Hilton and Olive by Embassy partners to launch 150 Spark by Hilton across India

Hilton, has announced a strategic licensing agreement (SLA) with Olive by Embassy to introduce 150 Spark by Hilton hotels across India, marking the brand’s debut in the Asia Pacific region. This collaboration underscores Hilton's commitment to expanding its footprint in South Asia, with a focus on the premium economy segment in India’s rapidly growing hospitality market.   

“This landmark signing with Olive by Embassy underscores Hilton’s bold ambition in and long-term commitment to South Asia,” said Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific at Hilton. “Spark by Hilton will address a gap in the Indian market, offering affordable stays without compromise, and capturing unmet demand for value and consistency across major and smaller cities. Not only will this partnership set the stage for record-breaking growth, but it also positions Hilton to achieve a commanding presence in one of the world’s largest lodging markets.”

The agreement builds on Hilton's established partnership with Embassy Group, the owners of Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park. The first Spark by Hilton properties will open in Southern India, targeting key states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. 

Indian Spark by Hilton properties will reflect the brand’s hallmark simplicity and functionality, featuring flexible public spaces with communal tables and rocking chairs to cater to guests’ needs throughout the day. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfasts with local flavours and access a 24-hour retail market for convenience.

Jitu Virwani, Chairman & Managing Director, Embassy Group, said, “Today’s agreement marks an important step forward in our partnership with Hilton. Spark by Hilton is the ideal brand to capitalise on the country’s growing middle-class, its infrastructure investment push, and its burgeoning hospitality sector. With Embassy’s deep understanding of the market, and the local expertise of our franchise partners, we believe that this is the beginning of an exciting journey to redefine the premium economy segment.”

Recent expansions include Curio Collection’s entry in Bengaluru, Jaipur’s first Conrad, and Hilton-branded properties in Udaipur and Lucknow. The forthcoming Waldorf Astoria in Jaipur, set to open by 2027, highlights Hilton’s strategy to strengthen its presence in Tier II and III cities.  

“We are committed to expanding our presence in South Asia,” said Kevin Jacobs, chief financial officer & president, Global Development, Hilton. “Rapid middle-class formation continues to take place across this dynamic region, where we see tremendous long-term growth prospects for Hilton. Following international debuts for Spark in the United Kingdom and Canada, there is a compelling opportunity for the brand’s flexible model, coupled with Hilton’s powerful network and commercial engine, to capitalise on the fast-growing premium economy segment in India. Alongside our longtime partner, The Embassy Group, we look forward to accelerating Hilton’s growth across this key market and welcoming many new guests into our network.”