In a landmark move, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) — the hospitality giant behind Taj, Vivanta, Ginger and more — has announced a strategic partnership that adds over 150 hotels across India. This expansion pushes IHCL’s portfolio to 550+ hotels and nearly 55,000 rooms worldwide, marking one of the biggest growth announcements in Indian hospitality this year.
The promoters of these companies hail from the renowned Clarks Hotels family, bringing decades of hospitality experience to the alliance.
IHCL has signed agreements to acquire a controlling stake in ANK Hotels Pvt Ltd and Pride Hospitality Pvt Ltd, alongside a distribution deal with Brij Hospitality Pvt Ltd — known for its experiential boutique luxury stays.
The move doubles IHCL’s midscale presence to over 240 hotels, strengthening its Ginger brand, while Brij Hotels’ entry expands IHCL’s footprint in heritage and cultural destinations.
More options in smaller cities: ANK and Pride Hospitality add 135 hotels across 110 locations, soon to be rebranded under IHCL.
Unique boutique experiences: Brij Hotels brings 19 properties in India’s most atmospheric destinations.
Capital-light growth: Most of these hotels will operate under management contracts, meaning faster expansion without heavy construction delays.
According to IHCL’s MD & CEO Puneet Chhatwal, this move aligns with the company’s ‘Accelerate 2030’ vision to unlock India’s tourism potential. “Demand is outpacing supply, especially in the mid-market segment. This is a multi-pronged approach to cater to India’s diverse travel market,” he said.
Ankur Dalwani, Executive Vice President & CFO of IHCL, confirmed that the investment will be funded through internal accruals, leveraging the company’s strong cash flows. Funds will be directed towards unlocking value in existing assets and driving further expansion.
Anoop Kumar, Founder of ANK Hotels, reflected on the historic moment, “Our forefathers, who sowed the seeds of India’s hospitality sector in 1947, would be proud of this partnership with IHCL.”
Anant Apurv Kumar and Udit Kumar, Founders of Brij Hotels, highlighted the cultural synergy, “Together, we will blend IHCL’s tradition of excellence with Brij Hotels’ experiential approach, honouring our shared heritage and empowering local communities.”
From the iconic Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai to lean-luxe Ginger hotels and luxury escapes under Tree of Life, IHCL’s portfolio now spans:
550+ hotels in 14 countries across 4 continents
215 more under development
Brands including Taj, Claridges Collection, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Gateway, Ginger
Whether you’re booking a business trip in a Tier-2 city or a luxury heritage getaway, IHCL’s latest expansion means more choices, more destinations, and more ways to experience Indian hospitality
(With inputs from a press release)
