Indian hotel group Lemon Tree Hotels is setting its sights on new overseas markets, with the UAE, Thailand, and the Maldives next on the list. The company, which already operates in Nepal and Dubai, wants to follow its domestic customers as they travel abroad.

‘Go where your customers go,’ said Executive Chairman Patanjali Keswani during the company’s first-quarter earnings call on Monday. He argued that Indian hotel companies can now use their loyal domestic base as a springboard for international growth.

Lemon Tree’s strategy is rooted in data: about 45% of its demand comes from repeat guests. Yet only half of those loyal customers are enrolled in the company’s loyalty program, which has roughly 2.5 million members. That gap, Keswani noted, represents a chance to deepen relationships when guests travel overseas.

The company is prioritizing destinations within about three hours’ flying time from India, where large numbers of Indians already travel. This geographic focus keeps expansion manageable while tapping into familiar demand.

For now, Lemon Tree is drawing the line at that three-hour radius, betting that a homegrown brand can find its own following abroad without straying too far from home. The move reflects a broader trend of Indian hoteliers leveraging domestic strength to compete internationally.

According to Skift, the company’s approach is a calculated bet on the growing mobility of Indian travelers. By targeting markets like the UAE, Thailand, and the Maldives, Lemon Tree aims to offer its loyal guests a familiar stay wherever they go.

The expansion comes as Indian outbound tourism continues to rise, with travelers seeking both leisure and business destinations. For Lemon Tree, the key is not just opening new properties, but converting its existing customer base into international patrons.

Keswani’s comments highlight a shift in mindset: instead of viewing international expansion as a leap into the unknown, Indian hotel chains can now rely on a strong domestic following to ease the transition. The loyalty program, with its millions of members, becomes a direct channel to potential overseas guests.

While the company has not disclosed specific timelines or property counts for the new markets, the strategic direction is clear. Lemon Tree is positioning itself to grow alongside its customers, one destination at a time.

For travelers from India, this could mean more familiar hospitality options in popular nearby destinations. And for Lemon Tree, it’s a chance to turn repeat guests into global brand ambassadors.

As the company moves forward, all eyes will be on how it balances domestic strength with international ambition. For now, the three-hour rule keeps things close to home — but the horizon is expanding.