US-based Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is gearing up to introduce its European brand, Vienna House, to the Indian market by mid-next year. With ambitious expansion plans, the hotel company aims to elevate its total number of hotels from 60 to 100 by the year 2025.
“We’re the world’s largest hotel franchisor and aim to replicate our success in India. By 2025, we will have 100 hotels in India. With a robust pipeline and optimism fueled by substantial infrastructure development, especially in airports, roads, and ports, we anticipate significant growth in the hospitality sector across various cities in the next five years. Our enthusiasm extends not just to business prospects but also to the people of India,” stated Dimitris Manikis, President for Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa (EMEA) at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
In India, Wyndham currently operates 60+ hotels, boasting over 5,333 operational rooms. Additionally, the company has 35 hotels with over 3,116 rooms currently under development in 36 cities across the country. On a global scale, Wyndham extends its presence with approximately 9,100 hotels spanning 95 countries across six continents. The company manages a diverse portfolio of 24 hotel brands, with eight of them being present in the Indian market.
On the other brands the company plans to bring to India, he said, “Every brand is significant, but our recent acquisition, Vienna House, holds a special place in my vision for India. I believe its unique style, coupled with the grandeur of our recent addition, Wyndham Grand (opening in 2025), will resonate well with Indian consumers and attract inbound tourists from Europe. Despite having other impressive brands in our portfolio, Vienna House and Wyndham Grand are particularly exciting prospects for growth in India.”
Last year, Wyndham strengthened its position in the European market through the acquisition of the Vienna House brand from the Berlin-based HR Group. This strategic move included the addition of 28 hotels in Germany alone, marking a substantial expansion for Wyndham in one of its largest European markets. With a total of 120 franchised hotels and over 19,000 rooms, this acquisition not only solidified Wyndham’s foothold in Germany but also contributed to its broader presence across surrounding countries.
Discussing the potential in India and the company’s strategic approach, Manikis highlighted a significant focus on expanding to areas beyond major cities. The emphasis lies on tier two and tier three cities, aligning with ongoing infrastructure development initiatives.
“Key areas include religious and wellness tourism, with strategic positioning at significant pilgrimage sites.”
Further, anticipating a surge in global interest, “we target inbound tourism, leveraging the Wyndham Rewards programme to showcase India’s beauty. Actively engaging the Indian diaspora in the U.S., we seek support for India’s growth and encourage hospitality investments. This multifaceted approach aims for sustainable growth, emphasising regional expansion, cultural tourism, global outreach, and diaspora connections over the next five years,” he explained.
