ITC Hotels Ltd has announced plans to expand its presence in the Indian and South Asian hospitality sector, aiming to operate over 220 properties with more than 20,000 rooms by 2030. This target, outlined in the company’s annual report for the financial year 2024–25, will be pursued primarily through management contracts and franchise arrangements. The approach reflects the company’s continued transition toward a capital-light business model.
Following its demerger from ITC Limited, the hospitality company now functions as a separate entity, managing six distinct brands—ITC Hotels, Mementos, WelcomHotel, Storii, Fortune, and WelcomHeritage. These brands serve different segments of the market, from luxury and upscale business travel to boutique heritage and leisure stays. The group currently operates over 140 hotels, accounting for more than 13,300 rooms across India and Nepal.
According to the annual report, around 70% of the operational keys under ITC Hotels are being run through management contracts or franchise agreements. This method enables the company to expand its portfolio without the need for direct ownership of land or buildings, allowing for lower capital deployment while maintaining brand and service standards. The strategy is also designed to promote scalability and reduce the operational complexity of managing company-owned assets across numerous locations.
Over the past two years, ITC Hotels has added 30 new properties, of which 29 have been developed under this asset-light model. The new additions are located across a mix of urban centres and regional destinations, supporting the company’s intent to reach markets where demand for quality hospitality offerings is rising but supply remains limited.
A significant portion of the upcoming pipeline consists of brownfield projects,existing hotels that are being rebranded, upgraded, or brought under ITC Hotels’ management. This approach allows quicker entry into high-demand areas without the extended timelines associated with greenfield developments. It also aligns with the company’s intent to reduce the capital intensity of its growth model.
The company continues to build relationships with property owners by offering operational expertise and the strength of its brand portfolio. This collaboration enables hotel owners to benefit from ITC Hotels’ established systems and customer base, while the company expands its reach without large-scale investment in physical assets.
India’s hospitality sector has shown steady improvement over the last two years, supported by domestic tourism growth, stable economic indicators, and better transport and infrastructure connectivity. The demand for high-quality hotel accommodation continues to increase across business, leisure, and event-driven segments. Despite this, the country remains underpenetrated in terms of organized hotel room supply, with just around 200,000 operational keys across all segments. This leaves room for further additions, particularly in secondary and tertiary cities.
ITC Hotels is positioning itself to respond to these developments through operational flexibility and a brand-driven strategy. Alongside room expansion, the company is focusing on enhancing customer experience, investing in digital platforms, and strengthening food and beverage offerings. These areas are expected to contribute meaningfully to revenues alongside the core room business.
Loyalty programs and curated guest services are also being integrated more deeply into operations, aiming to increase repeat business and customer retention. The company is further aligning its practices with sustainability goals, including initiatives in energy efficiency, water conservation, and responsible sourcing.
ITC Hotels is preparing for a broader role in the hospitality sector’s next growth phase. The combination of management-led expansion, diverse brand architecture, and measured financial planning allows the company to participate in market growth while maintaining control over operational standards. This direction reflects a long-term view of hospitality in India and nearby regions, built around partnership-driven expansion and service consistency across formats and locations.
