Hyatt Hotels is weighing a major expansion in India, with plans to nearly quintuple its footprint there over the next five years. The company is exploring acquisitions of local hospitality brands and considering a homegrown label built specifically for Indian travelers, according to Vikas Chawla, Hyatt’s recently appointed president for India and Southwest Asia.

In an exclusive interview with Skift, Chawla said the hotel giant is actively evaluating Indian hospitality brands to bolt onto its existing portfolio. That strategy would mark a shift from Hyatt’s organic, management-and-franchise-led growth in the country.

‘I wouldn’t focus on either small or large (companies) at this stage, but the fact is that there are opportunities in the market for adding on other brands from the Indian market into our portfolio and we are looking at it in a considered way,’ Chawla told Skift.

Hyatt currently operates 56 hotels across nine brands in India and Southwest Asia, backed by a pipeline of 100 additional properties. That pipeline, combined with potential acquisitions and a new India-specific brand, could dramatically reshape the company’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets.

The move reflects a broader trend among global hotel groups, which have largely settled the ‘why India?’ debate. The real competition now centers on execution — whether to grow through acquisitions or partnerships, focus on luxury or midscale segments, and target metros or smaller cities.

For travelers, a more localized Hyatt could mean properties that better reflect Indian tastes and preferences, from design and dining to service styles. A homegrown brand would allow the company to tap into cultural nuances that global brands sometimes miss.

While Chawla did not specify which brands or companies Hyatt might target, he emphasized that opportunities exist in the market. The company’s considered approach suggests a careful evaluation of potential fits rather than a rushed acquisition spree.

Hyatt’s expansion plans come as India’s hospitality sector rebounds strongly, driven by rising domestic travel and growing international interest. The country’s diverse landscape — from bustling metros to emerging leisure destinations — offers ample room for hotel development.

For now, travelers can expect Hyatt’s existing nine brands to continue growing, with the pipeline of 100 properties set to add significant capacity. The potential addition of Indian brands and a local label could further diversify the portfolio, giving guests more choices tailored to their needs.

As the competition heats up among global hotel companies in India, Hyatt’s dual strategy of acquisitions and homegrown branding could set it apart. The company’s willingness to adapt to local market conditions signals a deeper commitment to the region.

Whether through partnerships, acquisitions, or organic growth, Hyatt’s ambitious five-year target underscores the importance of India in its global strategy. Travelers and industry watchers alike will be watching to see how the plan unfolds.

For more details, read the original report on Skift.