Hilton has signed a strategic licensing agreement with Olive by Embassy to open 150 Spark by Hilton hotels across India, marking the brand’s debut in Asia-Pacific. This agreement reinforces Hilton’s growth in South Asia and brings a new premium economy brand to the Indian market.
The first Spark by Hilton hotels will open in Southern India with a focus on Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Launched in 2023, with 100 hotels at various stages of development, Spark by Hilton is a conversion-friendly, premium economy brand that delivers reliable essentials and service for every guest at an accessible price point. The brand will join Waldorf Astoria and Curio Collection by Hilton as newly introduced brands into South Asia, expanding the company’s portfolio in the region to eight distinct brands.
Spark by Hilton hotels in India will feature public spaces with multi-functional seating – from communal tables to rocking chairs. It will also offer to guests complimentary breakfast, featuring local items, as well as a 24-hour retail market for on-the-go travellers.
Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific at Hilton, said: “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.”
“Following international debuts for Spark in the UK 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 long-time partner, The Embassy Group, we look forward to accelerating Hilton’s growth across this key market and welcoming many new guests into our network,” added Kevin Jacobs, chief financial officer & president, global development, Hilton.
Jitu Virwani, chairman & managing director, Embassy Group, commented: “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.”
In 2024 alone, Hilton made its debut in Nepal with the opening of Hilton Kathmandu and expanded its full-service portfolio with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Whitefield. Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre, Hilton Garden Inn Surat, and Hilton Garden Inn Jabalpur are also on track to open by the end of the year.
