IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced an ambitious expansion plan to have 400 properties signed and operating in India by 2030. This move signals a strong push for dominance in one of the world's fastest-growing hospitality markets. Currently, IHG operates 50 hotels across India and has 80 hotels in its development pipeline, bringing the total to 130.

Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer of IHG, emphasized the significant opportunity in India, noting that the country has fewer internationally branded hotel rooms than Manhattan. He stated that investments in infrastructure, GDP growth, regulatory reforms, and air travel are driving rapid growth in travel demand, while the supply of quality hotel rooms is lagging.

IHG's expansion strategy reflects the company's confidence in the long-term potential of the Indian hospitality market. The company aims to build a portfolio of 1,000 hotels nationwide in the long term. IHG is on track to achieve its 400-hotel milestone within the next five years. The company believes that India has the potential to become one of IHG's top three global markets. With a population of 1.5 billion and a growing middle class, India presents opportunities in business travel, leisure, religious tourism, and weddings.

IHG's Holiday Inn Express brand is also expanding in India. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pithampur, located in Madhya Pradesh, is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2028. The hotel will feature 150 rooms, dining options, meeting spaces, and a fitness center. The Holiday Inn Express brand is designed to provide simple and smart travel experiences and is growing rapidly with over 3,200 hotels worldwide. The brand's Generation 5 concept aims to elevate the guest experience through flexible design and value.

Other hotel companies are also expanding in India. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), which owns the Taj brand, has announced its "Accelerate 2030" strategy. IHCL aims to expand its portfolio to 700 hotels by 2030 and double its consolidated revenue.