#IHCL #TajHotels #AmbujaNeotia #HospitalityGrowth #LuxuryHotels #EastIndiaTourism #NorthEastIndia #TajSeleQtions #TreeOfLife
Chandigarh: Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company and the parent of the iconic Taj brand, announced the signing of agreements for 15 new hotels in partnership with the Ambuja Neotia Group. This strategic collaboration will expand their combined portfolio to over 40 hotels, further cementing IHCL’s leadership in the luxury hospitality space and enhancing tourism in Eastern and North-Eastern India.
The agreement, under a capital-light framework, represents one of the largest expansions by IHCL in the region. The 15 upcoming hotels will span key states including West Bengal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh. These projects comprise a mix of greenfield, brownfield, and conversion developments, all aligned to strengthen IHCL’s luxury, premium, and lifestyle brandscape.
Luxury Expansion in Underserved Markets
The expansion is primarily aimed at unlocking the tourism potential of East and North-East India, regions rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and eco-tourism opportunities. The upcoming properties will include:
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Taj resorts in Sunderban, Darjeeling, Shimla, and Rabong.
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SeleQtions hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri.
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Tree of Life resorts in Lataguri.
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Taj branded luxury villas in Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lataguri, and Raichak.
The first phase of the expansion will begin with the signing of four hotel operating agreements, including a Taj hotel in Darjeeling, two SeleQtions hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri, and one Tree of Life property in Lataguri.
IHCL’s Vision for East and North-East Tourism
Speaking on the development, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, said:
“IHCL’s pioneering legacy of building iconic destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, and the Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands will now extend to unlocking the tourism potential of East and North-East India with this agreement. We are delighted to expand our partnership with the Ambuja Neotia Group, known for their luxury hospitality developments that beautifully capture the spirit of the region.”
Mr. Chhatwal further added that the Taj brand, recognized globally for its world-class service and recently ranked as the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand, will be the driving force behind this growth. The new projects are expected to start coming on stream over the next five years, enhancing IHCL’s premium room inventory and strengthening its presence in the luxury and lifestyle segments.
Ambuja Neotia Group’s Commitment
Mr. Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of Ambuja Neotia Group, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“This announcement follows closely on the heels of IHCL’s strategic partnership with Ambuja Neotia Group for Tree of Life, reflecting the success of our ongoing collaboration. IHCL, with its iconic Taj brand, is renowned for its global reputation and service excellence, enabling us to showcase these destinations on the world tourism map.”
He further highlighted the growing demand for bespoke luxury travel in the North-East, which remains a largely untapped market.
“The addition of premium room inventory this fiscal to Taj Chia Kutir in Kurseong, as well as upcoming Taj branded luxury villas in Darjeeling, Lataguri, and Gangtok, reflects the surge in demand from discerning travelers seeking unique and personalized experiences,” he said.
Strategic Importance of the Expansion
The partnership aligns with IHCL’s strategy of expanding through asset-light models such as management contracts. By partnering with the Ambuja Neotia Group, a leader in real estate and hospitality development, IHCL is poised to strengthen its footprint in high-potential but underserved tourism destinations.
The focus on destinations like Sunderban, Darjeeling, Kolkata, Siliguri, and Lataguri is particularly noteworthy. These regions are gaining traction among domestic and international travelers due to their scenic beauty, wildlife sanctuaries, and cultural heritage. Sunderban, for instance, is famous for its unique mangrove ecosystems and tiger reserves, while Darjeeling continues to be a timeless favorite for mountain tourism.
The Road Ahead
With these 15 new properties, IHCL is not only strengthening its luxury hospitality presence but also contributing to the broader tourism infrastructure of East and North-East India. By offering a mix of luxury resorts, lifestyle hotels, and boutique stays, the company aims to attract a new generation of travelers looking for authentic and immersive experiences.
IHCL’s long-term vision involves positioning East and North-East India as global tourist hotspots, much like its success in destinations such as Rajasthan and Goa. The collaboration with Ambuja Neotia will also enhance opportunities for local employment, skill development, and regional economic growth.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
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15 new hotels signed under Taj, SeleQtions, and Tree of Life brands.
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Partnership with Ambuja Neotia Group expands to 40+ hotels.
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Properties to be developed in West Bengal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh.
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Mix of greenfield, brownfield, and conversion projects.
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Focus on luxury villas and premium resorts in Darjeeling, Lataguri, and Gangtok.
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Expansion aimed at boosting East and North-East India’s tourism potential.
#IHCL #TajHotels #AmbujaNeotia #HospitalityGrowth #LuxuryHotels #EastIndiaTourism #NorthEastIndia #TajSeleQtions #TreeOfLife
