Sayaji Hotels, an Indian hospitality brand, is entering a crucial phase of growth which is marked by strategic expansion, a sharp-eye service philosophy and a renewed focus on traveller expectations across emerging markets. In this conversation with Outlook Traveller, Ms. Sumera Dhanani, Corporate Head of Business Development at Sayaji Hotels, delves into the vision guiding the brand’s entry into six new destinations and its alignment with a long-term development roadmap. During the length of the dialogue, she sheds light on the shifting behaviour of travellers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the strengthening of local economies as well as the group’s robust future pipeline. In addition, she also shares how the signature “Yours Truly” service ethos is being scaled through innovation, technology, and thoughtful hospitality design, shaping Sayaji’s role in the evolving landscape of Indian tourism.
A Conversation With Sayaji Hotels’ Top Brass On The Roadmap For Expansion And The Next Era Of Guest Experience
Sayaji Hotels is expanding into six new destinations with a strong focus on Tier 2 and 3 markets. In this interview, Sumera Dhanani shares insights on traveller behaviour, upcoming projects and the signature ‘Yours Truly’ philosophy of the brand
What was your strategic vision behind expansion into six new destinations and alignment with long-term growth roadmap?
Sayaji Hotels’ expansion into new destinations across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat is a direct reflection of our long-term strategy to strengthen our national footprint in high-potential markets. These locations were strategically identified based on measurable economic indicators, infrastructure development, and rising demand for branded hospitality. Our focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities aligns with our roadmap to capture growth in markets where traveller expectations are rapidly evolving and where Sayaji’s value-driven luxury proposition is well-positioned to lead.
Can you enlist some shifts in traveller behaviour and local economies in Tier 2 & 3 markets?
Tier 2 and 3 cities have emerged as significant engines of economic and tourism growth. We are observing a clear shift in traveller preferences toward differentiated, experience-led destinations. Our properties in Madhai and Jawai are designed to address this evolving demand for immersive, nature-centric hospitality. Corporate off sites, destination weddings, and short-format leisure travel are all accelerating in these regions. Simultaneously, local economies are increasingly collaborating with organised hospitality players to showcase regional culture and heritage, creating a favourable ecosystem for sustainable growth. These dynamics make these markets a strategic priority in our expansion agenda.
Can you speak about how the future expansion pipeline looks like? What are the markets being targeted next?
With more than 1500 keys scheduled to come live in the next year, Sayaji Hotels is entering one of its most dynamic phases of expansion. Building on the momentum of our recent launches in Goa, Chandrapur and Madhai, we are now set to amplify our presence in destinations that offer immense potential across pilgrimage, leisure and cultural tourism.
Further strengthening this growth trajectory, we have also signed six new properties in strategically significant locations: Mandav and Kanhaa in Madhya Pradesh, Baramati in Maharashtra, Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, and Bhavnagar and Junagadh in Gujarat. Each of these developments reflects our commitment to tapping into regions where travel demand is accelerating and where culturally immersive experiences can be thoughtfully crafted.
Our focus remains clear: to thoughtfully expand into markets that have long awaited quality branded hospitality, while consistently delivering the signature Sayaji warmth, service, and guest experience that travellers increasingly seek.
In what ways do you see the “Yours Truly” service philosophy being embedded into scalable growth and upcoming guest-experience innovations?
The ‘Yours Truly’ service philosophy remains the core of our brand identity. As we scale, we are reinforcing this through structured training frameworks, digital transformation initiatives, and standardised service design. Key enhancements under implementation include advanced in-room technology, smart check-in and check-out systems, upgraded culinary concepts, and a strengthened focus on weddings, wellness, and F&B experiences. Our priority is to ensure that as the business grows, the consistency, reliability, and warmth associated with the Sayaji brand remain central to the guest experience.
What are Sayaji Hotels' views on the future of Indian hospitality and the role the group aims to play?
The Indian hospitality sector is entering a period of sustained expansion, driven by domestic tourism, demand for experiential travel, and renewed interest in regional cultural immersion. Future industry leaders will be those who can balance scale with authentic service delivery, and technology integration with human-centric hospitality. Sayaji Hotels intends to play a leading role in this transformation by expanding responsibly, elevating service standards, and delivering high-quality, culturally relevant experiences across markets. Our objective is not only to grow in alignment with industry trends, but to actively contribute to shaping the future of Indian hospitality through innovation, trust, and a strong service ethos.
FAQs
1. What is the strategic vision behind Sayaji Hotels’ latest expansion?
Sayaji Hotels is strengthening its footprint in high-potential Tier 2 and 3 destinations, focusing on economic growth indicators, cultural potential, and rising demand for branded hospitality.
2. Why are Tier 2 and 3 markets important for Sayaji Hotels?
These regions are witnessing a surge in leisure demand, destination weddings, corporate off-sites, and experience-led travel, supported by growing local economies and better infrastructure.
3. What does the future expansion pipeline for Sayaji Hotels look like?
With over 1,500 keys coming up, the group is entering new markets like Mandav, Kanhaa, Tirupati, Baramati, Bhavnagar, and Junagadh, along with strengthening its presence in leisure and pilgrimage destinations.
4. How is the ‘Yours Truly’ philosophy integrated into scalable growth?
Through structured training frameworks, digital upgrades, smart check-ins, enhanced cuisine concepts, and a consistent focus on warmth-led hospitality experiences.
5. How does Sayaji Hotels view the future of Indian hospitality?
The group expects strong growth driven by domestic tourism and experiential travel, and aims to play a leading role by blending authentic service with innovation and culturally rooted experiences.
