Hilton Plans Major Expansion and F&B Growth in India

Hilton is poised for substantial growth in India, according to Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President and Country Head for the hospitality giant.

In an interview with Businessline, Saxena revealed that Hilton is nearing a major milestone by signing its 50th hotel in regions including India, Kathmandu, and Bangladesh, with ambitious plans for further expansion.

Hilton's strategy focuses on the top 10 Indian markets. “Over the next 5-7 years, I believe we can triple our estate to 75 to 100 hotels in these key markets,” Saxena stated. “This includes both operational and pipeline hotels. Our existing pipeline is as strong as our current portfolio, and we’re signing deals at a rapid pace.”

Currently, Hilton operates five brands in India and plans to introduce two new ones: Curio Collection and the luxurious Waldorf Astoria. This expansion aims to cater to a diverse range of travelers, offering options from focused service to high-end experiences.

“I see a huge opportunity for Hilton in India to expand across various markets. In the top 10 metro cities, there’s demand for luxury brands like Waldorf Astoria and Conrad. We also have strong potential for our core brands like Hilton, DoubleTree, and Hampton by Hilton, covering the range from luxury to full service and focused service,” Saxena explained.

Recognizing the immense potential of the food and beverage (F&B) segment in India, Hilton aims to increase F&B revenue from 35% to 45% of the company’s overall income. Saxena highlighted that this ambitious target will be achieved by providing innovative and efficient catering solutions, particularly for the wedding and conference (MICE) market.

“F&B is much more than just hotel restaurants,” Saxena said. “It encompasses a wide range of services, including event catering for weddings and conferences. The Indian market has a huge appetite for F&B, with the total market size estimated to be ₹1 lakh crore (1 trillion rupees). This presents a significant growth opportunity, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities where disposable income is rising.”

Hilton sees significant potential in these smaller cities, where increasing disposable incomes are driving demand for comprehensive food and beverage services, including event catering.

HBL