The Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia (HICSA) announces its 20th edition, scheduled from April 9 to 10, 2025, at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, with the closed-door, by invitation only, Owners’ Only Workshop a day before on April 8, 2025 at The Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.
Since its inception in 2005, HICSA has evolved into the premier platform for hospitality investment in the region, consistently attracting global industry leaders, investors, and professionals.
Conference Theme: “20 Years: Past, Present & Prophecies”
This year’s conference, themed “20 Years: Past, Present & Prophecies,” aims to reflect on two decades of innovation and collaboration in the hospitality sector. The event anticipates close to 700 delegates, including top brands, hotel owners, financiers, developers, and professional advisors from around the world.
Comments from Manav Thadani, Founder Chairman of Hotelivate
Commenting on the 20th anniversary of HICSA, Manav Thadani, Founder Chairman – Hotelivate said “We are excited to bring HICSA back to Mumbai this year. As we celebrate this milestone edition, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come in shaping the dialogue around hospitality investment in the region. What started as a platform for industry leaders to connect has evolved into a global forum for innovation, collaboration, and growth. The 20th edition is not just a reflection of our past success but a testament to the future potential of the hospitality sector. We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from our delegates, patrons, speakers and sponsors as we come together in celebration of all things remarkable in food, beverage, and hospitality.”
Special Additions to the 20th Edition
This year, to mark the milestone edition of the conference, a comedy roast titled ‘Roasted and Toasted’ has been incorporated into the main agenda, offering an entertaining take on industry trends and personalities. Other highlights include ‘Fly Away,’ where attendees have the chance to win a Qantas Airways flight by scanning a QR code at the venue, and an exclusive ‘Breakfast Club’ for select industry leaders to connect with our partner design firms.
Day 1: Exclusive Interviews and Keynote Addresses
On Day 1, the conference will feature exclusive interviews and keynote addresses, enriching the event with valuable content. Notable speakers include:
- Kevin Goh – CEO of Lodging, CapitaLand Investment Limited, and CEO of The Ascott Limited
- Vikram Oberoi – CEO & MD, The Oberoi Group
- Ritesh Agarwal – Founder & Group CEO, OYO
- Kenneth Macpherson – CEO, Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Sébastien Bazin – Chairman and CEO, Accor
The conference will also cover insightful topics such as:
Hospitality Real Estate, Capital Markets, AI in Hospitality, Chasing the Leisure Traveller, Franchising and Third Party
HICSA Hotels of the Year Awards 2025
The day will close with the ‘HICSA Hotels of the Year Awards,’ presented by MakeMyTrip, recognizing outstanding new hotel developments in the South Asian region. The nominations span seven categories: Luxury Segment, Upper Upscale & Upscale Segment, Upper Midmarket Segment, Budget & Midmarket Segment, Boutique Segment, Conversion – Urban Segment, and Conversion – Leisure Segment.
Winners will be shortlisted by a jury and determined by HICSA 2025 delegates through a voting process, with results announced during the conference. This will be followed by the ‘Spirit’ Experience at the Poolside Lawns, where delegates can enjoy a curated selection of innovative drinks, offering a chance to unwind, relax, and network.
Global Leaders at HICSA 2025
Hotelivate is also proud to host global leaders at their prestigious conference, which brings together a diverse range of participants from the hospitality, real estate, and investment industries. Among the distinguished speakers are:
- Dillip Rajakarier – Group CEO, Minor International, CEO, Minor Hotels
- Dimitris Manikis – President, Europe, Middle East, Eurasia & Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
- Gaurav Bhushan – Co-CEO, Ennismore
- Haitham Mattar – Managing Director, Middle East, Africa & South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Sunjae Sharma – Managing Director, India & Southwest Asia, Hyatt
- Jatin Khanna – CEO, Sarovar Hotels
- Camil Yazbeck – Global Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Accor
- Elie Younes – Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group
- Suma Venkatesh – Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, IHCL …to name a few.
Day 2: Panel Discussions and Keynote Sessions
Day 2 of HICSA will feature curated panel discussions and mini keynote sessions with industry leaders. One of the highlights will be the panel discussion titled ‘General Manager to CEO – The Journey,’ featuring:
- Anil Chadha – Managing Director, ITC Hotels
- Anuraag Bhatnagar – CEO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts
- Dr Sanjay Sethi – Managing Director & CEO, Chalet Hotels
- Rajeev Menon – President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International
The session will be moderated by Mohit Nirula, Chief Operating Officer, The Oberoi Group.
Other plenary sessions will cover a range of current opportunities and challenges, including:
- New luxury brands entering India
- Indigenous hotel brands
- Building smart hotels
Additional topics will include:
Buying into Luxury, Hotel Valuations: Who is Buying, Building What and Where?, Branded Residences & Villas, Impact of Pollution and more.
Hot Seat: Manav Thadani Takes the Stage
The renowned ‘Hot Seat’ will feature Manav Thadani as a panellist, rather than a moderator, for an unfiltered conversation addressing leadership dilemmas. The conference will conclude with the MakeMyTrip General Manager of the Year Awards 2025, recognizing the exceptional performance of General Managers. The closing cocktails will take place at The Fairmont Mumbai, providing a fitting end to the event.
The 20th edition of HICSA promises to be a remarkable convergence of insights, innovation, and inspiration.
