Festive seasons driving hospitality expansions

The festive and wedding seasons are usually the most important but also a critical time for the hospitality industry, it often brings a significant surge in travel, bookings, and events. With high demand for luxury accommodations, exclusive dining experiences, and event spaces, many properties are grabbing the opportunity to expand their footprint. From launching new properties to enhancing the existing ones, the industry capitalises on the festive rush to cater to leisure travellers, wedding parties, and corporate gatherings. This time frame not only helps boost short-term revenue but also sets the stage for long-term strategic growth, “Weddings and Festivals are all about creating and catering memorable experiences, and we ensure that we are part of that memory-making process through our food, our service, and our event spaces,” says Namit Vijh, Area General Manager of Central India, Radisson Hotels Group, and General Manager of Radisson Gurugram Udyog Vihar.

Let’s know from the industry experts who have shared insights on how the hospitality sector is capitalising on these opportunities.

Seasonal influence on property expansion

Seasonal demand, especially during festive and wedding time, influences property expansions as hotels capitalise on increased guest traffic, driving investments in new locations and enhancing existing facilities. According to Sakshi Sehdev Dogra, Head of Sales & Marketing Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the festive and wedding seasons have a great impact on property development and expansion decisions. “This seasonal demand helps us identify locations to meet customer needs while driving long-term growth. By strategically aligning our development with peak demand periods, we ensure that our hotels are equipped to handle increased bookings, host large events, and deliver enhanced experiences, ultimately strengthening our brand presence and business sustainability,” she explains.

The ability to anticipate and meet the demand during these periods allows the properties to strengthen their brand presence and ensure business sustainability. “We integrate flexible event spaces and specialised services, focusing on enhancing guest experiences for weddings and celebrations. This strategic alignment not only drives revenue during peak periods but also fosters repeat business, helping us establish sustainable growth,” explains Richa Adhia, Managing Director, of Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts

Strategic property launches 

Launching new properties during the festive season is not just about meeting short-term demand; it’s also about long-term positioning. Ajay Bakaya, Managing Director, of Sarovar Hotels and Director, of Louvre Hotels India, added, “We employ targeted marketing campaigns that highlight our wedding packages and innovative Wedding Studios concept. We also offer promotional packages that provide added value, such as complimentary services or discounts for off-peak dates.” 
On the other hand, one of the key strategies Wyndham Hotels employs is collaborating with local partners during the peak festive season. “These initiatives align with our long-term growth plans by expanding our footprint in high-demand areas, building brand loyalty, and ensuring steady revenue growth year-round,” Dogra highlighted. And it is most rightly said that, when a guest has a memorable festive experience, they are more likely to return to the property.

Investment decisions with festive demand

One of the significant growth areas for hospitality brands during festive seasons is the wedding market. Given the popularity of destination weddings, especially in India, hotels are increasingly investing in properties or upgrades that cater specifically to this segment. When making investment decisions, Bakaya said, “We carefully consider the balance of room offerings and food and beverage options. We recently upgraded the Geeta Sarovar Portico in Panipat, expanding its capacity from 27 keys to 70 keys to accommodate larger gatherings. These strategic upgrades not only enhance our properties’ appeal as wedding venues but also ensure we provide an exceptional guest experience.”

But there is something different that Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has to share about the factors they consider. The property places a strong emphasis on its mission to deliver exceptional and luxurious experiences. As the Managing Director explained, “This includes ensuring the property's vision and the owner's commitment are in sync with our brand ethos. We focus on offering personalized services, world-class amenities, and breathtaking locations that create unforgettable memories.” Their approach also incorporates a "localised touch" that captures the cultural and emotional essence of each destination which further ensures every wedding experience is both luxurious and authentic.

“We focus on key factors like location, size, and amenities. We also look at creating versatile indoor and outdoor spaces to offer flexibility. Also, we consider the overall guest experience, ensuring that we offer both luxury and convenience,” says Dogra while discussing several factors.

Therefore, by offering luxury and convenience, the hotels can cater to the growing demand for premium wedding venues, making this a lucrative area for expansion.

Future growth and investment trends

The evolving trends during festive seasons are reshaping how hospitality brands plan for the future. Festive travel, in particular, offers substantial opportunities for growth. “The rise of intimate and micro weddings indicates a growing demand for properties that provide personalized experiences. Furthermore, the increasing focus on sustainability will drive our investments in eco-friendly initiatives, Bakaya added. In addition to property expansion, Adhia added, “We aim to launch properties that offer bespoke services, blending local culture with global luxury standards”. 

Wyndham is all set to invest in technology to streamline operations during peak times Dogra emphasises that Wyndham's investment strategies are aligned with this demand, stating, “We plan to invest in technology to streamline operations during peak times, ensuring seamless service. Over the next few years, we aim to leverage these trends to strengthen our brand, increase employee size, increase occupancy rate,” she said.

Therefore, by learning the customer preferences and providing offerings during high-demand time, hospitality brands can ensure long-term growth and profitability.

Future plans and key locations for Expansion

As festive and wedding seasons continue to drive hospitality demand, brands are expanding into key urban centres and emerging travel destinations. When it comes to Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts expansion plans, “We are currently focused on expanding its presence in key destinations such as Uttarakhand, Jodhpur, and Udaipur,” Adhia shared. “These locations are prioritised due to their rich cultural heritage, growing tourism appeal, and increasing demand for luxury accommodations. Each of these destinations offers unique experiences.” Adiha said while explaining the plans.

“We are particularly targeting key Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities,” said Bakaya, while sharing the expansion plans of Sarovar Hotels. “Factors driving our focus on these destinations include the increasing popularity of domestic travel, the burgeoning interest in experiential stays, and the growing trend of social events such as weddings and family gatherings, ” he further added.

On the other hand, while explaining about the locations, “We are opening up in Ujjain, we are coming up with the first cricket stadium hotel in Nathdwara. We are coming up in Udaipur and with the existing owners. We are in the process of opening a hotel in Jabalpur,” Vijh added. Radisson Blu Kumbhalgarh are already seeing a strong demand for weddings and social events, driven by the appeal of their expansive banqueting spaces. He further aid, “We are fully booked for many key wedding dates and are expecting to achieve not only high occupancy but also improved ADRs.”

While talking about Wyndham, the brand is targeting major urban centres and emerging travel destinations, “We aim to enhance our presence in at tourism spots as well as leisure destinations that attract weekend travellers. By strategically positioning our hotels in these areas, we can cater to business and leisure guests,” Dogra said.

The festive and wedding seasons have become significant growth drivers for the hospitality industry, prompting brands like Radisson and Sarovar to expand strategically in high-demand markets The festive season may come and go, but the long-term benefits of smart, timely investments made during this period can create lasting impacts on business growth and brand visibility. For the hospitality industry, the festive season is not just a time of heightened demand, it is a springboard for sustainable expansion.