IHG Hotels & Resorts is widening its growth playbook in India, indicating it is open to ownership, management and franchise-led expansion as it accelerates plans to build a portfolio of more than 400 operating and pipeline hotels within the next five years.
One of the world’s largest hotel operators, IHG Hotels & Resorts, is broadening its India growth strategy by considering ownership opportunities alongside its established management and franchise-led model. The shift comes amid strong demand for branded hospitality in India, driven by rising domestic travel, infrastructure investments and increasing interest from hotel owners in partnering with global brands.
IHG currently operates 52 hotels across India and has a pipeline of 98 additional properties scheduled to open over the next three to five years. The company expects this momentum to help it more than triple its presence in the country, making India one of its most important growth markets globally.
Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said the company remains focused on accelerating growth across the country, supported by strong demand across business, leisure and mixed-use destinations. He noted that India continues to be one of IHG’s most active markets, with an underpenetrated branded hotel landscape creating significant opportunities for both owners and operators.
The expansion strategy spans luxury, premium and mainstream segments through brands including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, voco, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Six Senses, Garner and Staybridge Suites. IHG is also preparing to grow its luxury and lifestyle portfolio through brands such as Vignette Collection and Kimpton, while pursuing conversion opportunities and strategic developments in gateway cities, airport hubs and emerging leisure destinations.
Recent agreements signed by the company, including a landmark multi-hotel partnership with Adani Airport Holdings and several new hotel signings across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and South India, highlight the scale of its development ambitions and growing confidence among local owners and investors.
Speaking about the company’s growth outlook, Jain said India remains a key market for IHG, supported by favourable demographics, rising travel demand and increasing confidence from hotel owners. He added that the company’s robust development pipeline positions it well to accelerate expansion and strengthen its presence across the country over the coming years.
For the franchise sector, IHG’s openness to multiple ownership structures could create additional opportunities for developers and investors seeking to partner with international hospitality brands. As competition among global hotel operators intensifies in India, the company’s willingness to explore ownership, management and franchise models reflects a more flexible approach aimed at capturing growth across a rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.
