“India’s hospitality is second to none,” says Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), as he articulates a vision that fuses tradition with transformation. A seasoned leader in the hospitality landscape, Chhatwal has consistently positioned IHCL not just as a brand steward, but as a catalyst for India’s global hospitality aspirations.
Speaking at various forums this May, Chhatwal reflected on the evolving role of Indian hospitality and IHCL’s future-forward strategies.
“India’s hospitality is second to none.”
He emphasized that the country’s legacy of warm, intuitive service offers a unique advantage in the global arena. Chhatwal voiced hope that more Indian consumer brands will rise to prominence internationally, much like IHCL’s own expansion.
“Education,” he noted, “is a powerful lever that gives India an edge.” The global success of the Indian diaspora, he believes, is a reflection of the nation’s intellectual capital and rising soft power.
At a time when the industry is undergoing a seismic shift, Chhatwal spotlighted IHCL’s robust financial health as a springboard for growth.
“We are debt-free and sitting on ₹3,000 crore in cash reserves,” he revealed. This strength, he said, allows the group to invest aggressively in new brands, immersive travel experiences, and niche packages to serve the demands of a fast-expanding, aspirational Indian audience.
“Demand will continue to outstrip supply for the next few years,” Chhatwal asserted, attributing this to India’s sustained GDP growth and a burgeoning class of premium travellers.
Diversification is at the heart of IHCL’s growth blueprint. While legacy brands like Taj and Vivanta continue to dominate, accounting for 80% of the business, the remaining 20% is being carved out through innovation.
“We’re building new pillars with ventures like amã Stays, Qmin, and the acquisition of Tree of Life resorts,” Chhatwal shared.
With an ambitious eye on the future, IHCL aims to expand to 700 hotels by 2030, while doubling its consolidated revenue to ₹15,000 crore.
True to its legacy, IHCL continues to shoulder the responsibility of representing India’s finest hospitality to the world.
“We are the custodians of Indian hospitality,” Chhatwal affirmed.
Even as global travel bounces back post-COVID, he acknowledged that while international tourist footfall hasn’t reached pre-pandemic highs, India’s image received a strong boost through events like the G20.
“From homestays to super luxury stays—we’re present across the spectrum, and that’s our strength,” he noted, highlighting IHCL’s 360-degree approach to hospitality.
Under the bold umbrella of the ‘Accelerate 2030’ strategy, IHCL is reimagining scale, service, and sustainability. The company has posted ten consecutive quarters of record-breaking performance, reporting ₹3,486 crore in revenue for H1 FY25, with a healthy EBITDA margin of 30.4%.
“With India becoming one of the fastest-growing major economies and infrastructure like new airports taking shape, the runway for growth is long and strong,” Chhatwal concluded.
In an era defined by reinvention and resilience, Puneet Chhatwal stands as one of the most influential voices shaping the contours of India’s hospitality story—one hotel, one guest, and one innovation at a ti
