Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, a US-based company, intends to launch its first branded residence in India before the end of the current year, according to Dimitris Manikis, President for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa (EMEA).
This move comes as the brand operator, which includes brands such as Ramada and Days Inn and is listed on Nasdaq, aims to double its presence in terms of hotels and rooms by 2028. The senior executive noted that they are already studying potential locations and partners, and the first residence is nearing completion by the end of the year.
Manikis emphasized that one reason for his visit is the desire to capitalize on the growth observed in the branded residences market in other parts of his region, ensuring that India does not lag behind this trend.
Wyndham will join a growing number of participants in the Indian branded residences market, which has shown a surge in project signings over the past year. Brands such as Jacob & Co, Tonino Lamborghini, and Elie Saab have already entered this market, although they focus on the luxury segment.
Wyndham will operate in the mid-market segment, where the company also operates all its 25 hotel brands globally. Currently, the company manages properties under Wyndham Residences, Wyndham Grand Residences, and Ramada Residences in markets including the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Thailand, Portugal, Egypt, and recently in Saudi Arabia.
According to Noesis Hotel Advisors, the total estimated development value of branded residence projects in India is approximately $10.5 billion USD, with 19 projects under construction and 17 announced. Nandivardhan Jain, founder and CEO of Noesis Hotel Advisors, explained that further announcements are expected throughout 2026, and more than 20 projects are in the early stages of feasibility studies, product planning, or brand selection. He also noted that this category has expanded beyond Mumbai and NCR, spreading to Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, as well as resort destinations.
According to Noesis, besides Mumbai and Delhi-NCR, consumer interest in branded residences is growing in places such as Goa, Alibaug, Karjat, Igatpuri, Kasaul, Kurug, and Rishikesh. Manikis also pointed out that the Indian market is maturing due to the emergence of mixed-use complexes that include residential sections managed by a hotel or hospitality operator, alongside a hotel and/or retail center.
From an operational standpoint, Manikis noted that India is the fastest-growing market for Wyndham's international business, accounting for 58 percent of the company's entire portfolio, making the South Asian country one of its most crucial markets for global growth. The senior executive added that India is now among the two leading growth markets for Wyndham in the EMEA region.
On Thursday, Wyndham launched its premium brand Vienna House in India. The first signed property, Vienna House Easy Vrindavan, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is planned to open in 2029 and will consist of 100 rooms. The company plans to add over 7,000 rooms through 55 new hotels, bringing the total portfolio to 150 properties, while also focusing on incorporating larger properties of over 100 rooms into the portfolio. Although most of the company's presence is concentrated in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India, it is gradually expanding into Tier 1 cities and metropolises. Manikis added that they are opening more large hotels in locations with higher revenue per available room, such as Udaipur and Jaipur.
Commenting on the impact of the crisis in the Middle East, the senior executive stated that while travel from Western Asian countries to Europe has decreased, domestic travel in those regions has increased. He also noted that inflationary pressures and construction and supply chain issues are currently being discussed in the industry, but the number of opening and announced hotels continues to grow.