Travel Information

OpportunitiesApplicable laws/regulatory policies.

Introduction

Hotel Industry in India is witnessing tremendous boom in recent years and going through an interesting phase. One of the major reasons for the increase in demand for hotel rooms in the country is the boom in the overall Economy and high growth in sectors like information technology, telecom, retail and real estate. Rising stock market and new business opportunities are also attracting hordes of foreign investors and international corporate travelers to look for business opportunities in the country particularly growth in tourism sector. As hotel industry is inextricably linked to the tourism industry and the growth in the Indian tourism industry has fuelled the growth of Indian hotel industry.

Explosive economic growth in India ignites unquenchable demand for hotel rooms. With huge investments flowing into India for the development of infrastructure such as roads, highways, airports and convention centers, interest in hotel developments is hitting new highs as tourism, business and travel are on the rise.

The booming tourism industry has had a cascading effect on the hospitality sector with an increase in the occupancy ratios and average room rates. And with the continuing surge in demand, many global hospitality majors have evinced a keen interest in the Indian hospitality sector. It is estimated that India is likely to have around 40 international hotel brands by 2011.

Opportunities

The spurt in India’s tourism industry growth has had a ripple effect on its hospitality sector. Rising income levels and spending power combined with the governments open sky policy have provided a major thrust. The industry is growing at a very rapid pace and there is a demand for more rooms both in metros and smaller towns. It is estimated that India is likely to have around 40 international hotel brands by 2011.

India’s booming hospitality industry has transformed into a veritable basket of the choicest of rooms, food and beverage, health and business facilities, travel packages and everything that you can think of. New global entrants are vying with existing local players to provide world-class services at prices suited to every pocket.

An estimated 4.4 million tourists are expected to visit India with an annual average growth rate of 12% in the next few years. The domestic tourist market is also flourishing. The commonwealth games in 2010 will add to the demand for quality accommodation.The Government of India’s Incredible India destination campaign and the Atithi Devo Bhavah campaign have also helped the growth of domestic and international tourism and consequently the hotel industry.

The opening up of the aviation industry in India has exciting opportunities for hotel industry as it relies on airlines to transport 80% of international arrivals. The government’s decision to substantially upgrade 28 regional airports in smaller towns and privatization & expansion of Delhi and Mumbai airport will improve the business prospects of hotel industry in India. And the upgrading of national highways connecting various parts of India has opened new avenues for the development of budget hotels in India. Taking advantage of this opportunity Tata group and another hotel chain called ‘Homotel’ have entered this business segment.