The global hospitality major Marriott International is ramping up its footprint in India, with more than 150 new hotels under development across the country – a move that is widely seen as the cornerstone of a growing hospitality boom.
This expansion spans beyond the traditional metro hubs, embracing tier-2 and tier-3 cities as well. Through its mid-market offering Series by Marriott, the company has already added 26 properties across 23 cities, adding 1,900+ rooms and catering to travellers seeking quality stays in emerging destinations.
Industry insiders believe that India is on track to become Marriott’s third-largest market globally within the next few years. The company currently has around 155 hotels or more operating in the country, and it expects to rapidly scale up that number in response to surging demand.
Driving this growth is India’s revival across business travel, weddings, and leisure tourism. The post-pandemic travel rebound has fuelled strong occupancy rates and revenue growth, prompting Marriott to double down on both luxury and mid-scale segments.
As Marriott proliferates its presence, airlines too are stepping up – expansion of air connectivity, improved infrastructure and increased domestic mobility are combining to make even remote destinations more accessible.
Further strengthening its southern India footprint, Marriott recently signed a multi-deal agreement with Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited to develop six new hotels with 940 rooms across four key markets, scheduled to launch between 2027 and 2030. This deal spans properties under a mix of Marriott’s lifestyle and premium brands.
The cumulative effect of these developments is reshaping India’s tourism and hospitality landscape. With globally recognised hospitality standards extending into smaller cities, travellers – domestic and international alike – have access to better stays countrywide. For cities previously underserved for quality lodging, this expansion also promises new job opportunities and a boost to local economies.
As India continues to draw interest from global travellers and as its middle class grows more aspirational, Marriott’s aggressive expansion signals a turning point — not just for a hotel chain, but for India’s fast-evolving transformation into a major global travel destination.
