Hilton Plans Decade-Long Expansion Drive in India, Targeting 300+ New Hotels Across Segments and Cities

Hilton has announced a comprehensive plan to expand its footprint in India by ten times over the next decade. The global hospitality company also aims to double the number of Hilton brands operating in the country within five years, tapping into the evolving needs of India’s travel and hospitality market.

India is currently one of Hilton’s fastest-growing markets. The company operates five of its 24 global brands in India, including Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, and Hampton by Hilton. Over the coming years, Hilton plans to introduce more of its brands to India, especially in the luxury and premium economy segments.

Christopher Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton, highlighted India’s potential and described the current presence as limited in comparison to its future targets. Hilton aims to grow from its current footprint to over 300 hotels across the country within a decade. Over a longer horizon, the company is exploring opportunities that could eventually take the number into the thousands.

One of the key developments in Hilton’s India strategy is the introduction of Spark by Hilton, a value-oriented brand designed for the budget-conscious yet experience-seeking traveler. Announced in late 2024, Hilton plans to open 150 Spark hotels in India, with nightly rates in the ₹4,000–₹6,000 range. Globally, the brand already has over 130 operational hotels and is projected to reach 250 by the end of this year.

Supporting Growth through Infrastructure and Demographics

Hilton’s leadership believes that India’s rapidly expanding travel infrastructure and rising consumer base are contributing to the hospitality sector’s growth. Alan Watts, President of Asia Pacific operations, pointed to projections that over 100 million individuals will move into the consumer class in the next five years. This demographic shift, combined with infrastructure upgrades in airports, highways, and rail networks, is making domestic travel more accessible and driving demand for organized hospitality options.

The company is preparing to bring some of its most well-known luxury brands into the Indian market. The first Waldorf Astoria hotel in India will be located in Jaipur and is expected to be operational by 2027. Hilton will also introduce the LXR Hotels & Resorts brand, with its first hotel scheduled to open in Bengaluru in 2026. These projects are intended to meet the growing interest in luxury accommodations from both Indian and international travelers.

Partnerships Driving Growth Across Tier II and Tier III Markets

To extend its presence beyond the metropolitan hubs, Hilton is entering into licensing and development partnerships. Through a Strategic Licensing Agreement with Nile Hospitality, Hilton will add 75 Hampton by Hilton hotels across different regions in India. Another agreement with Olive by Embassy will support the development of 150 Spark by Hilton hotels. These efforts are concentrated in Tier II and Tier III cities such as Siliguri, Kochi, Bhopal, and Chandigarh.

DoubleTree by Hilton, currently the most widely represented Hilton brand in India with 11 hotels, is set to expand with 12 additional properties. The Hampton brand will grow across several states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Bihar.

The company is also planning to introduce its lifestyle and boutique segments in India. These include the Curio Collection by Hilton and Slohh by Roach. The first property under this new segment will open in Whitefield, Bengaluru, later this year and will feature elements inspired by Karnataka’s coffee-producing regions.

Enhancing Guest Experience and Building Local Connection

Hilton has developed a guest engagement model called “1-3-5,” which enables travelers to explore their destinations based on the number of hours they have available—one, three, or five. This format is designed for guests with limited time who still want to experience local culture, food, and heritage.

To further localize its brand and connect with Indian audiences, Hilton has partnered with Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone for its latest marketing campaign. The campaign is expected to build deeper resonance with domestic travelers and reinforce Hilton’s positioning as a preferred hospitality brand in India.

With more than 8,600 properties in 139 countries and close to 1.3 million rooms globally, Hilton is preparing for a decade of sustained growth in India. The company’s strategy includes expansion into underserved regions, development of new brand offerings, and alignment with emerging travel patterns, positioning it for long-term success in the country’s competitive hospitality sector.

Image source-facebook.com