Alan Watts, President of Asia Pacific at Hilton, expressed optimism about the growth of the hospitality industry in India and announced the company’s plans to double its operational portfolio within the country every 3 to 5 years. At the Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia (HICSA), hosted for the first time at the Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, Watts said that India is heading into an incredible development cycle.
According to Watts, India is set to witness a phenomenal pace of infrastructure build with the construction of 220 new airports, hundreds more new planes ordered, and the first bullet train project slated for completion by 2026. He added that Hilton strongly believes that the race for India is ahead of us and that it is India’s time to shine.
As the fastest-growing hospitality company in APAC, Hilton is on track to exceed 1,000 trading hotels by 2025. The company opened 110 hotels in 2022 and aimed to exceed that number this year. Hilton plans to double its operational portfolio in India every 3 to 5 years. According to Watts, this is only possible due to the confidence owners and partners have placed in the company to deliver best-in-class returns.
Watts also emphasized that Hilton is at the forefront of offering world-class hospitality across key consumer segments and destinations. The company plans to continue placing the right brands at suitable locations with the right partners as it stands ready to capture demand in this new golden age of travel.
India’s hospitality industry has been growing rapidly, with international hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton expanding their presence there. The Indian government’s efforts to boost tourism have also driven growth in the sector. According to a report by Statista, the hotel industry in India is projected to reach a value of $13.6 billion by 2025.
Hilton’s plans to double its portfolio in India align with its global expansion strategy. The company has expanded its presence in key global markets, including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In 2021, Hilton announced its plans to open 1,000 hotels in China by 2025, making it the country’s most significant international hotel operator.
The hospitality industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but with the rollout of vaccines and the easing of travel restrictions, there are signs of recovery. Hilton’s plans to double its portfolio in India are a testament to the company’s confidence in the future of the industry and its commitment to India’s growth story.
Written by: Supaporn Pholrach (Joom)
