Hyatt Hotels Corporation Aims for 100-Hotel Milestone in India Within 5-6 Years.

Global hospitality leader Hyatt Hotels Corporation aims to nearly double its properties in India, targeting a total of 100 hotels over the next five to six years to capitalize on the country's position as a key growth market. Sunjae Sharma, Managing Director for Hyatt in India and Southwest Asia, shared this ambitious plan in an emailed interview with PTI.

Sharma expressed enthusiasm for Hyatt’s expansion, stating, "With our strong pipeline and strategic growth initiatives, we are confident that we will achieve the milestone of 100 hotels within the next 5-6 years." He emphasized that the goal is driven by the booming travel and hospitality sector in India, coupled with a rising demand for high-quality hospitality experiences.

Currently, Hyatt operates 52 hotels in Southwest Asia, including 50 in India and two in Nepal, and has surpassed the 10,000 keys milestone. "We have the third-largest portfolio for Hyatt outside the Americas and China, which underscores our commitment to meeting the growing demand for quality hospitality in the region," Sharma noted. He indicated that the company plans to expand its portfolio with established brands like Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, and Hyatt Centric, while also exploring the introduction of new global brands.

Recently, Hyatt launched the 'Grand Showroom' at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, aimed at enhancing its business presence in India. "The Grand Showroom addresses the growing demand for hyper-personalized experiences and reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences in India," Sharma said.

Looking ahead, Sharma highlighted specific expansion plans, including the upcoming openings of Hyatt Regency Kasauli and Hyatt Regency Ghaziabad, as well as new locations for the Hyatt Place brand in Aurangabad and Haridwar. The company is also set to introduce The Unbound Collection in Bhopal by 2025.

In 2024, Hyatt announced a pipeline of eight new properties, with around 1,200 keys expected to open across various leisure and urban destinations by late 2024 and early 2025. Sharma emphasized that India is one of Hyatt's top global growth markets, and the company sees tremendous potential for continued expansion.

"We aim to further strengthen our presence in India with a focused strategy centered on loyalty, luxury, leisure, lifestyle, and wellness (LLLLW)," he added. This strategy aligns with the evolving preferences of their target audience and highlights Hyatt's commitment to meeting diverse needs across various segments. With increasing domestic and international tourism and a strong demand for luxury and wellness experiences, Sharma is confident that India will continue to rise in Hyatt's global market rankings.

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