Tourexpi
Leading
global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the signing of a
strategic licensing agreement (SLA) with Olive by Embassy to open 150 Spark
by Hilton hotels across India, marking the brand’s debut in Asia
Pacific. The agreement comes as a result of Hilton’s long-standing partnership
with The Embassy Group, owners of Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business
Park and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park. This
agreement reinforces Hilton’s ambitious growth in South Asia and brings a new
premium economy brand to the dynamic Indian market. The first Spark by Hilton
hotels will open in Southern India with a focus on Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
“This
landmark signing with Olive by Embassy underscores Hilton’s bold ambition in
and long-term commitment to South Asia,” said Alan Watts, president, Asia
Pacific at Hilton. “Spark by Hilton will address a gap in the Indian market,
offering affordable stays without compromise, and capturing unmet demand for
value and consistency across major and smaller cities. Not only will this
partnership set the stage for record-breaking growth, but it also positions
Hilton to achieve a commanding presence in one of the world’s largest lodging
markets.”
Launched
in 2023, with 100 hotels at various stages of development, Spark by Hilton is
the fastest launch-to-open brand in Hilton’s history. The conversion-friendly,
premium economy brand is aimed at the aspirational and value-seeking traveler
and is renowned for delivering reliable essentials and friendly service for
every guest at an accessible price point.
Spark
by Hilton hotels in India will be characterized by thoughtful simplicity and
reliable service. The public spaces will feature multi-functional seating from
communal tables to rocking chairs, offering plenty of options for guests to
enjoy breakfast, socialize or work throughout the day. Spark by Hilton will add
value to the guest experience by offering a complimentary breakfast, featuring
local items, so guests can fuel up before hitting the road. The brand will also
offer a 24-hour retail market for on-the-go travelers.
As
travel demand surges and the middle-class segment in India rises, Hilton plans
to scale its focused service brands, such as Spark by Hilton, exemplifying the
company’s dedication to bringing hotel brands that cater to every guest and
every stay occasion. The brand will join Waldorf Astoria and Curio Collection
by Hilton as newly introduced brands into South Asia, expanding the company’s
portfolio in the region to eight distinct brands.
“We
are committed to expanding our presence in South Asia,” said Kevin Jacobs,
chief financial officer & president, Global Development, Hilton. “Rapid
middle-class formation continues to take place across this dynamic region,
where we see tremendous long-term growth prospects for Hilton. Following
international debuts for Spark in the United Kingdom and Canada, there is a
compelling opportunity for the brand’s flexible model, coupled with Hilton’s
powerful network and commercial engine, to capitalize on the fast-growing
premium economy segment in India. Alongside our longtime partner, The Embassy
Group, we look forward to accelerating Hilton’s growth across this key market
and welcoming many new guests into our network.”
Jitu
Virwani, chairman & managing director, Embassy Group, said, “Today’s
agreement marks an important step forward in our partnership with Hilton. Spark
by Hilton is the ideal brand to capitalize on the country’s growing
middle-class, its infrastructure investment push, and its burgeoning
hospitality sector. With Embassy’s deep understanding of the market, and the
local expertise of our franchise partners, we believe that this is the
beginning of an exciting journey to redefine the premium economy segment.”
Hilton’s
recent signings across its luxury, full-service, and focused-service segments
underscore the strength of its brand portfolio as the company expands into
India’s major states and cities. Notable signings include the introduction of
the award-winning Curio Collection in Bengaluru, Jaipur’s first Conrad, and the entry of the Hilton flagship
brand into Udaipur and Lucknow. Waldorf Astoria in Jaipur, anticipated to open by 2027,
further highlights the appeal of Hilton’s luxury offerings and reinforces the
company’s commitment to growth in Tier II and III cities.
Kahraman
Yigit, co-founder & CEO, Olive by Embassy, said, “We are seeing a huge
demand in the country for premium economy accommodation and reliable quality
stay experiences. This gap is currently unmet. With no other product quite like
it in the premium economy segment, Spark by Hilton is a much-needed, consistent
brand that will provide an impetus for the overall market to grow. We believe
that this disruptive offering is the right one for investors, developers, and
owners looking to maximize their returns.”
In
2024 alone, Hilton has made significant strides across South Asia. The company
made its debut in Nepal with the opening of Hilton Kathmandu and expanded its full-service
portfolio with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Whitefield. Hilton Gurugram Baani City
Centre, Hilton Garden Inn Surat, and Hilton Garden Inn Jabalpur are also on
track to open by the end of the year.
Hilton’s
accelerated growth in South Asia is fueled by its award-winning workplace
culture, which positions the company as an employer of choice, attracting and
retaining top talent in the industry. Hilton was recently recognized as
the #1 Company to Work For in India by ‘Great Place to Work’ for
the second consecutive year, and remains the only hospitality company in
the market to achieve this prestigious recognition in both 2023 and 2024.
Image
Credit: © Hilton
The most interesting news
Disneyland Paris Shares Latest Updates About Its Unprecedented Transformation
On 12th April 2025, Disneyland Paris celebrated its 33rd anniversary – and to mark the occasion, the place where dreams come true unveiled never-before-seen images and new details about its overall unprecedented transformation.
Etihad welcomes its latest A350
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has welcomed its sixth A350 to its growing fleet.
Qatar Airways to Showcase Qsuite Next Gen at ATM Dubai 2025
Qatar Airways is bringing the latest in cutting-edge airline luxury to this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai with its ‘Qsuite Next Gen’ – the newest iteration of its multiple award-winning patented Qsuite Business Class. Visitors and
Alaska Airlines unveils exciting First Class, Main Cabin options and sets stage for next culinary chapter
Alaska continues partnership with Chef Brandon Jew this spring, unveils fresh, new plant-based Main Cabin meal and hints at what’s to come
Singapore Airlines Elevates Customer Experience With $45 Million Investment In Changi Airport
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will transform its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 over the next two years, investing S$45 million to elevate the on-ground customer experience at its main hub.
Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario, Officially Opens Its Doors
Canada’s first Hard Rock Hotel is officially open for business.
Emirates’ journey to Accessible Travel for all
Emirates rolling out ‘Travel Rehearsal’ programmes for children with autism across 17 cities, and named as the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™
Lufthansa Group simplifies online bookings in cooperation with Visa
From October 2025, Lufthansa Group will introduce the online payment option 'Click to Pay' on the booking portals of its airlines Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines in cooperation with Visa.
UK Economy Loses More Than £2.2BN from International Traveller Spend, reveals WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has warned that the UK lost more than £2.2BN worth of exports as international visitors’ spending nosedived last year, compared to 2019, as the UK government continues to pile on taxes, red tape and slashe
easyJet puts spring 2026 flights on sale
easyJet has put its spring 2026 schedule on sale today providing customers with even more choice to book an early getaway next year.
All Nippon Airways And Singapore Airlines Deepen Commercial Cooperation
All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) will begin operating revenue-sharing flights between Singapore and Japan from September 2025, with the joint fare products for these services going on sale in May 2025, further deepening their com
Korean Air celebrates inaugural flight to Kobe
Korean Air marked the launch of its new Seoul Incheon-Kobe route, with commemorative events held at both Seoul Incheon International Airport and Kobe Airport on April 18. Korean Air is the first Korean flag carrier to operate flights on this route.
A new local approach to shape a more inclusive hospitality
Accor launches the renewed 14th edition of the Take Off! Student Challenge.
TAT x Leicester City Spotlighted Thai Soft Power on the Global Sports Stage
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in partnership with Leicester City Football Club (LCFC), staged a high-impact promotional event during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool on
United Invests in Next Generation Blended Wing Aircraft Start-Up JetZero
The company is creating an aircraft design that has the potential to deliver jet fuel efficiency and a greatly enhanced customer experience.
Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia unveils programme and participants for 2025 summit
The Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia has unveiled an action packed agenda, key participants and new event features for the 2025 summit, taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, 11-13 May.
From Bangkok to Bandhavgarh with Experience Travel Group
In Thailand, new experiences developed with their local partners, offer travellers the chance to engage with rural life and traditional craftsmanship:
Elite Havens Curates Dream Weddings Across Southeast Asia’s Most Breathtaking Destinations
In a world where love deserves to be celebrated in unforgettable ways, Elite Havens, Asia’s leading luxury villa management and rental service provider, invites couples to begin their forever in the most enchanting settings Southeast Asia has to of
40 New Hotels Over 10 Years
Wyndham and Soliteight Unveil Plans to Bring Super 8 Brand to Spain and Portugal
UN Tourism and Università della Svizzera Italiana partner to incorporate Fashion into Cultural Tourism
Destinations are increasingly focusing on fashion to enhance the tourism experiences and empower local communities, especially among indigenous populations, as well as small-scale creators and businesses.
Turkey to begin restoration work on dome of Hagia Sophia
Turkey is set to begin restoration and reinforcement work on the dome of the Hagia Sophia, in one of the biggest repair projects carried out on the 1,486-year-old structure, experts said on Monday. Hagia Sophia was the largest cathedral in the worl
