Driving growth and expansion in emerging markets

As the role of all stakeholders in the hospitality industry becomes increasingly vital, the DS Group is swiftly expanding its presence in this sector. With strategic signings, the group aims to capitalise on the burgeoning hospitality economy in the nation.

Nathan Andrews, Business Head of Hospitality, DS Group, elaborates on the group’s strategy, stating, “To effectively navigate the Indian hospitality market, the DS Group employs key strategies centred on the principle of right place, right time. We conduct thorough market research to identify emerging trends and high-demand regions, ensuring our projects align with consumer preferences. Strategic partnerships, like our collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels and Marriott, enhance our market presence by leveraging their established expertise and distribution networks.”

He further adds, “Our diverse offerings—from luxury to budget-friendly accommodations—cater to various traveller segments, maximising reach. Emphasising sustainability meets the growing demand for responsible tourism and positions us as a leader in the market. Additionally, investing in innovative technology enhances guest experiences and operational efficiency, keeping us competitive. By promoting localised experiences that highlight regional culture and attractions, we create unique offerings for both domestic and international travellers.”

Outlook on the hospitality landscape in India

As the Indian hospitality market works its way up towards competing with mature markets, the outlook on the hospitality landscape has changed. Andrews explains, “The DS Group holds a positive outlook on the current and prospective landscape of the hospitality industry in India, recognising significant growth opportunities. The sector has shown remarkable resilience in the past two to three years and is currently enjoying an annual growth rate of 15 to 20 per cent, indicative of a renewed enthusiasm for travel and tourism.”

“This recovery is fuelled by several key factors. The resurgence of domestic travel, driven by increased disposable income and a desire for unique experiences, has created a vibrant demand for diverse hospitality offerings. The emphasis on sustainability and responsible tourism is also shaping the industry’s future. With consumers becoming more environmentally conscious, there is a significant opportunity for the hospitality sector to implement eco-friendly practices and promote sustainable initiatives. This aligns well with the DS Group’s commitment to corporate responsibility and community engagement,” adds Andrews.

Vision for expansion

Andrews elaborates on the group’s vision to further expand in the hospitality segment. He states, “Our vision for expansion in the hospitality business segment focusses on strategically tapping into emerging opportunities while aligning our growth plans with the industry's overall trajectory on a national scale. We aim to establish a diverse portfolio that includes both city and resort properties to cater to a wide range of travellers.”

He notes, “Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to the growth of the hospitality sector while reinforcing our position as a trusted leader in the industry. We are actively monitoring emerging trends and adapting our strategy accordingly. While we continue to look at growth pan-India, we are especially looking at the relatively untapped North East of India, which has significant potential.”

Partnerships and collaborations

Partnerships are an integral part of hospitality, especially due to the high-cost nature of establishing the business. Andrews sheds light on how partnerships help boost the group’s pursuit of expansion, stating, “The partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts has been a key element of the DS Group's expansion strategy. Our successful and mutually rewarding collaboration in Jaipur and Kolkata has laid a strong foundation, showcasing the potential of combining our local expertise with IHG's global presence and operational excellence.”

“This alliance allows us to leverage IHG’s established brand portfolio and loyalty programmes, attracting a diverse range of travellers. By integrating their innovative technology and best practices, we can continue to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency across both properties. Additionally, IHG’s robust marketing and distribution channels will enable us to reach a wider audience, both domestically and internationally,” he further states.

Envisioning Expansion

The DS Group plans to expand its extensive portfolio by strategically enhancing its presence across key markets in India. The group currently operates six hotels, including Radisson Blu Guwahati, Intercontinental Jaipur, and Renaissance Bengaluru, alongside properties like Namah, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats in Corbett and Nainital, and Holiday Inn Express Kolkata.

Andrews explains the expansion plans for the future, stating, “We have an ambitious pipeline with 800 rooms under construction, including 400 in the NCR, which will significantly boost our capacity. In addition to these ongoing projects, we are actively exploring further opportunities at the planning stage to diversify our offerings and locations.”

He continues, “Our strategy focuses on identifying high-demand regions and emerging tourist destinations, ensuring that we align with market trends. By maintaining strong partnerships with leading hospitality brands and investing in innovative services, we aim to create unique guest experiences that will drive occupancy and enhance our brand value across all properties.”