Global Hotel Alliance says India is a key development market for Gha loyalty programme
Global Hotel Alliance and two of its members, Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and Minor Hotels have unveiled new initiatives to elevate India’s high-end hospitality landscape. Minor Hotels plans to add nearly 300 properties to its portfolio by the end of 2027, of which as many as 50 would be in India. It also follows the 2018 acquisition of NH Hotel Group, now operating as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas, which tripled the group’s global footprint.
Ian Di Tullio
“The reimagined Minor Hotels brand represents more than just a new identity. Our value-driven evolution, powered by enhanced digital platforms, a streamlined loyalty program, and a strong distribution strategy, reflects our ambition to deliver extraordinary hospitality experiences to our guests and be the partner of choice for owners and investors. By uniting our brands under the Minor Hotels masterbrand, we are excited to enter a new era of growth where Minor Hotels will resonate as powerfully with travellers as it already does with our partners,” says Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer, Minor Hotels.
In a statement, Global Hotel Alliance says India is a key development market for Gha, with Gha Discovery loyalty programme membership in the country growing by 18 pc in 2024 to 623,000 members. The programme includes more than 30 million travellers worldwide. Leela and Minor Hotels are both tapping into this demand with new luxury offerings appealing to high-end Indian travellers.
“The rapid growth of India’s luxury travel market is reflected in the soaring engagement of Indian travellers with our brands worldwide. With record-breaking stay revenue and membership growth in 2024, we are committed to enriching their experiences through an ever-expanding portfolio of world-class hotels and innovative travel benefits,” says Chris Hartley, Chief Executive Officer, Global Hotel Alliance.
Anuraag Bhatnagar
The statement adds that international spend by Indian Gha Discovery members, which stood at 54 pc, surpassed domestic revenue, amounting to 46 pc, for the first time, with Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore as the top international destinations.
The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts introduced Arq at Pichola, a collection of ultra-luxury villa spaces debuting at Leela Palace Udaipur.
“India is at the forefront of a new era in luxury hospitality, driven by its dynamic economy, cultural richness and a discerning new generation of travellers seeking immersive experiences. With Arq, we are elevating ultra-luxury to unprecedented levels by creating bespoke sanctuaries that blend India’s timeless heritage with innovation. As the country cements its position as a premier luxury destination, Leela remains committed to setting new benchmarks and shaping the future of luxury hospitality on a global stage,” says Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer of Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.
Dillip Rajakarier
Minor Hotels launched its first luxury property, Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, in November 2024. The luxury retreat plans to open 50 new properties in India over the next decade. With India’s outbound travel forecast to exceed 50 million trips by 2030, Minor Hotels aims to cater to this demand across its luxury and premium brands, including Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Avani Hotels & Resorts and NH Collection.
“The Indian market presents a remarkable opportunity for luxury hospitality, both domestically and internationally. With Anantara’s debut in Jaipur and our expansion plans, we aim to redefine experiential luxury while deepening our engagement with Indian travellers through our expanding brand portfolio. Indian travellers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences, whether through bespoke wellness retreats, culturally rich stays, or luxury destination weddings. Our strategy is to cater to these evolving preferences by expanding our footprint with brands that align with these aspirations,” says Dillip Rajakarier, Chief Executive Officer, Minor Hotels.