Hilton Worldwide plans to significantly increase its footprint in India, aiming to quadruple its hotel room count in the next five years. The move comes as domestic travel demand booms across the country. Currently, Hilton operates 29 hotels in India, compared to its competitors, InterContinental (45), Hyatt (50), and Marriott (150).
Hilton’s new strategy focuses on diversifying its portfolio with midsize properties aimed at the growing middle-income market. This sector, increasingly eager to travel within India post-pandemic, has attracted heavy investment from hotel operators looking to capture new opportunities.
In a move that highlights the company’s commitment to India, Hilton signed a licensing deal with India’s Embassy Group. The agreement will see 150 new Spark brand hotels open across the country. Spark is Hilton’s first brand to launch in Asia with an India-first strategy, reflecting the company’s shift toward this high-potential market.
This shift also comes as Hilton adjusts its APAC strategy. After facing challenges in China, including a 9% drop in room revenue due to economic uncertainty, Hilton sees India as the key to future growth in the region. By the end of 2024, real estate investments in India’s hotel industry are expected to increase by 22%, reaching $413 million, further solidifying the country’s status as a prime destination for hospitality investment.
As the domestic travel market in India continues to expand, Hilton’s aggressive expansion plan is poised to place the company in a stronger position to compete with rivals in one of Asia’s most promising markets.
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