Hilton & NILE Hospitality Expand Hampton by Hilton in India
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS and NILE Hospitality plan to open 75 Hampton by Hilton hotels in India, with the first properties launching in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and Bihar. Rajasthan-based NILE Hospitality, founded in 2018, is led by Vikram Singh Chauhan as founder and CEO.
The launch of Hampton expands Hilton’s midscale presence in India alongside Hilton Garden Inn and the upcoming Spark, the companies said in a joint statement.
“This partnership is a significant opportunity for NILE to tap into India’s growing middle-income segment,” said Chauhan. “It allows us to redefine midscale accommodations while delivering the high-quality service Hilton and NILE are known for. By aligning with the country’s development and domestic travel growth, we aim to offer guests a consistent network and brand experience in emerging markets and key destinations.”
Hampton by Hilton properties will have 75 to 120 rooms, with nightly rates from Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000 or $46 to $69, the companies said. Hilton operates more than 3,000 Hampton by Hilton hotels across 43 countries. Hilton currently operates 29 hotels in India, compared to IHG Hotels & Resorts’ 45, Hyatt Hotel Corp.’s 50 and Marriott International’s 150.
“This is our mid-market moment in India,” said Alan Watts, Hilton's president for the Asia Pacific. “Macroeconomic growth, a rising middle class, and infrastructure development are fueling demand for our brands and driving strong performance. This agreement is another milestone as we accelerate expansion in India and Asia Pacific.”
Hampton by Hilton, adapted for the Asia Pacific market, has seen rapid growth in China for over a decade, the statement said. Recent openings include Hampton by Hilton Jinan Jili Road, Hampton by Hilton Tangshan Tanghai Road, and Hampton Shenyang Zhonghua Road.
“Hampton by Hilton is a customer favorite worldwide, and this agreement highlights the brand’s value to guests and owners,” said Kevin Jacobs, Hilton's chief financial officer and president for global development. “Owners appreciate its efficient design and consistent service, which drive strong performance and scale. India presents significant opportunities as domestic travel expands.”
In 2023, Hilton signed an agreement with Olive by Embassy to bring 150 Spark by Hilton hotels to India. As India’s travel market grows, Hilton is expanding its luxury portfolio, including the Waldorf Astoria Jaipur, set to open in 2027.
A recent JLL study noted that emerging markets, particularly India and Saudi Arabia, will play a key role in shaping future travel trends, creating new opportunities for development and investment.
Canadian traveler picks Pakistan’s hospitality over India’s
Pakistan Beats India in Hospitality, Says Canadian Vlogger
INDIA IS KNOWN for “Atithi Devo Bhava,” meaning "The guest is God," but some foreigners disagree. A Canadian man, when asked to choose between India and Pakistan for better hospitality, picked Pakistan without hesitation.
His brief interview with an Instagram user has since gone viral, Hindustan Times reported.
Instagram user @officialnamour, known for vox pop videos, recently asked Canadian traveler Nolan Saumure about "desi" hospitality. Saumure, a Canadian travel vlogger, has visited dozens of countries, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Indonesia, the U.S. and Vietnam.
When asked, “India or Pakistan—which has better hospitality?” Saumure instantly replied, "Pakistan, obviously."
He explained that Indians often see foreigners as wealthy customers, while Pakistanis offer warm hospitality, inviting tourists into their homes and offering food.
"You go to India, and people just see you as a walking ATM," Saumure said. "You go to Pakistan, and people are like, 'Oh, come here, sit. Take this free food. Come sleep at my place.'"
The video has more than 4.4 million views and hundreds of comments, many agreeing with Saumure.
"As an African living in Dubai, I agree with him. Pakistanis are friendlier than Indians. Pakistanis see you as a friend, while Indians see you as a stranger," one user commented. Another added simply, “I agree (I’m Indian).”
“India gets a lot of tourists, so we’re used to it and have built an economy around them,” another Instagram user said. “Pakistan gets only a few hundred tourists a year, so seeing a foreigner is a big deal for them.”
Some criticized Saumure’s opinion, some with racial overtones.
“Why do whites expect princess treatment from Indians after stealing $45 trillion from India?” one user asked.
A whitepaper by the Confederation of Indian Industry and EY projects India’s tourism and hospitality sector will create 6.1 million jobs by 2034. It currently accounts for 8 percent of total employment.