Over the last decade and half the mad rush to India for business opportunities has intensified and elevated room rates and occupancy levels in India. The successful growth story of 'Hotel Industry in India' seconds only to China in Asia Pacific. The Hotel Industry is inextricably linked to the tourism industry and the growth in the Indian tourism industry has fuelled the growth of Indian hotel industry. The thriving economy and increased business opportunities in India have acted as a boon for Indian hotel industry. The arrival of low cost airlines and the associated price wars have given domestic tourists a host of options. The 'Incredible India' destination campaign and the recently launched 'Atithi Devo Bhavah' (ADB) campaign have also helped in the growth of domestic and international tourism and consequently the hotel industry.

What is the reason behind this sudden growth in the hotel industry in India?

The hotel industry in India is going through an interesting phase. The industry has a capacity of 110,000 rooms. According to the tourism ministry, 4.4 million tourists visited India last year and at the current rate, the demand will soar to 10 million by 2010 – to accommodate 350 million domestic travelers. The hotels of India have a shortage of 150,000 rooms fueling hotel room rates across India. With tremendous pull of opportunity, India has become a destination for hotel chains looking for growth.

Due to such a huge potential available in this segment, several global hotel chains like the Hilton, Accor, Marriott International, Berggruen Hotels, Cabana Hotels, Premier Travel Inn (PTI), InterContinental Hotels group and Hampshire among others have all announced major investment plans for the country. The Government's move to declare hotel and tourism industry as a high priority sector with a provision for 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) has also provided a further impetus in attracting investments in to this industry.

It is estimated that the hospitality sector is likely to see US$ 11.41 billion rise in the next two years, with around 40 international hotel brands making their presence known in the country by 2011. Simultaneously, international hotel asset management companies are also likely to enter India. Already, US-based HVS International has firmed up plans to enter India, and industry players believe others like Ashford Hospitality Trust and IFA Hotels & Resorts among others are likely to follow suit.

One of the major reasons for the increase in demand for hotel rooms in the country is the boom in the overall economy and high growth in sectors like information technology, telecom, retail and real estate. Rising stock market and new business opportunities are also attracting hordes of foreign investors and international corporate travellers to look for business opportunities in the country. Also India has been ranked as the fourth most preferred travel destination and with Lonely Planet selecting the country among the top five destinations from 167 countries; India has finally made its mark on the world travel map. Thus, the increase in the need for accommodation has hugely increased the demands for hotels which in turn has boosted the growth of the hospitality sector in India especially that of the hotel industry.

Prabhash Bhatnagar is Manager of Sales & Marketing, maker of hotel management system and Resort management software handles the key aspects of the running of client’s business, including bookings & reservations, Housekeeping, Spa, POS and generating reports.