Lulu Group International, a prominent retail conglomerate based in Abu Dhabi, is making significant investments in India. The group has partnered with the Punjab government to establish a logistics and food-processing centre in Amritsar, which will serve as a hub for sourcing local products and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), farmers, and agricultural cooperatives. Additionally, the Lulu Group has expressed interest in investing INR 2,500 crore to open a mall and a hotel in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, as part of their expansion plans across the state.Read more

India's pilgrimage destinations are thriving this summer, with travel companies reporting a 30% to 100% rise in bookings compared to last year. Popular sites like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, the Char Dham circuit, and Tirupati are drawing significant crowds. Thomas Cook (India) Ltd saw a 100% increase in Char Dham yatra packages, driven by younger travellers. The surge in visitors has prompted hotels to enhance their offerings, with mid-market and budget accommodations in high demand. This trend underscores the importance of pilgrimage tourism in India's travel sector, supported by innovative travel packages and improved connectivity.Read more

Trent Ltd's value fashion brand Zudio had a record year in fiscal 2024, opening 203 new stores and entering 46 new cities. With a store footprint of 10,000 sq ft, Zudio is well positioned for expansion. In FY2024, Zudio entered 46 new cities and strengthened its presence in 48 existing cities. For the full year, Trent Ltd reported consolidated revenues of INR 12,375 crore and net profit of INR 1,477 crore across its retail formats. The success of Zudio has attracted other national retailers like Yousta (Reliance Retail), Style-Up (ABFRL), and InTune (Shoppers Stop) to enter the value retail space. With India's value retail market projected to surge to USD 170 billion by 2026, Trent Ltd is well positioned to capitalize on opportunities through these brands in the high growth segment.Read more

Several major real estate and hospitality companies in India have recently announced significant investments in the hotel sector. Prestige Estates Projects signed a INR 4,250 crore deal with Marriott, while DB Realty hired a hospitality veteran to expand their hotels arm worth INR 2,300 crore. Property developers like K Raheja Corp. have each earmarked at least INR 10,000 crore for hotel development over the next 5-7 years. International chains like Hyatt are also looking to invest heavily in India. House of Abhinandan Lodha plans to invest INR 2,000 crore in luxury hotels across spiritual destinations, and DS Group earmarked INR 1,000 crore for their hotels division. These large investments reflect the rapid growth and attractive opportunities in India's booming hospitality industry.Read more

Fortune Hotels, part of ITC's hotel group, has launched Fortune Statue of Unity Ekta Nagar, strategically located near the Ekta Nagar railway station. This hotel features 144 well-appointed, vegetarian-only rooms with views of the Narmada River, catering to the growing demand for vegetarian-friendly travel. Amenities include 24-hour room service, high-speed Wi-Fi, and the Rainbow Restaurant offering a diverse vegetarian menu. The hotel also plans to offer versatile banquet facilities for up to 500 guests. Positioned near the Statue of Unity and various local attractions, Fortune Statue of Unity Ekta Nagar aims to enhance Ekta Nagar's appeal as a major tourist destination.Read more

Phoenix Mills, a key player in retail, is diversifying into hospitality and office spaces. They operate luxury hotels like St. Regis Mumbai (valued at over INR 1,200 crore) and Courtyard by Marriott Agra. Construction is underway for a 400-room Grand Hyatt in Bengaluru's Marketcity project, with an estimated investment of INR 600 crore. They've also acquired 11 acres near Mumbai for a potential 600-room hotel requiring an investment of nearly INR 800 crore. Their office portfolio aims to quadruple by FY28, reaching 7 million sq. ft. and generating an estimated INR 1,000 crore annual rental income, up from INR 170 crore in FY24.Read more

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd, in partnership with Hindva Hospitality LLP, has launched 'The World' the largest all-suite five-star hotel in Gujarat, marking its first hotel in Surat. Strategically located near key landmarks like the Surat Diamond Bourse and the upcoming Bullet Train Station, The World features 288 suites accommodating up to six guests each. The hotel boasts modern amenities, including banqueting rooms, spacious lawns, meeting facilities, a signature spa, a co-working space, and a gaming zone. This project aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision of Surat as a diamond trading hub and aims to set new standards for luxury hospitality in the city.Read more

Lemon Tree Hotels expands its footprint in Uttar Pradesh with the announcement of Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Bareilly. Expected to open in 2025, the property will boast 60 rooms along with dining, banquet, and fitness facilities. Situated in the northern Indian state near Ramganga, Bareilly is renowned for its furniture manufacturing and cotton trade. Lemon Tree's move reflects the city's rising stature, particularly as a "Counter Magnet" in the NCR. With this addition, Lemon Tree Hotels reinforces its commitment to Uttar Pradesh, recognizing its rich historical and industrial appeal.Read more

Tata Group-owned Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), which operates the Taj Group of hotels, has announced the launch of 'Ekyam', a new marketing platform to manage its portfolio of 25 hotels, and 2,500 rooms by 2025. The hotels at present on the platform, are jointly owned with its long-time partner, Nepali conglomerate CG Group's hospitality arm. Under two joint ventures, IHCL and CG Group own 7 of the 11 operational hotels, while CG Group owns the remaining 4. 'Ekyam' will primarily focus on properties located near adventure experiences in the Indian Ocean, Greater Himalayan regions, and wildlife areas. The platform aims to enhance transparency and drive growth in these properties under the two joint ventures between IHCL and CG Group.Read more

Prestige Estates Projects Ltd plans to significantly expand its hospitality portfolio over the next 3-4 years with a total investment of INR 1,700 crore. The company currently manages 1,849 rooms across various hospitality assets in India. The expanded portfolio is expected to generate annual revenue of INR 1,800 crore, double the current revenue of INR 900 crore. Prestige is exploring new markets like Srinagar, Ayodhya, Goa, Mumbai and expanding in existing markets. Prestige is also evaluating monetizing its existing hospitality portfolio through REITs and IPO. With the hospitality sector witnessing strong growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels, Prestige Estates' planned expansion of its portfolio seems timely.Read more