**Marriott International to Invest in Concept Hospitality in India**
Marriott International is poised to make its inaugural direct investment in India by acquiring a stake in Concept Hospitality. This strategic move aims to bolster Marriott’s presence in the country, with plans to expand its portfolio to 50,000 rooms within the next three to five years. This approach could expedite the company’s growth in a competitive market where hotel operators are eager to increase their room inventory.
Concept Hospitality, based in Mumbai, has been in operation for over three decades and manages approximately 125 hotels across India. The company operates under six brands, including The Fern and The Zinc, through a partnership with CG Hospitality Global, which is primarily owned by Nepali billionaire Binod Chaudhary’s CG Group, known for its Wai Wai Noodles brand. Reports suggest that Marriott has allocated around $15 million for this investment, which values Concept Hospitality at approximately $100 million.
Industry insiders indicate that this investment is expected to finalize within the next month, marking a significant shift in Marriott’s strategy in India. The move reflects how international hotel chains are adapting to the evolving dynamics of India’s hospitality sector.
Marriott has expressed a clear intention to scale its operations in India, aiming to increase its room count from nearly 30,000 to 50,000 over the next few years, with plans to operate between 250 and 300 hotels. Rajeev Menon, Marriott’s president for Asia Pacific (excluding China), noted that the hotels under its management generated a gross revenue of ₹10,000 crore in the previous calendar year. In 2024, Marriott signed agreements for approximately 42 new hotels in South Asia, which will contribute an additional 7,000 rooms currently in various stages of development. Presently, Marriott operates around 170 hotels in South Asia, with 157 located in India, including several luxury properties under the ITC Hotels brand, featured in its Bonvoy loyalty program.
As Marriott International embarks on this investment journey, it signals a robust commitment to expanding its footprint in India’s vibrant hospitality market.
**FAQ**
**What is Marriott International’s recent investment in India?**
Marriott International is acquiring a stake in Concept Hospitality, aiming to expand its operations in India and increase its room count to 50,000 over the next three to five years.
