TravTalk India Online Magazine
India is experiencing an unprecedented growth phase, fuelled by rapid infrastructure development and a booming MICE industry. With global businesses eyeing India for corporate events and large-scale conferences, hospitality brands like Sarovar Hotels are expanding aggressively. Ajay Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels, shares insights.
Surbhi Sharma
India is witnessing an unprecedented growth phase, outpacing many other global economies. The Union Budget’s continued emphasis on infrastructure significantly boosting domestic tourism and thus helping hospitality brands like Sarovar to expand their reach.
India’s readiness for MICE events
Ajay Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels thinks there a need for long-term planning to cash in on the opportunities in MICE sector. “With a world-class infrastructure in place, India is primed to host global MICE events. However, a successful MICE strategy requires long-term planning and proactive marketing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already initiated efforts to bring the Olympic Games to India in 2036, demonstrating the importance of early and strategic promotion. Similarly, securing large-scale MICE events demands that marketing efforts begin years in advance,” Bakaya opined.
Strategic expansion in emerging locations
Sarovar Hotels is at an exciting juncture in its journey, with 140 operational hotels and another 80 in the pipeline across 80 destinations. The brand has achieved remarkable expansion, opening 24 new hotels in 2024. “We continue to identify and invest in high-potential locations. Recent openings include Ajmer and Sindhudurg. Often compared to Goa in its early days, Sindhudurg boasts pristine beaches and minimal commercial impact, making it a hidden paradise for travellers,” Bakaya explained. Looking ahead, Sarovar has targeted 16 new hotels in 2025.
MICE strategy
Sarovar has several properties equipped for large conferences, particularly in cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Punjab, and Kerala. “However, instead of operating as individual players, the brand actively collaborates with other hotels and event organisers to attract and host large-scale MICE events,” the chairman said.
Wedding market
While corporate MICE events are growing in India, weddings remain the country’s largest revenue generator in the hospitality sector, informs the chairman.
“Big-budget destination weddings continue to fuel demand, followed by international and domestic conferences. We, at Sarovar, are well-positioned to capitalise on this trend, offering premium venues,” he added.
