Hilton accelerates midscale growth in India

NEW DELHI, India — Hilton has signed a strategic agreement with Regenta Hotels Private Ltd., owned by Bengaluru, India-based Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., to sign and open 125 Hampton by Hilton hotels in India.

The partnership accelerates Hilton’s upper-midscale expansion in India, where rising domestic travel and the country’s expanding middle class are driving strong opportunities in the mid-market segment.

The franchised hotels will primarily be developed across western and southern markets, including Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, joining more than 3,100 Hampton by Hilton properties trading globally.

“India’s economic growth, expanding middle class and rapid infrastructure development are reshaping the country’s travel landscape, creating significant opportunities for our brands,” said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific for Hilton. “Our new strategic partnership with the Regenta Hotels Group demonstrates our commitment to working with established local operators, enabling us to scale our franchise footprint rapidly while maintaining the strength and consistency of Hilton’s brands.”

Strategic agreements have become a key driver for Hilton’s expansion strategy in India, enabling the company to pair strong local operating expertise with its global brands and commercial engine. This partnership marks Hilton’s third of this nature in India. In February, Hilton signed a strategic licensing agreement with Nile Hospitality to open 75 Hampton by Hilton hotels in the country. Last year, Hilton signed an agreement with Olive by Embassy to develop 150 Spark by Hilton hotels in the country.

“As we continue to strengthen our network effect around the world, India remains a strategic long-term growth market for Hilton,” said Christian Charnaux, executive vice president and chief development officer for Hilton. “This agreement further reinforces the global strength of the Hampton brand and our confidence in the long-term growth of India’s midmarket hospitality sector.”

“We are proud to partner with Hilton to scale Hampton by Hilton in India. Our portfolio is a healthy mix of owned, managed and franchised properties, and this partnership with Hilton will drive significant growth in the country’s mid-market hospitality segment,” said Chander Baljee, founder, chairman and managing director for Royal Orchid Group.

“Partnering with Hilton to bring 125 Hampton properties to life is a strategic leap in our 50-year journey,” said Arjun Baljee, president for Royal Orchid Hotels. “Over the next 10 years, the hospitality opportunity will enable job creation for local communities, besides offering travelers across the country a quality stay experience.”