Stock Markets February 27, 2026

Hyatt Sees Fivefold Expansion in India Over Next Five Years, CEO Says

U.S. hotel operator plans aggressive growth as domestic travel and consumer spending rise in India

By Ajmal Hussain H
Hyatt Sees Fivefold Expansion in India Over Next Five Years, CEO Says
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Hyatt Hotels aims to increase its presence in India by five times within five years, driven by stronger domestic travel and higher consumer spending. The CEO framed the move as a response to market demand, noting Hyatt currently operates 55 properties in India and more than 1,400 worldwide. Industry forecasts and rival expansion plans underline the opportunity and competition in the Indian hospitality market.

Key Points

  • Hyatt plans to increase its India hotel count fivefold within five years, citing rising domestic travel and consumer spending.
  • Hyatt currently operates 55 hotels in India, had targeted 100 properties by 2030, and operates over 1,400 hotels globally.
  • Industry projections and rival expansion moves from chains like Hilton underscore a competitive push into India's growing hospitality market.

Hyatt Hotels says it expects to expand its hotel network in India fivefold over the coming five years, a strategy its chief executive described as aligned with robust demand for domestic travel and growing consumer spending in the country.

Speaking at the HOPE conference in Goa, Hyatt President and CEO Mark S. Hoplamazian said the firm sees the market supporting a substantial increase in the number of hotels. "Given the growth of the industry, I would say that in five years' time, we should have five times the number of hotels that we have today, because that's what the market would warrant," he said.

At present, Hyatt operates 55 hotels across India in cities that include New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The company had previously outlined a plan to grow its Indian portfolio to 100 properties by 2030. Globally, Hyatt's portfolio exceeds 1,400 hotels.

Hyatt's growth projection comes amid industry forecasts that point to rapid expansion in travel and hospitality demand in India. Consultancy Mordor Intelligence estimates the Indian hotel industry could nearly double in size - from $23.5 billion in 2025 to about $55.7 billion by 2031 - attributing that trajectory to factors such as population growth, rapid urbanisation and rising travel aspirations.

Rival global chains are pursuing their own aggressive expansion plans in India. Hilton Worldwide announced plans last year to quadruple its India pipeline of hotel rooms over five years. Domestic operators have also signaled sensitivity to demand dynamics: Leela Hotels has indicated its fiscal 2027 outlook is contingent on affluent consumer demand and on a shortage of luxury rooms in the market.

Hoplamazian framed India as a longer-term investment opportunity for Hyatt. "India is a place to invest, it's a long-term bet," he said.

For investors and market watchers, the expansion plans add to a broader industry narrative of rising competition and shifting capacity in India. Questions about the pace of rollout, competitive responses and how demand will evolve will shape outcomes, even as operators commit to larger pipelines.

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Risks

  • The expansion depends on sustained growth in domestic travel and higher consumer spending - sectors that directly affect hotel occupancy and revenue.
  • Hyatt's rollout faces competition from other global and domestic operators expanding capacity, which could affect pricing power in the hospitality sector.
  • Leela Hotels has highlighted that fiscal outcomes hinge on affluent demand and a shortage of luxury rooms, signaling uncertainty in high-end segment demand that could impact luxury and premium hotel operators.

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