India’s hospitality sector is experiencing a moment of remarkable growth, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts—the world’s largest hotel franchising company by number of properties—is seizing the opportunity. The group has announced an ambitious strategy to open over 50 new hotels across India, supported by a multi-brand approach aimed at tapping into both domestic and international tourism demand.
At a recent press briefing, Dimitris Manikis, President for EMEA at Wyndham, and Rahool Macarius, Managing Director for Eurasia, confirmed that India is now a strategic focus market for Wyndham’s global expansion. Their plan will see the introduction of several international brands from Wyndham’s portfolio into India for the first time, targeting diverse segments of travelers across tier-1, tier-2, and emerging destinations.
Capitalising on India’s Post-Pandemic Travel Boom
India’s tourism industry has rebounded significantly post-COVID, fueled by a resilient domestic travel market, increased air connectivity, and pro-tourism government policies. In 2023, India welcomed over 16 million international arrivals and recorded nearly 2 billion domestic travel visits, according to data from India’s Ministry of Tourism. Wyndham’s leadership cited this upward trajectory as a key reason for accelerating their investments in the country.
“India offers an extraordinary mix of cultural richness, infrastructure growth, and a rising middle class. It’s a market full of promise,” said Manikis. “Our strategy is to ensure that whether you’re a value-conscious traveler or a luxury seeker, there’s a Wyndham hotel to welcome you.”
Diversified Brand Strategy for a Wider Audience
While Ramada by Wyndham continues to be the most recognised brand in India, Wyndham is now expanding its presence by introducing other global names to cater to a broader demographic. The group operates 25 hotel brands globally, and its new strategy for India includes the launch of La Quinta by Wyndham and Registry Collection Hotels, both debuting through a strategic partnership with Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.
- La Quinta by Wyndham: Aimed at midscale travelers, this brand offers modern comfort and value-driven stays ideal for both business and leisure guests.
- Registry Collection Hotels: This upscale boutique brand will target India’s luxury travel segment, offering curated, independent hotel experiences in unique locations.
These brands join a portfolio that already includes Wyndham Grand, Days Inn, Super 8, Microtel, Wingate, and Trademark Collection, positioning Wyndham as a versatile player able to cater to varying travel budgets and preferences.
Strategic Growth Through Franchising
Wyndham’s rapid growth in India will be powered by its franchising model, which allows hotel owners and developers to access the brand’s global network, standards, and marketing resources while retaining local ownership. This model enables scalable and efficient growth, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities such as Jaipur, Lucknow, Coimbatore, and Kochi, where demand for branded hotel experiences is increasing.
By 2024, Wyndham already had over 60 hotels operating in India. The addition of 50+ new properties over the next few years will significantly boost the company’s footprint, particularly in business hubs, pilgrimage cities, beach destinations, and eco-tourism regions.
India’s Hospitality Sector at an Inflection Point
The decision by Wyndham to expand aggressively in India coincides with a new chapter in Indian hospitality. According to a 2024 report by the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the country’s hospitality sector is expected to grow at 9.8% CAGR through 2030, driven by:
- Increased government investment in tourism infrastructure and digital tourism
- Visa liberalization policies for inbound tourists
- Surging middle-class income and appetite for branded hotel experiences
- Rapid urbanization and new airport developments under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme
With India expected to be among the top five global travel destinations by 2030, international hotel chains like Wyndham are seeing long-term opportunities to establish deeper roots in the market.
Sustainability and Tech-Focused Growth
Wyndham’s expansion will also align with sustainability initiatives and the integration of smart hospitality technologies. The company is exploring ways to introduce energy-efficient designs, green building certifications, and digital guest experience tools to meet the expectations of environmentally conscious and tech-savvy travelers.
Rahool Macarius emphasized that Wyndham’s India strategy isn’t just about increasing numbers. “We want to bring world-class standards, eco-conscious hospitality, and technology-led guest experiences to India, from business travelers in Gurugram to leisure seekers in Goa.”
Conclusion: Wyndham’s Expansion Signals a New Era for India’s Hotel Industry
As Wyndham Hotels & Resorts prepares to launch over 50 new properties in India, the move highlights growing investor confidence in the Indian travel sector. By leveraging its global brand equity, franchise-driven scalability, and a diversified brand portfolio, Wyndham is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of India’s hospitality landscape.
With new properties, strategic alliances, and an eye on underserved markets, Wyndham is not just growing its footprint—it’s redefining how global hospitality brands succeed in modern India.
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