Wyndham Targets Indian Market with Budget Hotel Expansion

Wyndham Targets Indian Market with Budget Hotel Expansion

By Author

Published on February 24, 2024

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, a prominent US-based hospitality chain, is setting its sights on the Indian market with ambitious plans to introduce its renowned budget accommodations. Recognizing the burgeoning potential of India's hospitality sector, the company aims to launch economy brands such as Days Inn and Super 8, further expanding its global footprint.

In a strategic move to leverage the escalating spiritual tourism and infrastructure development within India, Wyndham has outlined plans to open approximately 150 hotels by 2025. This includes a mix of budget hotels aimed at strengthening the company's presence in the region. Dimitris Manikis, President of Wyndham Hotels Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa (EMEA), expressed the company's bullish stance on the Indian market in a recent interview with Moneycontrol. "We cannot miss the opportunity that India represents for the world today," Manikis stated, highlighting the importance of India in Wyndham's expansion strategy.

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With nearly 60 hotels already operating in India, accounting for 5,500 rooms, and an additional 25 hotels under development plus 40 more in the pipeline, Wyndham's expansion plans are well underway. The introduction of economy brands Days Inn and Super 8, well-established in the US, marks a significant step towards catering to the diverse needs of Indian travelers and tapping into the budget accommodation segment.

Manikis also emphasized the importance of religious tourism in India, noting the company's intent to open hotels in key pilgrim places. "It is crucial for us to open hotels in some of the country's pilgrim places," Manikis said, revealing that Wyndham has a couple of hotels in the pipeline, with locations to be announced soon.

Over the next three to four years, Wyndham expects a balanced mix of budget/economy properties and midscale to upper midscale hotels in India. The company's focus will not be limited to major cities but will also extend to smaller cities, targeting India’s tier II and III cities.

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In October 2023, Wyndham further solidified its commitment to the Indian market by entering into a franchise deal with Saryu Ratna Hotel & Resort to open a new Ramada Encore by Wyndham branded property in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. This move is indicative of Wyndham's broader strategy to offer diverse lodging options across India, catering to the needs of both domestic and international travelers.

As Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its portfolio in India, the company is poised to play a significant role in the country's evolving hospitality landscape, offering affordable and quality accommodations to a wide range of travelers.


Raffles Cambodia Secures Top Honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

Raffles Cambodia Secures Top Honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on June 30, 2026

Raffles Cambodia’s iconic heritage hotels have secured top honours in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026, reaffirming their position among the region’s leading luxury hospitality destinations.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh was ranked Cambodia’s No. 1 city hotel, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap secured the No. 2 position in the same category. Both properties also featured prominently across additional award categories, highlighting their continued excellence in luxury hospitality.

In the “Best Hotel Swimming Pools” category, Raffles Hotel Le Royal ranked No. 2, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor secured the No. 4 position. The Siem Reap property also earned the No. 4 spot in the “Best Hotel Spas” category. Adding to the accolades, Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons was recognised among Cambodia’s best General Managers.

Commenting on the recognition, Dagmar Lyons said the achievement reflects the dedication of the entire team in bringing the heritage spirit of the hotel to life while maintaining Raffles’ signature warm and intuitive service.

Joseph Colina, General Manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, noted that the recognition reinforces the hotel’s role as a historic gateway to Angkor and its commitment to preserving Cambodia’s cultural and hospitality legacy.

The strong performance at the awards follows recent heritage-focused initiatives by Raffles Cambodia, including the launch of the “Grand Path of History” tour and a new publication chronicling the golden age of travel in Southeast Asia. The brand also continues to showcase archival materials and historical artefacts across its properties.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, originally opened in 1929, is known for its French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco-inspired design, following a major restoration completed in 2019. Meanwhile, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, established in 1932, continues to reflect classic French Art Deco architecture blended with Cambodian influences.

Both properties were previously among the select hotels in Cambodia to receive MICHELIN Keys in the inaugural edition of the guide for the country. Raffles Hotel Le Royal was also ranked the No. 2 hotel in Southeast Asia in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

With continued global recognition, Raffles Cambodia strengthens its position as a custodian of heritage luxury hospitality, blending history, culture, and refined service across its iconic properties.


Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Novotel Cairo Airport commemorated World Oceans Day with its "From the Nile to the Ocean" initiative, a sustainability-focused programme designed to highlight the connection between local environmental responsibility and global marine conservation.

The initiative brought together wellness, education, and responsible dining experiences to encourage greater awareness of the importance of protecting water resources. Through the campaign, the hotel sought to demonstrate how local actions can contribute to broader environmental preservation efforts.

The day began with an outdoor yoga session overlooking the Nile River, creating a reflective and mindful setting for participants. The wellness activity reinforced the campaign's message that meaningful environmental change begins with individual awareness and conscious choices.

Following the yoga session, hotel associates participated in an interactive educational presentation focused on water conservation and ocean safety. The discussion highlighted the role local waterways play in supporting larger marine ecosystems and emphasized the importance of protecting rivers such as the Nile as part of a global sustainability effort.

As part of the celebration, Novotel Cairo Airport's culinary team curated a special menu centred on fresh, local, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Served poolside, the dining experience showcased how sustainable sourcing and conscious food choices can contribute to environmental stewardship while supporting local communities.

By integrating wellness activities, environmental education, and sustainable dining into a single initiative, the hotel aimed to create a holistic experience that encouraged participants to reflect on their relationship with natural resources and the environment.

The programme further reinforces Novotel Cairo Airport's commitment to responsible hospitality and sustainability, while supporting Accor's broader vision of promoting environmentally conscious practices across its global portfolio.

Through initiatives such as "From the Nile to the Ocean," the hotel continues to engage both its team members and guests in conversations around sustainability, inspiring collective action toward the protection of vital water ecosystems and the preservation of the planet's natural resources.


The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

By Hariharan U

Published on June 24, 2026

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre marked International Yoga Day with a thoughtfully curated wellness initiative that brought together guests, wellness enthusiasts, and hotel associates for a morning dedicated to mindfulness and holistic wellbeing in Ahmedabad.

The event featured a guided yoga and meditation session designed to encourage participants to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace balance in an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle. Attendees from different age groups took part in yoga asanas, breathwork exercises, and mindfulness practices in a calm and energising environment.

Positioned as a community-focused initiative, the celebration reflected the growing importance of wellness in modern hospitality experiences. The session aimed to create a shared space where participants could prioritise both physical and mental wellbeing while taking a conscious break from daily routines.

Speaking about the initiative, Kalpesh Prajapati, Managing Director of The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre, highlighted that wellness has evolved from being an occasional luxury to an essential part of contemporary living and travel. He emphasised the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that promote mindfulness, balance, and overall wellbeing within the community.

As wellness continues to shape the hospitality landscape, The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre has been focusing on experiences that extend beyond accommodation and events, encouraging meaningful engagement with both guests and the wider Ahmedabad community.

The International Yoga Day celebration concluded with healthy refreshments and informal interactions among participants, reinforcing the importance of conscious living and collective wellbeing.

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