Global Franchisor Sets Sights on India
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts—world’s largest hotel franchisor with over 9,300 properties in 95 countries—has identified India as a key growth market. Company leadership announced plans to more than double their footprint, adding 50+ new hotels to take India’s count from ~70 today to over 100 imminently 1.
Ambitious Growth Targets
According to Rahool Macarius, Managing Director for Eurasia, Wyndham currently operates 70+ hotels and is “sprinting” toward a 100+ portfolio in India. With an evolving pipeline of 50+, the exact number is flexible but continually growing 2.
Diversifying Brand Portfolio
While Ramada remains Wyndham’s flagship brand in India, leadership—like EMEA President Dimitris Manikis—confirmed intentions to introduce additional global brands tailored to market demand. Plans include boosting existing brand strength and bringing in new midscale, upscale, and lifestyle offerings 3.
Regional Partnership & New Brands
In a strategic alliance with Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham will launch La Quinta by Wyndham and Registry Collection Hotels in India, part of a 60+ hotel rollout across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal over the next decade 4.
Fueling Tourism Growth
Manikis highlighted India’s tourism potential and urged improvements in direct international flights, visa processes, and marketing campaigns. He emphasized the importance of initiatives like “Incredible India” and airport connectivity in supporting their expansion 5.
Confidence Despite Global Challenges
Despite geopolitical uncertainties—such as regional tensions—Wyndham remains confident in India’s demand for travel. Manikis notes robust economic signals and investor optimism underpinned by thriving domestic and outbound tourism 6.
Timeline & Key Figures
- As of Jul 2025: 70+ Wyndham hotels in India—~6000 rooms across Eurasia 7.
- Pipeline: 50+ additional hotels, with the goal of surpassing 100 soon 8.
- Next 10 years: Launch of 60+ hotels (La Quinta + Registry Collection) across South Asia through Cygnett partnership 9.
- Future Focus: Exploration of branded residences and hostels to serve mid-market travelers 10.
Trivia & Quiz Nuggets
- Wyndham operates 9,300+ hotels in 95 countries 11.
- They franchise 25 brands including Ramada, Super 8, Days Inn, Wingate, and more 12.
- Cygnett alliance will deploy 60+ La Quinta and Registry Collection hotels over the next decade 13.
- India accounts for ~70 Wyndham hotels, expected to surpass 100 soon 14.
Conclusion
Wyndham’s aggressive expansion in India—including a diversified brand mix, strategic global partnerships, and advocacy for infrastructure upgrades—aligns with its mission to transform India into one of its fastest-growing markets. With policy support and rising travel demand, the company is poised to make India a hospitality powerhouse.
Source: The Economic Times