**Wyndham Hotels Sees Growth Potential in India’s Hospitality Sector**
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is capitalizing on India’s evolving hospitality landscape, particularly as the country’s highway and airport infrastructure continues to improve, presenting significant opportunities for new hotel owners. In 2024, the company introduced its rapidly expanding Trademark by Wyndham brand in India and recently launched Wyndham Grand in Udaipur. This expansion aligns with industry forecasts predicting that branded hotel rooms in India will exceed 300,000 by 2029.
Geoffrey A. Ballotti, CEO of Wyndham Hotels, emphasized the company’s strategy is shifting due to a new generation of hotel developers who prefer greater control over their operations. Unlike traditional hotel owners who often rely on third-party management companies, these emerging owners are keen to manage their own properties. This shift has allowed Wyndham to nearly double its presence in India, growing from 35 to almost 70 operational hotels and expanding its development pipeline from a dozen to over 50 new properties, primarily in the midscale and upscale segments.
Ballotti believes that India’s ongoing infrastructure boom will significantly increase demand for quality, affordable hotels. He noted the stark contrast in the availability of such accommodations in India compared to countries like China, Thailand, and the US. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on infrastructure development, Ballotti sees ample opportunity for new hotels in underserved markets. He highlighted the rapid growth in India’s infrastructure, including the expansion of airports and highways, which is beginning to match levels seen in more developed markets like the US.
Wyndham’s hotel occupancy rates have also improved, rising from 66% to 70%. Looking ahead, Ballotti expressed optimism about the company’s projections for 2025, indicating a more favorable outlook compared to 2024.
