News: IHG Plans Branded Residences, 400+ Hotels in India-04-02-2026
Hospitality group IHG regards India as one of its most compelling long-term growth opportunities worldwide and is exploring an entry into branded residences, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, told Hindustan Times Real Estate.
Jain said the company is in active talks with select real estate developers about including branded residences in luxury projects. The focus is on major Tier 1 cities and high-potential resort destinations, where demand for hospitality-backed luxury living is growing. Timelines will depend on finding the right partners and locations.
IHG aims to have more than 400 open and in-development hotels in India within five years, more than triple its present estate. It currently operates over 50 hotels and has another 80 in development, which Jain said reflects strong owner confidence in its brand portfolio. The expansion would make India one of the group’s most significant growth markets globally.
He attributed the renewed push to strong domestic demand, better infrastructure and a growing preference for branded hospitality. IHG, he said, offers a highly investible model, deep owner relationships and products for every segment, and intends to grow in a disciplined, sustainable manner. Growth will rest on partnerships with Indian owners and developers and will cover Tier 1, 2, 3 and emerging Tier 4 cities, with brands matched to local demand and travel patterns.
On Ahmedabad and the 2030 Commonwealth Games, Jain said the city is strategically important because of business travel, expanding infrastructure and event-led travel, but IHG is assessing opportunities there on long-term demand rather than any single event. It recently signed a 150-key Holiday Inn Ahmedabad, due to open in 2029.
The immediate priority is the India debut of the Vignette Collection brand early this year with The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, which will add to the luxury and lifestyle portfolio. Other luxury and lifestyle brands are being explored, subject to market readiness and suitable partnerships. Kimpton has become increasingly relevant to India, Jain said, but its introduction will be measured and limited to the right cities and partners; for now it is a future opportunity, not an imminent launch.
Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are central to the plan. Midscale brands such as Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and the newly introduced Garner suit these markets, serving domestic business, leisure and transit demand while maintaining brand standards and owner returns.
