India’s hospitality landscape is set to witness a significant transformation as the Tata Group’s Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) unveils the Claridges Collection in collaboration with Claridges Hotels. This strategic partnership involves IHCL taking over the prestigious Claridges New Delhi through a management contract lasting 25 years, effective from April 1. With this acquisition, IHCL will soon integrate its existing properties—the Connemara in Chennai and Blue Diamond in Pune—into the Claridges brand, expanding its portfolio to six properties shortly and targeting 20 properties by 2030.

A Bold Move in Luxury Hospitality

Puneet Chhatwal, the managing director and CEO of IHCL, emphasized that the Claridges brand will mirror the luxury associated with Taj hotels. He stated, “Claridges will complement our offerings alongside properties like Mansingh in Lutyen’s Delhi, ensuring a cohesive luxury experience without competing with our Taj portfolio.”

Redefining Industry Standards

Suresh Nanda, the promoter of Claridges Hotels, expressed confidence in this partnership, asserting, “This collaboration is poised to set new industry standards, showcasing the strengths of both entities.” However, Nanda refrained from commenting on whether other Claridges locations, such as those in Mussourie and Haridwar, would also transition to IHCL’s management. Notably, this acquisition marks the fourth property IHCL has taken over from Nanda, with the Vivanta Surajkund previously being part of the Claridges brand.

Future Expansion Plans

Looking ahead, Chhatwal shared that IHCL plans to introduce approximately 30 new properties next year, which, given an average of 150 rooms per hotel, could add around 4,500 rooms to their inventory by FY26. In the current fiscal year, IHCL has already welcomed 25 new properties into its portfolio.

Accelerate 2030 Strategy

As part of its Accelerate 2030 initiative, IHCL aims to nearly double its portfolio to 700 properties by 2030, up from the current 375. The company is also targeting to double its consolidated revenue to Rs 15,000 crore by the decade’s end.

With a diverse range of brands, including Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, and Ginger, Chhatwal noted that the company anticipates significant growth from the Ginger and Gateway brands in the coming years. Additionally, IHCL plans to reinvest around 5% of its revenue into new ventures, ensuring sustained growth in the competitive hospitality sector.

Conclusion

As IHCL embarks on this ambitious journey with the Claridges Collection, the hospitality industry is poised for exciting developments. With a clear strategy and commitment to excellence, IHCL is set to redefine luxury hospitality in India and beyond.