CapitaLand Investment’s lodging arm, The Ascott Limited, has set its sights on an aggressive expansion in India, aiming to more than double its current portfolio to 12,000 units by 2028. The announcement was made by Ascott CEO Kevin Goh at the 20th edition of the Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia (HICSA), held in Mumbai.
Goh outlined the company’s growth roadmap during a keynote session on “Redefining Global Living,” where he spoke about evolving trends in global mobility and how people now live, work, and travel across borders more fluidly than ever.
India remains a strategic growth market for the Singapore-based hospitality group, buoyed by strong sector momentum. Ascott began 2025 with three new signings in Goa, Lucknow, and Thanjavur—adding 600 units to its Indian footprint. The company now manages approximately 6,100 units across 22 properties in the country, spanning both operational and pipeline assets.
Strategic Market with Rising Demand
“India is both an important inbound and outbound market for Ascott,” said Goh, citing the country’s growing middle class, rising disposable incomes, and improving infrastructure as key tailwinds. He emphasized that while demand for quality hospitality is on the rise, the supply of branded accommodations remains constrained—presenting a substantial growth opportunity.
Ascott aims to bridge this gap through its flex-hybrid lodging model, which caters to both short-term and extended-stay guests. The group’s diversified brand architecture—ranging from select-service to full-service offerings—is designed to meet the needs of every traveler segment.
“With strong local market expertise and a differentiated brand portfolio, we’re well-positioned to deliver value to property owners while elevating guest experiences,” Goh added. “India will increasingly become a key source market for Ascott properties around the world.”
Targeted Expansion Strategy
Lee Ngor Houai, Ascott’s Chief Operating Officer for EMEA, South Asia, and China, said the company’s India growth strategy will hinge on both geographic and brand expansion. Presently, 85% of Ascott’s active properties are located in Tier-1 cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The next phase of growth will involve deepening its footprint in these metro hubs while tapping into underserved Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
“There is a rising appetite for branded accommodations in India’s emerging cities,” Lee noted. “We’re seeing increased demand in less-travelled destinations, which are often overlooked by international operators.”
Ascott also plans to expand its existing brands in India—Ascott, Citadines, Oakwood, and Somerset—while introducing new ones tailored to evolving market segments.
Next-Gen Hospitality Offerings
One of the standout additions to Ascott’s India playbook will be lyf, its social living brand aimed at millennials, Gen Z, and digital nomads. Designed around community and flexibility, lyf seeks to capture the growing preference for experience-led stays.
Lee added that The Unlimited Collection and The Crest Collection, Ascott’s curated heritage and lifestyle brands, are also slated for launch in India, catering to travelers seeking culturally immersive experiences.
Ascott’s development team was actively engaging potential partners and property owners at HICSA 2025, using the platform to spotlight the group’s growing brand portfolio and its long-term vision for India.
With its robust strategy and focus on market adaptability, Ascott is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of India’s hospitality landscape.
