Hilton Strengthens India Expansion with Strategic Agreement with Royal Orchid Hotels | News
Image (LR): Christian Charnaux, executive vice president and chief development officer, Hilton; Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton; Arjun Baljee, President of Royal Orchid Hotels and Keshav Baljee, Executive Director of Royal Orchid Hotels
Hilton has announced the signing of a strategic agreement with Regenta Hotels Private Limited, owned by Royal Orchid Hotels Limited, to sign and open 125 Hampton by Hilton hotels in India. The partnership accelerates Hilton’s expansion into the upper midmarket in India, where rising domestic travel and growing demand from the country’s growing middle class are creating strong midmarket opportunities. The franchise hotels will be developed primarily in the western and southern markets, including Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and will join the more than 3,100 Hampton by Hilton properties trading globally.
Alan Watts, president of Asia Pacific, Hilton said: “India’s economic growth, growing middle class and rapid infrastructure development are transforming the country’s travel landscape and creating significant opportunities for our brands. Our new strategic partnership with Regenta Hotels Group demonstrates our commitment to partnering with established local operators, allowing us to rapidly scale our franchise footprint while maintaining the strength and consistency of Hilton’s brands.”
Strategic agreements have become a key driver of Hilton’s expansion strategy in India, allowing the company to combine strong local operational expertise with its global brands and commercial engine. This partnership marks Hilton’s third such in India, building on the momentum of previous agreements that accelerate development by locking in franchise terms across a large portfolio of new developments at once.
India’s western and southern states together account for a significant portion of the country’s GDP and represent some of the most dynamic business and leisure corridors. As improvements in infrastructure strengthen connectivity and domestic travel continues to grow, demand for reliable, branded accommodation is expanding beyond the country’s largest urban centers. This creates strong opportunities for mid- and upper-mid-market brands, such as Hampton by Hilton, to meet the needs of India’s rapidly growing domestic traveler base in emerging cities and key commercial centres.
Christian Charnaux, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of Hilton, said: “As we continue to strengthen our network effect around the world, India remains a strategic long-term growth market for Hilton. For owners, Hampton by Hilton delivers industry-leading returns through an efficient business model and broad guest appeal. This agreement further strengthens the global strength of the Hampton brand and our confidence in the long-term growth of India’s mid-tier hospitality sector.”
Hampton by Hilton is the company’s largest brand in terms of number of hotels and a pioneer in the upper mid-market segment worldwide. Named the #1 Lodging Franchise by Entrepreneur® for 17 consecutive years, the brand serves quality-conscious travelers through an accessible, high-quality stay defined by the friendly and caring signature hospitality known as “Hamptonality” in 46 countries worldwide. Following extensive consumer research in India, Hampton by Hilton hotels in the country will feature design, service and amenities carefully tailored to local preferences, while maintaining the brand’s trusted global standards.
Chander Baljee, founder, chairman and managing director of Royal Orchid Group, said: “We are proud to partner with Hilton to scale Hampton by Hilton in India. Our portfolio is a healthy mix of owned, managed and franchised properties, and this partnership with Hilton will drive significant growth in the country’s mid-scale hospitality sector. As domestic travel continues to grow and new economic hubs emerge across the country, we see a significant opportunity to expand the Hampton by Hilton brand to cities across the country. India.”
Arjun Baljee, President of Royal Orchid Hotels, said: “Partnering with Hilton to bring 125 Hampton hotels to life is a strategic leap in our 50-year journey. It complements our ethos of strengthening the mid-range of the Indian market with hotels that deliver great value, service efficiency and thoughtful design, in addition to the globally renowned Hampton brand experience. Over the next 10 years, the hospitality opportunity will create jobs for local communities and travelers across the country a quality residential experience.”
Hampton by Hilton hotels participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 27 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through Hilton’s preferred channels have access to immediate benefits, including flexible payment options with points and cash, exclusive member discounts and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also benefit from popular digital tools available exclusively through the Hilton Honors mobile app, including digital check-in, room selection and digital key.
