ITC Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a management agreement for a 143-key Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels in Ayodhya, further strengthening its presence in Uttar Pradesh and expanding the national footprint of the Welcomhotel brand. The announcement follows recent additions to the brand portfolio in Bodh Gaya, Shirdi, and Vrindavan.
Spread across a four-acre site, the upcoming hotel will feature well-appointed guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, and more than 11,000 square feet of indoor banqueting space. Designed to cater to social events, weddings, celebrations, and large gatherings, the property will also offer a swimming pool, fitness centre, and spa, providing guests with a comprehensive hospitality and wellness experience.
The signing aligns with ITC Hotels Limited’s strategy of expanding into high-growth, demand-driven destinations. Through the Welcomhotel brand, the company continues to strengthen its presence in emerging cultural and spiritual destinations across Tier II and Tier III cities. Growing accessibility and rising visitor numbers at pilgrimage centres such as Amritsar, Bhubaneswar, Katra, Puri, Tirupati, and Varanasi reflect the increasing prominence of spiritual tourism in India.
Commenting on the development, Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels Limited, noted that the rise of domestic travel and spiritual tourism has significantly reshaped India’s tourism landscape, encouraging deeper connections with the country’s cultural and religious heritage. He stated that Ayodhya, with its immense cultural and spiritual significance, represents an important destination within the company’s expansion plans. He further highlighted that the project is in line with ITC Hotels’ asset-right growth strategy and its commitment to expanding in culturally rich and high-potential markets.
Ashwani Garg and Vishal Nand, Partners at M/S Kiraan Planners & Project Developers LLP, expressed confidence that the project would create a memorable hospitality experience for pilgrims and travellers visiting Ayodhya. They noted that, supported by ITC Hotels’ globally recognised service standards, the property is expected to set new benchmarks for branded hospitality in the region.
Ayodhya has rapidly emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing spiritual tourism destinations. Supported by major infrastructure investments, enhanced connectivity, and extensive urban development initiatives, the city is expected to attract millions of visitors annually, further strengthening its position on the country’s tourism map.
