Monday, March 24, 2025
As India’s luxury travel sector witnesses remarkable expansion, Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and its prestigious hotel brands – The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and Minor Hotels – have reaffirmed their dedication to the market, launching innovative initiatives designed to enhance the country’s luxury hospitality scene.
India has emerged as a crucial growth market for GHA, with the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme seeing a 18% rise in membership to reach 623,000 members in 2024. Both The Leela and Minor Hotels are capitalizing on this surge, introducing new high-end offerings that cater to the discerning tastes of Indian travelers.
A noteworthy shift has occurred in the spending patterns of Indian GHA DISCOVERY members, with international expenditure (54%) surpassing domestic spending (46%) for the first time. Thailand, the UAE, and Singapore have become the top international destinations for Indian travelers.
The significant growth potential of the Indian market was underscored at two events held in Delhi this week. GHA shared insights from recent research, while The Leela and Minor Hotels outlined their strategies and future plans for development in the region.
During the Skift India Forum on March 18, Chris Hartley, CEO of GHA, and Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, discussed how luxury hotel brands are responding to India’s increasing demand for premium experiences. The conversation continued the following day at a press briefing hosted at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, where Hartley, Bhatnagar, and Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, emphasized India’s growing influence on the global luxury travel and hospitality landscape. The discussions covered key trends, including shifting guest preferences, the role of loyalty programmes, and the future of ultra-luxury hospitality.
“The rapid growth of India’s luxury travel market is reflected in the soaring engagement of Indian travellers with our brands worldwide. With record-breaking stay revenue and membership growth in 2024, we are committed to enriching their experiences through an ever-expanding portfolio of world-class hotels and innovative travel benefits”.
Chris Hartley, Chief Executive Officer of Global Hotel Alliance
Unveiling Arq by The Leela: A New Standard in Ultra-Luxury
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts raises the bar for luxury once again with the launch of Arq at Pichola – an extraordinary selection of ultra-luxury villa retreats crafted for the world’s most discerning elite. Making its debut at The Leela Palace Udaipur, Arq presents an exclusive set of accommodations that seamlessly fuse India’s rich heritage with contemporary elegance. This new venture reflects the increasing demand from both Indian and international travellers for bespoke, high-end experiences.
“India is at the forefront of a new era in luxury hospitality, driven by its dynamic economy, cultural richness and a discerning new generation of travellers seeking immersive experiences. With Arq, we are elevating ultra-luxury to unprecedented levels by creating bespoke sanctuaries that blend India’s timeless heritage with innovation. As the country cements its position as a premier luxury destination, The Leela remains committed to setting new benchmarks and shaping the future of luxury hospitality on a global stage.
Anuraag Bhatnagar, “Chief Executive Officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
Minor Hotels makes its debut in India with the launch of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur
In November 2024, Minor Hotels marked its entry into the Indian market with the grand opening of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, its first luxury property in the country. This milestone is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its presence in India, with plans to launch 50 new properties over the next ten years. As India’s outbound tourism is projected to surpass 50 million trips by 2030, Minor Hotels aims to meet the rising demand through its portfolio of luxury and premium brands, including Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Avani Hotels & Resorts, and NH Collection.
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The Indian market presents a remarkable opportunity for luxury hospitality, both domestically and internationally. With Anantara’s debut in Jaipur and our expansion plans, we aim to redefine experiential luxury while deepening our engagement with Indian travellers through our expanding brand portfolio. Indian travellers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences, whether through bespoke wellness retreats, culturally rich stays, or luxury destination weddings. Our strategy is to cater to these evolving preferences by expanding our footprint with brands that align with these aspirations.Dillip Rajakarier,” Chief Executive Officer of Minor HotelsLuxury Travel and Loyalty in India
India is seeing a significant expansion in luxury hotel accommodations, with GHA now offering nearly 3,400 hotel rooms across the country as of 2024, in response to the growing demand for premium stays.
However, GHA’s commitment to the Indian market extends far beyond its hotel network. The alliance’s latest market insights highlight how GHA DISCOVERY, which boasts over 30 million members globally, is influencing high-end travel trends. Indian members are increasingly drawn to GHA’s ‘Signature Luxury’ hotels, where exclusive experiences, complimentary room upgrades, and DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) rewards rank as some of the most sought-after perks.
As international tourism to India thrives, the nation continues to attract affluent visitors, with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia among the top source markets. The presence of The Leela and Minor Hotels within GHA’s portfolio places them at the forefront of India’s luxury hospitality sector, helping drive its ongoing expansion.
