Travel Guides & Articles
ITC Hotels: Shaping India’s Hospitality Future with Sustainability and Growth

Published on
August 11, 2025 |
As India’s travel industry keeps booming, ITC Hotels shines as a top name by blending comfort and care for the planet. Its promise of “responsible luxury” sets it apart in the worldwide travel and hotel market. By the end of fiscal year 2025, ITC Hotels celebrated strong earnings and important new openings, proving its growth and steady vision.
Strategic Expansion: Reaching New Heights
In line with its growth trajectory, ITC Hotels is on track to surpass its initial target of 200 hotels by 2030, with a pipeline of over 220 operational properties. Last year alone, the company signed 30 new management and franchise contracts, contributing to an expanding footprint across India. This marks a key component of ITC’s strategy to diversify its offerings and cater to a broader demographic, including travelers seeking luxury, boutique, and mid-market accommodations.
ITC Hotels operates six distinct brands across different segments: ITC Hotels (Luxury), Mementos (Luxury Lifestyle), Welcomhotel (Upper Upscale), Storii (Boutique Premium), Fortune (Mid-market), and WelcomHeritage (Leisure and Heritage). These brands cater to diverse travelers, from those seeking high-end experiences to those looking for budget-friendly stays, all while maintaining ITC’s hallmark of responsible luxury.
India’s Tourism Surge: Riding the Wave of Growth
India’s travel and tourism sector exploded in 2024. International visitor spending reached a record ₹ 3.1 trillion, comfortably beating pre-pandemic figures. On the domestic front, travel spending soared to ₹ 15.5 trillion, driven by bigger paychecks, better roads and railways, and a larger middle-class crowd. By 2030, experts believe tourism will generate 10% of the nation’s GDP, and a booming hospitality sector will play a starring role.
India’s air travel outpaced Japan this year, hitting 211 million passengers and now eyeing Spain’s numbers. This spike came from wider domestic flight networks, upgraded airport facilities, and a rise in both leisure getaways and business trips. ITC Hotels is already gearing up to ride this wave, meeting the growing hunger for luxury rooms and top-notch service.
Leading with Sustainability: ITC Hotels’ Green Initiatives
ITC Hotels’ commitment to sustainability sets it apart in the hospitality industry. The company leads globally with the highest number of LEED Platinum® certified hotels, currently holding 23 such properties. Additionally, ITC Hotels has made history by becoming the first hospitality group to achieve LEED® Zero Carbon certification for 12 properties. Nine of its hotels have also earned the LEED® Zero Water certification, highlighting the brand’s dedication to water conservation and sustainable energy practices.
ITC Hotels shows us how a company can grow and still care for the planet. By putting sustainability right alongside profit, they’ve raised the standard for eco-friendly hospitality. Other hotels are now looking to them for ideas. ITC Hotels isn’t just talking the talk; they are leading the way by meeting and beating important global goals, like the 2030 greenhouse gas targets from the COP21 Paris Agreement.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Unique Travel Experiences
India’s tourism landscape is evolving, with travelers increasingly seeking unique, immersive experiences that connect them to local cultures and traditions. ITC Hotels, with its deep roots in India’s heritage and culture, is well-positioned to tap into this trend. The company’s renowned restaurants, such as Bukhara, Avartana, and Dum Pukht, continue to delight guests with authentic Indian cuisine, while also earning global recognition.
ITC Hotels also leads the way in offering bespoke travel experiences, such as curated wellness retreats, adventure tourism, and cultural tours. The company’s focus on delivering personalized services, leveraging technology like AI, and enhancing guest experiences further solidifies its reputation as a leader in Indian hospitality.
ITC Hotels’ Global Vision: Expanding Beyond Borders
ITC Hotels isn’t stopping at India. The brand just opened its first hotel outside the country—ITC Ratnadipa in Sri Lanka—and plans are already in the works for Nepal and other nearby markets. This bold move shows the company’s desire to carry Indian hospitality to the world.
Looking ahead, ITC Hotels will keep its promise to treat every visitor like a guest of honor—“Atithi Devo Bhava.” By blending this time-honored philosophy with cutting-edge innovation and a strong commitment to sustainability, the company is set to strengthen its position—both in India and on the international hospitality map.
Future Outlook: Sustaining Growth and Excellence
Looking forward, ITC Hotels is set to maintain its growth momentum by expanding its hotel portfolio and continuing to enhance operational efficiency. With over 140 hotels across 90 locations, ITC Hotels is well on its way to achieving its target of 220 operational hotels by 2030. The company’s expansion is further supported by increasing demand for premium hospitality services in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where ITC is gaining a foothold.
ITC Hotels stands as a testament to the power of responsible luxury, sustainable practices, and exceptional hospitality. With a robust pipeline of new properties, global expansion plans, and a commitment to sustainability, the company is poised to remain at the forefront of India’s hospitality sector. As the industry continues to thrive, ITC Hotels is ready to lead the charge in shaping the future of tourism and hospitality in India.
Travel Guides & Articles
Festive travel packages by Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel

Traditionally, Indian festivals have been celebrated at home or in ancestral houses, with families gathering under one roof. Recently, Indian consumers have also been choosing to travel and celebrate festivals with multi-generational family units and friends.
Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s India Holiday Report 2025 highlights this shift in consumer behaviour, with demand for longer festive breaks, higher holiday spends and interest in experiences ranging from heritage and luxury stays to cruises and new destinations.
To tap into this growing festival travel trend, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, an omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have introduced a specially curated range of holidays for the upcoming festive season, featuring special group tour departures from Kolkata for Durga Puja and Karnataka for Dussehra, as well as from high-potential markets of Gujarat and Maharashtra. In addition, the companies have also announced special Diwali departures across key pan-India markets.
The companies have also announced a special offer: discounts of up to Rs.10000 per transaction across select holidays via HDFC credit cards.
Festive tourism trends
Longer stays and increased spends: From the traditional 3 days Indians are now extending their stays to 6-12 days (multi-generational families combining school vacations like Dussehra, Durga Puja and Diwali). Young India’s millennials/GenZ and working professionals are embracing extended trips, combining weekends with festival holidays for a 5-6 day break
Favourite destinations:
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Domestic & Indian Subcontinent: Andaman, Kerala, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, North East, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal
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International: Thailand, Singapore with Bintan, Malaysia, Sabah, Indonesia, Vietnam, Oman, Australia-New Zealand, Switzerland, France, Finland, Japan, Georgia, Germany, Spain, Austria, Kenya, South Africa, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Mauritius, South Korea
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Visa-Free, Visa-on-arrival and easy-visa destinations in demand: Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan; Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Indonesia, Maldives
- Spiritual Journeys: Leveraging festive sentiment, Thomas Cook and SOTC have curated spiritual journeys through their Spiritual Journeys & Darshans portfolio – featuring Char Dham, Kashi, Ayodhya, Rameswaram, Tirupati, Amritsar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Dwarka and Sri Lanka with special themed tours such as ‘Ramayan Anant Yatra’ and ‘Ramayan Trails’
- Premium/affordable luxury travel: Customers are opting for luxury resorts and spas, with destinations like France, Switzerland, Scandinavia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, Morocco, Seychelles
- Cruising: Strong interest for sailings across South East Asia and the Middle East (Costa Cruises, Resorts World Cruises); premium sailings like Disney Cruise Line in Australia and Singapore; domestic (Cordelia)
- Festival regional group tours: The companies are witnessing strong interest in their regional tours: Adhbhut Asia, Alokik Asia, Ashadharon Vietnam, Duronto Dubai O Abu Dhabi, Akorshonio France O Swiss with departures accompanied by regional tour managers; on-tour puja and curated vegetarian meals on select tours
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Travel has become non-negotiable and festive tourism serves as a cultural driver. We are witnessing a strong and exciting trend—Indians are no longer staying at home but increasingly choosing to celebrate festivals while travelling. This is reiterated in our India Holiday Report 2025 that also reveals a strong shift—85% of Indians are increasing their travel frequency and budgets, driven by a desire to celebrate culture in immersive, meaningful ways.
Hence, to maximise this opportunity we have launched innovative festive regional groups tours like Adhbhut Asia, Alokik Asia, Ashadharon Vietnam, combining local and authentic experiences to meet the aspirations of India’s new-age travellers.”
S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited said, “India’s festive calendar is fast emerging as a travel driver. Families and friends are increasingly using these breaks to create multiple holidays rather than a single long annual holiday. Significantly, this trend is not restricted to customers from metro cities, but also from India’s tier 2 and 3 markets, reflecting a strong, nationwide aspiration to travel. Travellers are also embracing new formats—cruise holidays, boutique and heritage stays, luxury villas and immersive experiences like culinary trails and adventure activities. At SOTC, we have designed our festive portfolio to blend celebration with exploration—curating domestic and international tours that allow Indians to experience their festivals in unique settings, while creating deeper connections and lasting memories.”
Travel Guides & Articles
India’s TBO Buys Luxury Tour Operator Classic Vacations

Luxury tour operator Classic Vacations has a new owner.
Gurugram, India-based global travel distribution company TBO has purchased Classic Vacations from its current owner, the Phoenix-based investment firm The Najafi Companies, for “up to $125 million.”
The deal gives Classic its third owner in the last five years; Expedia Group owned Classic before selling it to The Najafi Companies in 2021.
Classic is one of the premier U.S. luxury vacation companies and has always operated under a B2B2C model, with a strong presence in the travel trade. The move from The Najafi Companies to TBO will only enhance that dedication, Melissa Krueger, the CEO of Classic, said in the announcement.
“We’re excited for this next phase in our company’s journey,” said Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations. “TBO’s tech-centric solutions are geared fully toward our travel advisor community. TBO connects us to its first-class technology platform—unlike what the wholesale market has ever had access to—allowing us to bring even more resources, tools and insider connections to our valued travel advisors.”
According to the announcement, Classic Vacations delivered a revenue of $111 million and an operating EBITDA of $11.2 million in the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2024.
Travel Guides & Articles
Long Weekend 2025: 15 Best Travel Destinations Within 200 km Of Delhi-NCR | News

Famous for its Lathmar Holi, Barsana is a beautiful small town with Radha temples, hills, and rustic charm, perfect for a cultural weekend trip.
Travel Tip: Since these destinations are within driving distance, you can plan short road trips with family or friends. Keep track of upcoming long weekends in 2025 to make the most of these quick escapes!
(All images credit: freepik)
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