Global Hotel Alliance, The Leela And Minor Hotels Showcase India As A Thriving Hub For Luxury Hospitality

• GHA DISCOVERY’s India membership grows 18%
• The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts unveil Arq at Pichola - an exclusive collection of ultra-luxury villa spaces designed as the ultimate escape for discerning elite from around the world
• Minor Hotels makes its India debut as Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur opens its doors

 Delhi, India, 19^th March 2025:  As India’s luxury travel sector experiences unprecedented growth, Global Hotel Alliance and two of its hotel brands – The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and Minor Hotels – have reaffirmed their commitment to the market, unveiling new initiatives to elevate the country’s high-end hospitality landscape.

India is a key development market for GHA, with GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme membership in the country growing by 18% in 2024 to 623,000 members. The Leela and Minor Hotels are both tapping into this demand with new luxury offerings appealing to high-end Indian travellers.

In a notable shift, international spend by Indian GHA DISCOVERY members (54%) surpassed domestic revenue (46%) for the first time, with Thailand, the UAE, and Singapore as the top international destinations.

The Indian travel market’s significant growth potential was highlighted at two events staged in Delhi this week, with GHA citing recent research and The Leela and Minor Hotels discussing their market strategies and development plans.
Speaking at the Skift India Forum on 18^th March, Chris Hartley, CEO, GHA, and Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, revealed how luxury hotel brands are responding to India’s burgeoning demand for premium experiences. The conversation continued at a press briefing hosted at The Leela Palace, New Delhi the following day, where Hartley, Bhatnagar and Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, Minor Hotels, highlighted India’s growing influence in global travel and luxury hospitality. These discussions explored key trends, including evolving guest preferences, the impact of loyalty programmes, and the future of ultra-luxury hospitality.

“The rapid growth of India’s luxury travel market is reflected in the soaring engagement of Indian travellers with our brands worldwide,”  “With record-breaking stay revenue and membership growth in 2024, we are committed to enriching their experiences through an ever-expanding portfolio of world-class hotels and innovative travel benefits.”

Chris Hartley, CEO, GHA,

 Introducing The Leela’s new ultra-luxury concept: Arq by The Leela

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts continues to set new benchmarks for luxury with the introduction of Arq at Pichola - an exclusive collection of ultra-luxury villa spaces designed as the ultimate escape for discerning elite from around the world. Debuting at The Leela Palace Udaipur, Arq offers an intimate collection of exclusive accommodations, blending Indian heritage with modern sophistication. This evolution aligns with the growing aspirations of affluent Indian and global travellers seeking tailored, high-end experiences.

“India is at the forefront of a new era in luxury hospitality, driven by its dynamic economy, cultural richness and a discerning new generation of travellers seeking immersive experiences. With Arq, we are elevating ultra-luxury to unprecedented levels by creating bespoke sanctuaries that blend India’s timeless heritage with innovation. As the country cements its position as a premier luxury destination, The Leela remains committed to setting new benchmarks and shaping the future of luxury hospitality on a global stage,”

Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.