Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and two of its hotel brands – The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, and Minor Hotels – have reaffirmed their commitment to the market, unveiling new initiatives to elevate the country’s high-end hospitality landscape.
GHA’s Commitment to India
With GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program membership in the country growing by 18% in 2024, reaching 623,000 members. Both The Leela and Minor Hotels are tapping into this demand with new luxury offerings, appealing to high-end Indian travellers.
Notably, international spend by Indian GHA DISCOVERY members (54%) has surpassed domestic revenue (46%) for the first time, with Thailand, the UAE, and Singapore as the top international destinations.
Growth Potential in India’s Travel Market
The significant growth potential of the Indian travel market was highlighted at two events staged in Delhi this week, where GHA cited recent research and The Leela and Minor Hotels discussed their market strategies and development plans.
Luxury Brands Responding to India’s Demand
Speaking at the Skift India Forum on 18th March, Chris Hartley, CEO of GHA, and Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, revealed how luxury hotel brands are responding to India’s burgeoning demand for premium experiences.
The conversation continued at a press briefing hosted at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, where Hartley, Bhatnagar, and Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, highlighted India’s growing influence in global travel and luxury hospitality. These discussions explored key trends, including evolving guest preferences, the impact of loyalty programs, and the future of ultra-luxury hospitality.
Expansion with Arq by The Leela
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts continues to set new benchmarks for luxury with the introduction of Arq at Pichola – an exclusive collection of ultra-luxury villa spaces designed as the ultimate escape for discerning elites from around the world.
Debuting at The Leela Palace Udaipur, Arq offers an intimate collection of exclusive accommodations, blending Indian heritage with modern sophistication. This evolution aligns with the growing aspirations of affluent Indian and global travellers seeking tailored, high-end experiences.
Minor Hotels’ Expansion in India
Minor Hotels recently made its foray into India, launching its first luxury property, Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, in November 2024. This marks the beginning of an ambitious growth strategy, with plans to open 50 new properties in India over the next decade.
With India’s outbound travel forecast to exceed 50 million trips by 2030, Minor Hotels is strategically positioned to cater to this demand across its luxury and premium brands, including Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Avani Hotels & Resorts, and NH Collection.
Redefining Experiential Luxury
Minor Hotels’ Rajakarier highlighted that Indian travelers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences, whether through bespoke wellness retreats, culturally rich stays, or luxury destination weddings. The brand’s strategy focuses on expanding its footprint with hotels that align with these evolving preferences.
Luxury Travel and Loyalty Trends in India
GHA hotel rooms in India have grown to nearly 3,400 in 2024, reflecting the rising demand for luxury stays. GHA DISCOVERY, with over 30 million members worldwide, plays a key role in shaping high-end travel trends. Indian members are increasingly engaging with GHA’s ‘Signature Luxury’ hotels, appreciating premium experiences, room upgrades, and DISCOVERY Dollars (D$).
Inbound travel to India continues to rise, with the country attracting high-spending travelers, particularly from the US, UK, and Australia.
