Summit Hotels & Resorts has started FY2026-27 on a strong note, reporting nearly 40% growth in business during April and May. The company attributes the performance to continued demand for leisure travel in the Eastern Himalayas and the growing preference among travellers for established regional hospitality brands.

During the first two months of the financial year, the hospitality group sold more than 37,000 room nights, with occupancy across its portfolio reaching 78.9%. Average room rates also crossed ₹6,000, highlighting stronger pricing power across several key destinations.

The growth comes despite a temporary slowdown in travel activity in parts of eastern India during the West Bengal Assembly election period. According to the company, destinations across Sikkim and the Darjeeling Hills were the strongest contributors to performance, supported by repeat guests and rising demand for premium mountain getaways.

Commenting on the performance, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, "We entered the year expecting healthy demand, but the pace of bookings has been stronger than anticipated. What stands out is not just the occupancy but the ability of travellers to continue choosing these destinations despite temporary disruptions. The appetite for experiential leisure travel remains strong, and we are seeing that translate into both room revenue and higher spending within our hotels."

Alongside room revenues, the company also reported healthy growth in food and beverage sales during the period. Guest review scores remained among the highest across its operating markets, reflecting strong customer satisfaction levels.

Building on this momentum, Summit Hotels is now expanding its business model beyond its owned and managed properties in the Eastern Himalayas. The company is actively seeking partnerships with independent hotels, boutique resorts, heritage properties, wildlife lodges, and spiritual retreat destinations across India.

The initiative is designed for hotel owners looking to benefit from organised distribution channels and professional revenue management while retaining ownership and operational control of their properties.

Unlike conventional affiliation models that often require significant upfront investments, Summit's partnership approach focuses on shared growth. Partner properties can maintain their individual identity while gaining access to the company's central reservation system, revenue management expertise, digital marketing support, technology platforms, and hospitality manpower network.

Having completed 18 years in the hospitality industry, Summit believes significant opportunities exist within India's large independent hotel sector, where many properties have strong local appeal but limited access to organised brand support and distribution systems.

With booking momentum continuing into June and advance reservations already nearing last year's levels, the company remains optimistic about sustained demand across leisure and destination travel markets in the coming quarters.