GHA DISCOVERY’s India membership grows by 18%
• The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts unveil Arq at Pichola - an exclusive collection of
ultra-luxury villa spaces designed as the ultimate escape for discerning elite from around
the world
• Minor Hotels makes its India debut as Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur opens its doors
Global Hotel AllianceGLOBAL HOTEL ALLIANCE, THE LEELA AND MINOR HOTELS SHOWCASE INDIA AS A THRIVING HUB FOR LUXURY HOSPITALITY
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GHA DISCOVERY’s India membership grows by 18%
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The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts unveil Arq at Pichola – an exclusive collection of ultra-luxury villa spaces
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Minor Hotels makes its India debut with the opening of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur
Delhi, India, 20th March 2025 – With India’s luxury travel sector experiencing unprecedented growth, Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and its partner brands, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and Minor Hotels, reaffirm their commitment to this evolving market with new initiatives set to elevate the high-end hospitality landscape.
India remains a key development market for GHA, with membership in its GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme increasing by 18% in 2024 to 623,000 members. The Leela and Minor Hotels are leveraging this demand with luxury offerings tailored to high-end Indian travellers.
In a significant shift, international spending by Indian GHA DISCOVERY members (54%) has now surpassed domestic revenue (46%), with Thailand, the UAE, and Singapore ranking as the top international destinations.
The immense potential of India’s travel market was highlighted at two recent events in Delhi, where GHA, The Leela, and Minor Hotels shared insights into their strategies and market expansion plans.
At the Skift India Forum on 18th March, Chris Hartley, CEO of GHA, and Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, discussed how luxury brands are adapting to the growing demand for premium experiences. The conversation continued at a press briefing at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, featuring Hartley, Bhatnagar, and Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, who explored key trends such as evolving guest preferences, loyalty programme impact, and the future of ultra-luxury hospitality.
The Leela Unveils ‘Arq’ – A New Ultra-Luxury Concept
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts continues to redefine luxury with the introduction of Arq at Pichola, an exclusive collection of ultra-luxury villa spaces at The Leela Palace Udaipur. Arq blends Indian heritage with modern sophistication, catering to affluent Indian and global travellers seeking bespoke, high-end experiences.
“India is entering a new era in luxury hospitality, driven by a dynamic economy, cultural richness, and a new generation of discerning travellers,” said Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela. “With Arq, we are elevating ultra-luxury to unprecedented levels, creating sanctuaries that blend India’s timeless heritage with innovation.”
Minor Hotels Expands into India with Anantara’s Debut
Minor Hotels has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur in November 2024. This luxury retreat marks the beginning of an ambitious expansion plan, with 50 new properties set to open in India over the next decade.
“The Indian market presents a remarkable opportunity for luxury hospitality, both domestically and internationally,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels. “With Anantara’s debut in Jaipur and our expansion plans, we aim to redefine experiential luxury while deepening our engagement with Indian travellers.”
Indian travellers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences, whether through bespoke wellness retreats, culturally rich stays, or luxury destination weddings. Minor Hotels aims to meet this demand through its expanding portfolio, including Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Avani Hotels & Resorts, and NH Collection.
Luxury Travel and Loyalty in India
GHA hotel room inventory in India has expanded to nearly 3,400 rooms in 2024 to meet rising luxury travel demand. Additionally, the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, now comprising more than 30 million members worldwide, is shaping high-end travel trends.
Indian travellers are increasingly engaging with GHA’s ‘Signature Luxury’ hotels, with premium experiences, room upgrades, and DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) rewards among the most valued benefits. As inbound travel to India flourishes, the country continues to attract high-spending travellers from the US, UK, and Australia. The combined presence of The Leela and Minor Hotels within GHA’s ecosystem places them at the forefront of India’s luxury hospitality growth.
For more information, visit Global Hotel Alliance, GHA DISCOVERY, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, and Minor Hotels.
GHA DISCOVERY is free to join, and travellers can sign up online or via the GHA DISCOVERY app. Follow GHA DISCOVERY on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
About GHA and GHA DISCOVERY:
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, comprising 45 brands and 850 hotels across 100 countries. Its award-winning GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme provides 30 million members with recognition, D$ rewards, and exclusive experiences across its hotels and partners. In 2024, GHA DISCOVERY generated US$2.7 billion in revenue and 11 million room nights.
Through GHA membership, brands expand their global reach, increase revenue, and reduce dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining their unique identities.
For more details, visit globalhotelalliance.com or ghadiscovery.com.
Source: GHA
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