India’s Hotel Industry Set for Sustained Growth as Demand Outpaces Supply: Report

A recent report by Axis Capital has predicted that India’s hotel industry is set for sustained growth, driven by a favourable supply-demand dynamic and structural growth drivers. The report forecasts a 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in demand for FY24-27E, outpacing a more restrained 9% CAGR in supply.

The hotel industry in India is witnessing a cyclical recovery in supply addition, following years of robust Average Room Rate (ARR) growth. During the previous cycle (FY08-15), supply expanded at a rapid 15% CAGR, leading to overcapacity. However, in the current cycle, supply growth is projected to be moderate, ensuring that the upcycle lasts longer.

Luxury Hotels Remain Less Cyclical

Luxury hotels remain less cyclical due to their higher capital expenditure requirements – 20 times that of mid-scale hotels – and longer gestation periods. Furthermore, India’s branded hotel supply remains among the lowest globally, indicating significant room for growth.

While the majority of branded hotels are concentrated in Tier-1 cities, the focus is gradually shifting to Tier-2 cities as domestic players expand their market share. This shift is expected to drive growth in the industry, as Tier-2 cities offer a large and untapped market.

The report highlights several structural drivers that are expected to sustain demand growth. Leisure travel, which accounts for 46% of the total hotel demand, has consistently grown over the past three decades, driven by increasing disposable incomes and a rising number of upper-income households.

Business Travel to Recover

Business travel, which has declined from 48% of total demand in 2008 to 31% currently, is expected to recover as corporate profits improve, travel budgets rise, and Global Capability Centers (GCCs) expand.

The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment is also anticipated to grow, fueled by higher wedding budgets and an increase in global events being hosted in India.

International tourism, which has yet to return to pre-COVID levels, is another area poised for expansion. Improvements in India’s infrastructure and offerings are expected to attract more international visitors, further boosting demand.

With demand growth outpacing supply, the industry is expected to see higher occupancy rates and ARR growth. While Q1FY25 faced temporary challenges due to elections, the second half of the fiscal year is projected to deliver strong performance.

Axis Capital notes that the sector has undergone significant de-leveraging in recent years, resulting in improved cash flows and a higher share of managed rooms in hotel portfolios.

Despite the positive outlook, Axis Capital identifies key risks for the sector. The industry remains vulnerable to seasonality and economic downturns, which can adversely impact both leisure and business travel. Additionally, the entry of new players may disrupt the current supply-demand dynamics.

In conclusion, the report suggests that India’s hotel industry is poised for sustained growth, driven by a favourable supply-demand dynamic and structural growth drivers. With a focus on Tier-2 cities, leisure travel, business travel, MICE, and international tourism, the industry is expected to see higher occupancy rates and ARR growth, making it an attractive investment opportunity.