Branded hotels pivot from signings to execution as investors press IHCL, EIH, Leela on opening timelines
India's branded hotel industry targets 300,000 keys by 2029, up from 196,464 rooms in 2025. IHCL plans ~60 openings and 5,000 rooms annually. Focus shifts to execution amid construction delays, 68% occupancy, and 8-10% demand CAGR outpacing 5-6% supply growth.
India's branded hotel industry shifts focus from signings to execution as investors press IHCL, EIH, Leela and Lemon Tree on opening timelines, amid normalizing revenue growth and construction delays targeting 300,000 keys by 2029.
Why this matters
Follows FY26 signals showing resilient profits and profit surges even as listed hotel stocks slid 15-35%. Investor scrutiny now moves from earnings to execution, pressing IHCL, EIH and Leela to convert signings into actual openings.
Store-opening signals steady at 860 over the past 90 days.