Rising demand for premium travel is drawing global hospitality brands deeper into India. Banyan Tree is evaluating its India entry with an initial 1,000-key plan, while Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and others accelerate expansion.
Highlights:
- Banyan Tree is evaluating its entry into India with an initial plan of around 1,000 hotel keys.
- The Singapore-based luxury hotel group is seriously assessing opportunities in the Indian market.
- India currently has around 206 hotel brands across 60 companies, according to the report.
Global hotel chains are stepping up their presence in India as rising demand for luxury and premium hospitality makes the country an increasingly attractive market for international brands.
Singapore-based luxury hospitality group Banyan Tree is evaluating opportunities in India, with an initial plan involving around 1,000 hotel keys. The company’s potential entry comes as several major international hotel groups accelerate their expansion in the country.
Banyan Tree is assessing the investment required against the long-term growth and profitability potential of the Indian market. Its entry would add another major global luxury hospitality brand to India’s rapidly expanding hotel sector.
The broader industry is already witnessing strong growth. According to the report, hotel signings crossed 64,000 keys in 2025, a sharp increase from 24,071 keys in 2024. India currently has about 206 hotel brands operated by 60 companies.
Several established international hotel operators are simultaneously introducing new brands and properties.
Marriott has announced the global launch of its Select by Marriott brand and is working on bringing Marriott Marquis and City Express to India. Marriott had earlier acquired the City Express brand as part of its international expansion.
Hilton is working on the launch of its ultra-luxury Waldorf Astoria brand in India, further strengthening competition at the top end of the hospitality market.
Hyatt is scouting locations for its boutique hotel brand Standard, which it acquired through its purchase of Standard International in 2024.
IHG Hotels & Resorts, meanwhile, is launching its Kimpton brand in India through a deal involving a property near Delhi airport. ITC Hotels has also unveiled its Epiq Collection as it looks to accelerate growth in the premium segment.
The expansion comes amid a strong recovery in India’s hospitality industry. Thailand-based Dusit returned to India last year, while other international and domestic groups are expanding their portfolios.
Industry executives expect demand for premium hotels to remain strong, supported by rising domestic travel, higher disposable incomes, weddings, business travel and the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) segment.
With global chains introducing more brands across luxury and premium categories, India’s hotel market is set for a significant expansion in the coming years.
