Sterling Holiday Resorts Announces Ambitious Plan to Launch Fourteen New Resorts Across India in 2025-26 Financial Year to Capture Growing Upscale Leisure Travel Demand

Written By: Binoy Mehera

Binoy Mehera

A curious mind driven by a passion for storytelling, I find inspiration in uncovering hidden perspectives, exploring diverse experiences, and shaping ideas into narratives that leave an impact. With three years of experience in journalism and content creation, I have developed a strong instinct for identifying meaningful stories, blending research with creativity, and presenting information in a way that connects with readers. My storytelling journey is guided by a fascination for culture, travel, lifestyle, and the human experiences that define our world. I aim to create narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity, evoke emotions, and offer audiences a deeper understanding of every story.

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May 16, 2025 4:47 AM

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Sterling Holiday Resorts, the leisure hospitality segment of Thomas Cook India, is preparing for significant growth in the financial year 2025-26 with plans to introduce at least fourteen new resorts across various locations in India. This expansion underscores the company’s ambition to strengthen its market presence and capture a larger share of the flourishing domestic leisure travel industry.

Currently, Sterling operates a portfolio of sixty-one resorts throughout India, with an additional twenty properties under development. These upcoming resorts are expected to enhance the company’s reach in popular vacation destinations, catering to the rising demand for quality leisure accommodations among travelers.

A key highlight of Sterling’s recent performance is the marked increase in its average room rates. Before the pandemic, the average rate per room ranged between three thousand and three thousand five hundred Indian Rupees, approximately thirty-five to forty US dollars. This figure has nearly doubled, now averaging around six thousand two hundred Indian Rupees, or about seventy-two US dollars per night. This rise reflects both improving market conditions and a strategic move toward higher-value segments.

The company is shifting its focus from primarily midscale accommodations to targeting the upper midscale and upscale categories. This move aims to deliver upgraded guest experiences through enhanced facilities and premium services, attracting travelers who seek greater comfort and luxury. The strategy also seeks to improve revenue per available room and overall profitability.

This repositioning aligns with wider industry trends, as modern travelers increasingly prioritize personalized and experience-rich stays over standard lodging. Sterling’s commitment to upgrading its resorts demonstrates its adaptation to these evolving customer preferences.

Beyond Sterling’s resort operations, the parent company has reported strong growth across its broader travel services. Overall travel revenues have increased by fifteen percent year-over-year, reflecting a robust recovery driven by pent-up travel demand and the easing of pandemic-related restrictions.

Leisure travel has been a particularly strong contributor, expanding by twenty percent during the fiscal year. On the domestic front, the company successfully managed large group and customized travel arrangements related to major cultural events such as the Mahakumbh festival, showcasing its capacity for complex travel coordination.

Internationally, the company offered curated tours during peak travel periods like Japan’s Cherry Blossom season, attracting travelers interested in cultural immersion and natural beauty. These programs highlight the company’s growing expertise in experiential tourism, catering to clients seeking meaningful and authentic journeys.

The leisure division’s performance in the last quarter surpassed pre-pandemic levels, marking a significant milestone in the recovery and growth trajectory. This achievement reflects the effectiveness of recent initiatives to revitalize and diversify travel offerings.

In response to shifting traveler expectations, the company has expanded its experiential travel portfolio. This includes packages focused on local culture, adventure, wellness, and authentic engagement, helping to distinguish the brand in a competitive marketplace while building customer loyalty.

Looking ahead, Sterling Holiday Resorts and its parent company are well-positioned to benefit from the expanding leisure travel market in India. Factors such as rising disposable incomes, improved transport infrastructure, and increasing interest in both domestic and international travel continue to fuel demand. The planned resort expansion combined with a focus on premium market segments is expected to solidify the company’s leadership.

Furthermore, Sterling is placing increased emphasis on sustainability and responsible tourism. Recognizing growing traveler awareness of environmental and social impacts, the company is incorporating eco-friendly practices and community engagement into its operations, aligning with global trends toward conscious travel.

In summary, Sterling Holiday Resorts is set for notable growth in the coming financial year, backed by a clear strategy to enhance its offerings and elevate guest experiences. Supported by a thriving travel sector, the company’s focus on experiential, upscale, and sustainable travel positions it as a prominent player in India’s evolving hospitality and tourism landscape.