According to a recent KPMG report, the global sustainable tourism market is projected to reach approximately $ 9.17 trillion by 2032. Aligned with this, with its diverse portfolio of 345 hotels, including 115 under development across four continents and over 130 locations, IHCL is gearing up for significant expansion in the coming years, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, IHCL, informs CW. What are IHCL's key expansion plans in the coming years and how are they aligning with the evolving trends in India's hospitality sector? IHCL’s re-imagined brandscape including Taj, SeleQtions, Tree of Life, Vivanta, Gateway and Ginger caters to a wide range of customer segments. With its diverse portfolio of 345 hotels, including 115 under development across four continents and over 130 locations, IHCL is gearing up for significant expansion in the coming years. This growth is largely driven by increasing disposable incomes and changing travel preferences in India, where hospitality is evolving from a luxury to an essential aspect of modern life. Enhanced connectivity across the country has spurred unprecedented demand, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which now account for nearly 70 per cent of the industry’s development pipeline. IHCL, under its brand architecture, has introduced Gateway, a full-service hotel designed to cater to the upscale segment, and has upcoming hotels in locations like Sawai Madhopur, Kandla, Sarnath, Varanasi and Barnala, among others. Aligning with rising demand in micro-markets across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, we have upcoming projects with a Taj in Ranchi, Chikkamagaluru, Mangalore, Lonavala, Kanpur and Panchkula, Ginger in Varanasi and Thane, SeleQtions in Nadiad, as well as multi-brand developments in the key markets of Hosur and Chennai. IHCL’s recent strategic alliance with Tree of Life has upcoming hotels in Srinagar and Bandhavgarh. Our international pipeline includes upcoming hotel openings in the Indian subcontinent, with properties in Bhutan, Nepal and Dhaka, as well as in the Middle East and Germany. In view of changing trends, how does the brand keep itself relevant even after 120 years? IHCL’s iconic brand Taj has long been celebrated as a custodian of India’s rich cultural heritage, offering guests unforgettable experiences in an iconic setting that exemplifies the best of Indian hospitality. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, is where this journey began. Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1903, this landmark structure has since defined Mumbai’s skyline. In its 120 years, Taj has etched its name in the annals of history, shaping the evolution of the hospitality industry in India and setting benchmarks in bespoke luxury, impeccable service and attention to detail. What began as a single hotel, today is a hospitality ecosystem that brings together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. We have spent years perfecting our craft, decades earning a reputation, and a century building a culture. From embracing sustainability in its operations to integrating digital solutions for enhanced guest services, IHCL’s ability to evolve while staying true to its core values has enabled it to thrive for over a century. This commitment to excellence, paired with its global expansion, ensures that IHCL remains a leader in the industry, setting the standard for luxury hospitality across geographies. How has the strategy of offering a premium experience to diverse segments as seen with SeleQtions, Vivanta, Gateway, Ginger and amã Stays and Trails, worked? As domestic travel continues to rise and global travel rebounds, consumers are seeking for a mix of premium experiences and value-driven options. India’s dynamic hospitality market has led to a significant demand for a broader range of hospitality formats, from luxury to budget, across both urban and emerging markets. Our multi-brand strategy has proven to be a valuable asset, enabling IHCL to capture a significant market share and deliver exceptional experiences to a diverse range of travellers. Our iconic luxury brand, Taj, remains at the forefront of the market, delivering iconic and timeless experiences. SeleQtions continues to craft distinctive, one-of-a-kind stays for travellers looking for unique, character-driven accommodations. Gateway capitalises on the rising need for quality hospitality in smaller cities, particularly for weddings and events. Vivanta, with its modern design, caters specifically to corporate travellers, ensuring seamless experiences for business professionals. Ginger, our lean-luxe brand, serves the growing number of consumers seeking smart, budget-friendly stays that bridge the gap between business and leisure. And our experiential travel brand, amã Stays & Trails, has tapped into the growing demand for offbeat experiences. IHCL has achieved a significant milestone in FY25, with a record 35 new signings across the brandscape. The re-imagined Gateway has garnered strong interest in the micro-markets of metros and Tier 2 and 3 cities, demonstrating its potential to bring new destinations to the forefront. Gateway Bekal and the migration of existing hotels in Nashik, Coonoor, Madurai and Chikkamagaluru under this brand are key milestones towards achieving our ambitious goal of a 100- hotel portfolio by 2030. In the first half of the year, we opened 12 hotels, including Ginger properties in Nagpur, Jamshedpur, Udaipur, Coimbatore, Delhi and Srinagar; a SeleQtions in Mahabaleshwar; a Gateway in Bekal; a Taj in Patna; a Vivanta in Jamshedpur; and two Tree of Life resorts in Srinagar and Gangtok. Beyond introducing new brands, IHCL's growth strategy will focus on leveraging existing partnerships to develop multi-hotel projects in locations with geographical significance and infrastructure development. What other brand collaborations are on the cards? Through strategic partnerships, we've expanded our portfolio and tapped into new market segments. Ekyam, a joint venture with CG Hospitality, focuses on adventure and wildlife experiences in the Indian Ocean and Greater Himalayas. Our alliance with the Neotia Group has strengthened our presence in Eastern India and the partnership with Tree of Life Resorts allows us to cater to the growing demand for boutique luxury experiences. What is the brand’s stand on eco-friendly practices for energy and water usage? How do you incorporate sustainable materials into the construction of your properties? India's tourism sector is rebounding, fuelled by a surge in domestic travel and a cautious but steady return of international tourists. To build a resilient tourism sector, the focus has shifted towards sustainable growth. According to a recent KPMG report, the global sustainable tourism market is projected to reach approximately $ 9.17 trillion by 2032, highlighting the importance of integrating sustainable tourism principles beyond operational improvements. This approach is essential for creating a more responsible sector. Aligned with the Tata Group's Aalingana goals and the UN's SDGs, IHCL has established a comprehensive ESG+ programme, Paathya, to drive sustainable practices. Guided by our industry-leading framework of Paathya, we’ve made significant strides this year, with 37 per cent of our energy now sourced from renewables and 343 EV charging stations installed across 142 locations in India. Seven of our hotels are operating on 100 per cent green energy, with a total of 43 hotels powered by renewable energy. To further support sustainability, 35 hotels have implemented measures to reduce fossil fuel consumption, such as replacing steam laundry machines with electric ones – resulting in a reduction of 50 mt of CO2 emissions at Taj Bengal Kolkata. In our drive to eliminate single-use plastics, we have installed 40 in-house bottling plants across hotels in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Maldives and Sri Lanka, which are helping phase out plastic bottles. We have also introduced biodegradable packaging, glass water bottles and eco-friendly amenities such as wooden key cards and bio-compostable garbage bags. To date, 88 of our hotels are EarthCheck certified, with 59 having achieved EarthCheck Platinum status. We continue to certify new hotels, strengthening our commitment to environmental responsibility. Through our Innergise Green Meetings initiative, we offer sustainable solutions for corporate events, featuring responsibly sourced materials, curated menus and wellness activities like yoga and meditation. A prime example of sustainable design is Taj Wayanad, featuring minimal site disruption, specially designed skylights for enhanced natural lighting, and the use of natural materials throughout the property. Similarly, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans, was built without cutting down a single tree and maintaining a zero-single-use-plastic policy while its design draws inspiration from local Jarawa architecture, featuring thatched roofs. How is IHCL leveraging technology for its sustainability practices? IHCL leverages technology by collaborating with industry experts to enhance guest experiences, optimise operations and drive responsible tourism. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, partnered with Swimsol to operationalise the Maldives' largest floating solar park. This solar sea system enhances the resort’s sustainability credentials and sets a new benchmark for renewable energy in the region. Over 18 months, nine advanced cooling technologies were piloted across various properties, including Taj Palace, New Delhi, and Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Goa, demonstrating notable successes in real-time performance.