



Why India’s hotel demand will outpace supply, but Sarovar won’t rush to sign everything
Sarovar Hotels & Resorts will go ahead with a selective expansion spree in India’s mid-market segment. While the chain crossed ₹2,000 crore in revenue last year and is keen on further growth, its leadership wants to be choosy about locations to hedge against rising land costs and project delays.The company, majority-owned by Europe’s Louvre Hotels Group, is increasingly prioritizing tier II and tier III cities where infrastructure-led growth is outpacing the entry of branded players.
“Growth for the industry overall is going to be much bigger in the smaller cities,” Ajay K. Bakaya, chairman and director at Louvre Hotels India, told Mint.
However, high capital costs and a shortage of hospitality talent are complicating the execution of new projects in these emerging hubs, he added.The strategic caution comes as industry forecasts predict India’s room supply will need to hit 350,400 by 2030 to keep pace with demand. Competitors like Lemon Tree Hotels are also racing for market share, yet Sarovar is shifting its focus toward mixed-use developments, combining hotels with branded residences to ensure long-term financial viability.Despite domestic revenues currently tracking 5-6% below forecasts due to geopolitical tensions and soft sentiment, the group is committed to opening 20 hotels this year.
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