Hilton is optimistic about the growth potential in India, forecasting it to become one of the largest hotel markets globally in the coming decade. Alan Watts, Hilton’s Asia Pacific president, noted that India could emerge as the third-largest lodging market, especially as its tourism sector strengthens despite challenges faced in China affecting the region’s overall performance.
Hilton is capitalizing on opportunities in various segments, including religious tourism, where there’s limited branded hotel availability in pilgrimage hotspots like Ayodhya and Tirupati. With plans for 60 hotels under construction and a commitment to 400 more, Hilton is shifting focus from major cities to mid-scale brands in smaller cities—catering to a growing domestic travel market.
Watts emphasized the benefits of rising infrastructure investment and a burgeoning middle class, ensuring strong potential for growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
