorie Foothills is designed to offer guests an immersive experience in the lap of nature. From curated experiences to bespoke services, we look forward to creating unforgettable stays for our guests."

Often called the ‘Doon Valley’, Dehradun is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. While it serves as a gateway to Mussoorie, the city itself boasts attractions such as Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara.

With this latest addition, IHCL now has 17 hotels in Uttarakhand, including 7 under development.

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) brings together a portfolio of world-class brands, including Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Ginger, and Tree of Life. The company, founded by Jamsetji Tata, opened its first hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, Bombay, in 1903. Today, IHCL operates 362 hotels, with 125 under development, spanning 14 countries and over 150 locations worldwide.


Suba Group Expands with Click Hotel MIDC in Andheri, Mumbai

Suba Group Expands with Click Hotel MIDC in Andheri, Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 22, 2025

Suba Group of Hotels has expanded its presence in Mumbai with the launch of Click Hotel MIDC, a modern 3-star property located in Andheri’s thriving business district. This marks Click Hotels’ fourth property in Mumbai and its 29th across India. Situated in the heart of Andheri MIDC, the hotel is strategically positioned near over 1,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), making it an ideal choice for corporate and leisure travelers. It also enjoys proximity to key attractions like Mahakali Caves, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Juhu Joggers Park, ISKCON Temple, Powai Lake, and BKC, with Mumbai’s domestic and international airports just 10 minutes away.

“We are excited to introduce Click Hotel MIDC in Mumbai, catering to the growing demand for smart, efficient, and budget-friendly accommodations,” said Mansur Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Suba Group of Hotels. “Our focus remains on delivering comfortable and affordable stays without compromising quality, and we look forward to expanding further across India.”

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The hotel features 45 well-designed rooms, including 36 fully furnished standard rooms and 9 innovative pod rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy dining at Cinnamon, the in-house multi-cuisine restaurant known for its inviting ambiance and diverse menu. For corporate events and social gatherings, the hotel offers versatile event spaces, including the Senate Banquet and conference facilities designed for meetings, seminars, and celebrations.

“Mumbai continues to be a crucial market for us, and Click Hotel MIDC is a significant addition to our expanding portfolio,” said Mubeen Mehta, CEO, Suba Group of Hotels. “With this launch, we reinforce our commitment to offering smart and affordable hospitality solutions.”

Guests at Click Hotel MIDC can avail themselves of key amenities such as Wi-Fi, laundry services, car parking, and 24/7 guest assistance, ensuring a seamless stay experience. The property’s strategic location, contemporary design, and well-equipped event spaces make it an excellent choice for both business and leisure travelers.

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“Click Hotel MIDC is thoughtfully designed to provide a high-quality stay at an affordable price. Our prime location near the airport and major business hubs makes it a convenient option for travelers,” said Chandrakant Shetty, Chief Operating Officer, Suba Group of Hotels.

With this new addition, Suba Group strengthens its presence in India’s hospitality landscape. The group currently operates 125+ hotels across 70 destinations, spanning upscale, midscale, and economy segments. Committed to providing exceptional guest experiences, Suba Group continues its expansion, redefining budget-friendly hospitality.


Pullman Hotels & Resorts Expands in South India with Chennai Launch

Pullman Hotels & Resorts Expands in South India with Chennai Launch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 21, 2025

Pullman Hotels & Resorts has officially launched Pullman Chennai Anna Salai, marking its debut in South India. This new addition to the global hospitality brand offers a seamless blend of business, leisure, and cultural experiences in Chennai’s prime business district, Anna Salai.

A Landmark in Premium Hospitality   

Strategically located in the heart of the city, the 232-room Pullman Chennai Anna Salai provides easy access to corporate hubs, government offices, and major consulates. With state-of-the-art amenities, the hotel aims to redefine hospitality for modern business and leisure travelers.

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"India remains a key market for Accor, and the launch of Pullman Chennai Anna Salai underscores our commitment to pioneering premium hospitality experiences," said Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Accor Asia. "Pullman’s dynamic design, immersive social spaces, and forward-thinking approach make it an ideal destination for contemporary travelers seeking both purpose and connection."

Event Spaces & Modern Amenities 

The hotel spans 5,000 square metres and features 1,700 square metres of versatile event and banquet spaces, equipped with cutting-edge technology. Designed for conferences, corporate events, and grand social gatherings, Pullman Chennai Anna Salai ensures an unmatched experience with seamless connectivity and a premium service ethos.

Sustainability & Innovation   

Pullman Chennai Anna Salai has earned the prestigious Gold-level sustainability certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The hotel’s eco-conscious design and energy-efficient operations align with Accor’s vision for sustainable hospitality.

"We are proud to launch the first Pullman in South India, a landmark for the Ceebros Group," said C Subba Reddy, Managing Director of Ceebros Group. "Our vision was to craft a space where modern sophistication meets the vibrant spirit of Chennai, seamlessly blending business, leisure, and culture."

A New Era for Chennai’s Luxury Hospitality   

 As Pullman Chennai Anna Salai opens its doors, it establishes itself as a premier destination for global professionals and local residents. With its commitment to luxury, innovation, and sustainability, the hotel is poised to set new benchmarks in the region’s hospitality landscape.

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