In a significant collaboration, Accor Group and InterGlobe Hotels have joined forces to enhance India's hospitality landscape. Their partnership signals a significant shift in the country's booming hospitality sector. The recent launch of the ibis Styles Goa Vagator is just one example of their commitment to providing diverse and exceptional experiences to travelers.

“Our partnership is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry. With a focus on delivering top-notch design experiences and showcasing the rich culture of India, the collaboration promises to elevate the standard of hospitality in the country,” said Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President of Operations—Accor India & South Asia.

The New Launch

Strategically located in the vibrant and historically rich area of Vagator in North Goa, ibis Styles Goa Vagator is a perfect blend of pastel hues and local culture, designed to provide guests with a unique and immersive experience. The resort-inspired design and the hotel's ambiance reflect the lively spirit of Goa. The 142-room property has a fully equipped gym, an amphitheater for entertainment, and an outdoor swimming pool for relaxation. The 'Spice It' restaurant provides an all-day dining experience.

As part of its commitment to showcasing local art and culture, the hotel features curated pieces from emerging artists in its rooms and public areas. Original artwork is displayed in the lobby, while wallpaper reproductions can be seen in the rooms, creating an artistic atmosphere that adds to the overall experience of the hotel.

JB Singh, President & CEO of InterGlobe Hotels, shared his enthusiasm for the new hotel, stating, “I am delighted to announce the grand opening of our 2nd ibis Styles in Goa and 23rd ibis in India. This world-class hotel features the latest amenities, thoughtfully designed rooms, and contemporary public spaces, all built to the highest standards.”

Accor Group in India

Accor Group's presence in India extends beyond this partnership. The group operates a diverse portfolio of brands across the country, including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Mercure, Novotel, and Ibis, amongst others, catering to various segments of the market.

“What sets us apart is our dedication to ensuring that each brand and hotel maintains our unique identity. We recognize that today's guests seek personalized and unforgettable experiences, and our commitment to diversity and individuality reflects this understanding,” stated Dhawan.

Loyalty Program

What ties this diverse portfolio together is the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty program, which boasts 1.8 million members in India. This loyalty program allows guests to earn and redeem points across the entire spectrum of Accor Group brands. Whether staying in a Raffles or an Ibis, guests can enjoy the rewards, including elite experiences specially crafted for members.

A Strong Embrace of the Indian Market

India holds a special place in Accor's growth strategy, with approximately 85 percent of its business coming from the domestic market. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic and fluctuations in international travel, India's growing connectivity, economic stability, and emergence as a manufacturing hub make it a key focus for Accor.

“The vast improvements in connectivity, including new airports, highways, and railways, have contributed to the strong domestic demand for quality hospitality. The rise of the manufacturing sector in India, driven by global companies shifting their supply chains, has led to an increase in job opportunities and, consequently, a surge in demand for hotel rooms,” Puneet explained.

A Promising Pipeline

Accor Group has ambitious plans for the Indian market, with around 30 hotels in the pipeline. Among these, four are Fairmont properties, including a grand Fairmont at Mumbai Airport, featuring 446 rooms and 50,000 square feet of banquet space. Udaipur is set to welcome another Fairmont with 320 rooms, alongside a new Raffles opening soon. “This expansion includes a diverse range of properties, from the ultra-luxurious Raffles to mid-market and budget-friendly options under the Mercure and Ibis brands,” stated Dhawan.

Additionally, the expansion isn't limited to well-known cities; the brand is taking the hospitality experience to Tier II and III cities such as Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, Aurangabad, Indore, and Bhopal. This geographical diversity caters to the growing demand for quality hospitality experiences in emerging regions.

Embracing Tier II & III Markets

With metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai reaching saturation points for hotel development, the focus is shifting towards these markets. These regions offer more affordable land, rent, and labor, making them attractive for both business and leisure travelers. As a result, cities like Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai are becoming new hubs for IT and manufacturing.

“The emergence of iconic developments, like the Jio World Center in Mumbai and new airports like Noida International Airport, has invigorated these markets, adding momentum to the demand for hospitality services,” he concluded.