Marriott International is planning a major expansion in India as the country’s hotel and travel market continues to grow.
In an exclusive report by The Economic Times, Marriott International President and CEO Anthony Capuano said India could become the company’s third-largest global market in the next three to four years. The US is currently Marriott’s biggest market, followed by China, Mexico and India.
Marriott is expanding beyond major Indian cities and plans to add thousands of new hotel rooms across the country.
The company signed more than 60 hotel deals in India in the first half of this year, the highest number in its Asia Pacific excluding China region. Marriott has more than 200 hotels in its India pipeline, with over 30,000 additional rooms planned.
The company currently operates around 230 hotels with more than 35,000 rooms in India. It also plans to enter its 100th Indian city next year, when Marriott celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Strong Focus on India
Speaking to The Economic Times, Capuano said Marriott’s growing investments show its strong confidence in the Indian market.
The company chose Ranthambore to announce its 10,000th hotel globally and has set up a technology accelerator in Hyderabad.
Marriott also selected India for the global launch of its Series by Marriott portfolio and made a minority investment in the country, which is unusual for the company.
Marriott’s India revenue rose from around $1 billion in 2023 to more than $1.5 billion in 2025. The company, however, wants to grow revenue even faster.
Expansion Into Smaller Cities
Marriott is now looking beyond India’s biggest cities.
A large part of its upcoming hotel pipeline consists of mid-scale and select-service properties. The company is entering smaller cities to benefit from rising demand for business and leisure travel.
Marriott currently has 19 brands in India and is preparing to launch its 20th brand, City Express.
The company is also using its Hyderabad technology centre to develop and test new ideas that could later be used in other countries.
At the same time, Marriott continues to expand its luxury hotel portfolio.
Upcoming properties include the JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa, Marriott Marquis in Delhi’s Aerocity and a new W Hotel near the Delhi airport.
India Becomes a Key Growth Market
India’s growing economy, rising travel demand and expanding middle class are making the country increasingly important for global hotel companies.
Marriott’s plans to add more than 30,000 rooms could nearly double its current room presence in India.
Middle East Business Faces Pressure
Marriott’s Middle East operations were affected by the West Asia conflict.
The company’s revenue per available room in the Gulf fell 43% in the June quarter.
Capuano said the region had started 2026 strongly, but the conflict affected business during the year.
However, Marriott’s global presence has helped reduce the impact. The Middle East accounts for around 3% of the company’s global rooms and fees, while Marriott operates more than 10,000 hotels in nearly 150 countries.
Marriott Looks at AI
Artificial intelligence is also expected to play a major role in Marriott’s future.
The company is exploring AI for travel bookings, corporate work, hotel operations and guest services.
AI could change how travellers search for and book hotels. It could also change how hotels work with online travel platforms.
Despite the growing use of technology, Capuano said the human connection remains an important part of hospitality.
With its growing hotel pipeline, expansion into smaller cities, new brands and technology investments, Marriott is betting heavily on India.
As exclusively reported by The Economic Times, the company expects India to become its third-largest global market within the next three to four years.
