ITC Hotels has announced the acquisition of The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa in a ₹205 crore deal, marking a significant expansion of its luxury hospitality footprint in South India. The acquisition involves a 100% stake purchase in Zuri Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd (ZHRPL), the company that owns and operates the resort. The transaction has been structured on a debt-free and cash-free basis.
Located along the scenic Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom, Kerala, the luxury resort is spread across nearly 18 acres and currently features 72 keys, including villas and premium accommodation offerings. The property also includes two restaurants, a bar, wellness facilities, banquet spaces, and a traditional Ayurvedic spa, making it a well-established leisure destination in Kerala’s backwater tourism circuit.
The acquisition aligns with ITC Hotels’ long-term strategy of expanding its portfolio across high-growth leisure and experiential travel destinations in India. Industry observers believe the move further strengthens the company’s presence in Kerala, one of India’s leading tourism and wellness destinations known for luxury resorts, backwater tourism, Ayurveda, and destination weddings.
According to company disclosures, the acquired resort will undergo phased upgrades and renovations before being fully integrated into the ITC Hotels portfolio. The acquisition is also expected to enhance ITC Hotels’ offerings in the luxury leisure, MICE, wellness, and experiential hospitality segments, which continue witnessing strong post-pandemic demand from domestic and international travellers alike.
The development comes as ITC Hotels continues its aggressive expansion strategy following its independent listing, with the company targeting substantial portfolio growth over the next few years. Alongside managed and franchised properties, the group is increasingly focusing on owned luxury assets in strategic tourism destinations across India.
Hospitality industry experts believe the acquisition will strengthen Kerala’s luxury tourism ecosystem while reinforcing Kumarakom’s position as a leading destination for premium leisure travel, destination weddings, corporate retreats, and wellness tourism. The move also reflects growing investor confidence in India’s hospitality sector amid rising tourism demand, infrastructure development, and increasing interest in experiential travel destinations.
