Global hospitality major IHG Hotels & Resorts views India as one of its most compelling long-term growth markets and is actively exploring opportunities in branded residences.
According to Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, the company is in discussions with select real estate developers to integrate luxury branded residences into premium projects.
The focus remains on Tier 1 cities and high-potential resort destinations, where demand for branded luxury living backed by hospitality expertise is rising.
Key Highlights
Jain said that Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are a key part of the company’s India growth story. “Our midscale brands, including Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and the newly introduced Garner, are particularly well-suited to these markets. These brands allow us to serve domestic business, leisure, business and transit demand, while maintaining strong brand standards and owner returns,” he added.
“We also bring the right platform: a highly investible model, deep relationships with our owners, and the right products for every segment. With substantial headroom for growth still ahead, we are focused on expanding in a disciplined and sustainable way, building on the foundation we’ve established over many years in India,” he said.
“Growth in India is anchored in strong partnerships with Indian owners and developers. Our expansion will span Tier 1, 2, 3 and emerging Tier 4 cities, deploying the right brands in the right locations, aligned to local demand drivers and travel patterns,” Jain said.
On potential expansion in Ahmedabad, especially in the context of the Commonwealth Games 2030, Jain stated that IHG is evaluating development opportunities aligned with long-term demand drivers, rather than projects tied solely to a single event.
“Beyond that, we are actively exploring opportunities for other luxury and lifestyle brands across our portfolio. The introduction of additional brands will be guided by market readiness and the right strategic partnerships,” he said.
Ahmedabad continues to be a strategically important market, supported by strong business travel demand, infrastructure growth, and increasing event-led travel.
Jain emphasized that India’s hospitality market is driven by robust domestic demand, improving infrastructure, and a growing consumer preference for branded hospitality experiences. “This includes our recent signing of a new Holiday Inn Ahmedabad, a 150-key property slated to open in 2029 and will further strengthen our presence in the region,” he said.
These factors reinforce India’s importance within IHG’s global growth strategy. In the near term, the company’s key milestone is the Indian debut of its collection brand, Vignette Collection, with The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, Vignette Collection, scheduled to open early this year.
The property will strengthen IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio in India, marking a significant addition to its expanding presence in the country’s premium hospitality segment.
“Our ambition is to have over 400 open and in-development hotels in India within five years. This represents more than a tripling of our current estate and reflects the strong momentum we are seeing in this key growth market. With over 50 hotels operating and a further 80 already in development, this growth is backed by robust owner confidence in our diverse brand portfolio,” he said.
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The company’s lifestyle brand, Kimpton, has also become increasingly relevant in India over time. "Introduction of Kimpton will be measured and deliberate, and will only occur in the right cities and with the right partners. At this stage, it remains a future opportunity rather than an immediate launch.”
Source: HT Real Estate
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