ITC Hotels aims to significantly expand its footprint, targeting a total of 220 hotels by 2030, as shared by Chairman Sanjiv Puri during the company’s inaugural AGM after its stock exchange listing. This ambitious growth reflects the dynamism of India’s hospitality sector, driven by economic progress, urban growth, and technological innovations.

The hospitality giant anticipates operating 220 hotels with over 20,000 keys by 2030, confidently looking to exceed its initial goal of 200 properties. With the tourism and hospitality landscapes in India ripe with potential, the company is diligently exploring various avenues for growth—whether through direct investments or management contracts, as emphasized by Puri at the recent AGM.

Puri has projected that demand for hotel rooms in India will outpace supply, leading to improved occupancy and realisation, supported by a surge in international tourist arrivals soon expected to surpass pre-COVID levels, along with strong economic and infrastructure growth.

The company now expects to exceed its earlier target of 200 operational hotels by 2030, aiming for over 220 hotels with 20,000 keys, driven by its asset-right strategy and expansion into tier-II and tier-III cities. In FY24, the company signed 30 franchisee and management contracts, and as of June 2025, it had 143 operational properties in 90 locations across six brands.

He highlighted that India’s per capita hotel room penetration, at 0.3 rooms per 1,000 people, remains significantly below the global average of 2.2 rooms. 

He added that the hospitality sector is on a robust growth trajectory due to rising societal aspirations, India’s growing appeal as an investment hub, digital transformation, and strong macroeconomic indicators. Increased domestic and international tourism, particularly in nature and adventure, cultural, spiritual, religious, and medical segments, is expected to boost the sector.

The government’s plan to develop 50 tourist destinations will further enhance employment opportunities. However, he cautioned that geopolitical fragmentation remains a risk.

Foreign tourist arrivals in 2024 were just under 10 million, compared with 11 million in 2019, leaving considerable room for growth.