Wyndham Hotels Ignites India Tourism Boom with Bold Cygnett Alliance, Set to Unleash Over Sixty New Hotels Across South Asia and Transform Hospitality Landscape

Published on July 11, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is fueling an unstoppable wave of growth across South Asia. The hospitality giant has announced a powerful new alliance with India-based Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, aiming to transform the hotel landscape in India and its neighboring countries.

The plan is breathtaking in scope. Wyndham and Cygnett are poised to roll out over 60 new hotels across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal within the next decade. The move not only pushes Wyndham deeper into one of the world’s hottest travel markets but also introduces two new brands—La Quinta® by Wyndham and Registry Collection Hotels®—to South Asian shores.

It’s a bold bet. And it signals Wyndham’s confidence that South Asia’s tourism engine is only revving up.

India’s Travel Appetite Hits Overdrive

India’s hospitality market is on fire. Domestic travel spending rocketed to USD 186 billion last year. Meanwhile, leisure travel spending is projected to soar another 12% annually in the years ahead.

This surge is no accident. Infrastructure investments are reshaping the nation’s roads, airports, and railways. Middle-class dreams are expanding, with travelers eager to explore new destinations and indulge in premium experiences. The appetite for travel feels insatiable.

Moreover, the region’s vibrant culture and diverse landscapes keep pulling in global travelers hungry for authentic, unforgettable experiences.

Cygnett Partnership Supercharges Wyndham’s Footprint

Wyndham’s partnership with Cygnett is a calculated leap into this red-hot market. Cygnett, an ambitious Indian hospitality group, has already built a growing portfolio across South Asia. Now, with Wyndham’s global strength behind it, the two companies are set to unlock enormous growth potential.

Wyndham is choosing its brands wisely for this expansion. La Quinta® by Wyndham brings modern comfort and consistent quality, perfect for business and leisure travelers seeking value and reliability. Meanwhile, Registry Collection Hotels® caters to luxury seekers, offering upscale stays and exclusive experiences.

By tapping into both segments, Wyndham and Cygnett aim to capture every slice of demand—from cost-conscious domestic travelers to global tourists craving luxury.

South Asia Becomes Ground Zero for Hospitality Growth

The Wyndham–Cygnett move is more than a business transaction. It’s part of a massive shift in global travel patterns. South Asia is rapidly becoming the epicenter of new hotel development as global players race to capture emerging markets.

India’s hotel scene is buzzing with new investments. Rising disposable incomes, affordable airfare, and strong government support for tourism have created fertile ground for brands ready to grow fast. Yet the opportunities stretch far beyond India’s borders.

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are experiencing growing interest from international visitors and business travelers alike. Each country offers unique tourism attractions—from Nepal’s Himalayan adventures to Sri Lanka’s golden beaches and Bangladesh’s burgeoning cultural tourism.

Wyndham’s Strategy: Scale, Choice, and Local Flavor

Wyndham’s game plan hinges on three critical pillars: scale, brand diversity, and local expertise.

First, scale matters. Wyndham operates one of the world’s largest hotel portfolios, giving it unmatched leverage in distribution, loyalty programs, and marketing. The alliance with Cygnett will accelerate Wyndham’s expansion by plugging into local networks and fast-tracking property development.

Second, brand diversity is key. Wyndham isn’t betting on a single concept. Instead, it’s pushing a spectrum of offerings. La Quinta caters to midscale travelers seeking dependable service. Registry Collection, on the other hand, targets high-end guests craving bespoke experiences. This dual-pronged strategy is perfectly tuned to South Asia’s increasingly segmented market.

Finally, local expertise makes or breaks success. Cygnett’s knowledge of local regulations, real estate dynamics, and consumer tastes will be invaluable. This partnership bridges Wyndham’s global power with Cygnett’s on-the-ground insights.

The Competitive Heat Is Rising

However, Wyndham isn’t alone in eyeing South Asia’s travel gold rush. Rivals are equally aggressive.

Marriott, Hilton, Accor, and IHG have all unveiled ambitious growth plans in India and surrounding countries. New hotel openings are popping up in major metros, pilgrimage cities, hill stations, and even Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns hungry for quality accommodation.

Moreover, domestic brands like Taj, Oberoi, and Lemon Tree are flexing their muscles, determined to defend home turf with rapid expansion and tailored experiences.

The hospitality battle is on. And the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Tourism’s Ripple Effect

Wyndham’s 60+ planned hotels won’t just reshape its own business. They’re set to ripple through entire economies.

More hotels mean job creation—from construction workers and hospitality staff to tour guides and local artisans. New properties attract local suppliers, generate tax revenues, and spark supporting infrastructure like roads, airports, and restaurants.

Moreover, rising hotel inventory empowers travelers with more choices and competitive rates, making travel more accessible for millions. For small businesses dependent on tourism—from souvenir shops to adventure operators—the hospitality boom spells survival and growth.

Meanwhile, communities stand to benefit from tourism’s power to preserve cultural heritage and fund local development. When managed sustainably, the rewards can be enormous.

Challenges Loom on the Horizon

Despite the optimism, challenges remain.

Land costs in prime Indian cities are skyrocketing, squeezing hotel developers’ margins. Regulatory hurdles, from licensing to environmental approvals, can drag out projects for years. Skilled labor shortages threaten operational quality, especially in remote regions.

Additionally, geopolitical tensions, currency fluctuations, and shifting consumer trends keep hospitality leaders on edge. Moreover, travelers today are more demanding than ever, expecting sustainability, digital convenience, and personalized experiences.

Wyndham and Cygnett will need agility and foresight to navigate this evolving landscape.

A New Chapter Begins

Wyndham’s bold move into India and South Asia feels like the opening chapter of a transformative era. The region’s tourism potential is enormous, driven by demographics, economic momentum, and a burning desire for travel.

Over the next decade, travelers will watch as new La Quinta and Registry Collection properties rise across vibrant cities, beach resorts, and cultural hubs. Each new hotel will be a milestone in a journey reshaping South Asia’s hospitality scene forever.

The race is on. The sky’s the limit. And Wyndham is determined to soar.