COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT
at the same scale: a large growing domestic travel base, a fast-expanding affluent consumer segment and a strong demand for more high-quality branded hotels across gateway cities, resort destinations and emerging leisure markets,” said Amitabh Rai, COO, luxury, Accor, South Asia. Rai said that the market size of the country’ s hospitality industry is expected to grow from $ 282 billion in 2025 to $ 541 billion by 2030.“ In terms of luxury, that opportunity is further underscored by encouraging dynamics, including the growth in the number of highand ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
Accor’ s CEO, Sébastien Bazin, is as bullish as his deputy. At a recent investment conference, he said he expected India to be the largest market by 2045,“ bigger than China.”
Accor’ s luxury pipeline is robust. In Goa, Accor and the Dangayach Group announced Raffles Goa Shiroda and Fairmont Goa Shiroda, planned for 2030. In Rajasthan, Raffles Ranthambore and Sofitel Legend Sukh Bagh Jaipur have been announced.“ These projects are aligned with where luxury demand is moving,” Rai said.
Luxury properties in India reflect a cultural touchpoint, representative of the idea that guests are more than just visitors: They are a blessing. The same sentiment has been present for ages in phrases like“ Padharo Mhare Desh” and“ Atithi Devo Bhava,” the former a greeting with outstretched arms, the latter with holy reverence. The
The Leela Palace New Delhi is located in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri and is known for its opulence, including Venetian Murano chandeliers.
68 hotelsmag. com July / August 2026