Marriott Accelerates Expansion in India as Luxury Travel Demand Surges

Marriott International is preparing a major expansion across India as rising affluence, improved air connectivity, and surging domestic tourism reshape one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality markets.

According to recent comments from Marriott executives, the company aims to nearly double its footprint in India in the coming years, targeting both established metros and rapidly developing secondary cities. The strategy reflects a sharp uptick in premium travel demand, with India emerging as a key growth engine for luxury and upscale hotel brands.

India’s evolving consumer base — including a significant rise in upper-middle-class and high-net-worth travelers — is driving the shift toward higher-quality accommodations and branded lifestyle hospitality. Major infrastructure investments, increased international flights, and expanding regional airports have further accelerated demand.

Marriott’s planned growth includes a mix of luxury, lifestyle, and extended-stay offerings, aligning with changing traveler preferences for design-forward, amenity-rich, and experience-driven stays. The company views India not only as a tourism market but as an increasingly important hub for long-stay business travelers, digital-first professionals, and domestic luxury consumers.

For global investors, developers, and hospitality operators, the expansion underscores India’s rising prominence as a high-value tourism and real-estate market, signaling new opportunities in premium travel, branded residences, mixed-use developments, and luxury hospitality ecosystems.