Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has acquired a 55% majority stake in Rajscape Hotels Private Limited (RHPL), part of the Ambuja Neotia Group. The acquisition, valued at Rs 18 crore, will give IHCL greater access to a portfolio of 19 resorts and hotels under the Tree of Life Resorts and Hotels brand. The acquisition marks a significant expansion of IHCL’s leisure offerings, enabling it to cater to the growing demand for boutique, experiential properties in the country.
The acquisition comes at a time when the experiential leisure market in India is witnessing rapid growth, with travellers seeking unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Through its partnership with Ambuja Neotia Group, IHCL already operates seven hotels and resorts, including notable properties such as Taj Chia Kutir and Taj Guras Kutir in Darjeeling and Gangtok. The new majority stake in Rajscape Hotels is expected to further bolster this partnership and expand IHCL’s leisure portfolio. The Tree of Life brand, known for its distinct value proposition, complements IHCL’s existing brandscape and is poised for substantial growth. With a vision to scale the Tree of Life brand to 100 properties by 2030, IHCL aims to enhance its offering of bespoke, boutique properties located in scenic, drive-to destinations across India. IHCL’s move is also in line with the growing trend towards sustainable tourism, where travellers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly, immersive travel experiences that allow them to connect with nature while enjoying luxury and comfort. This aligns with the ethos of Tree of Life Resorts, which operates in over 15 unique destinations, including offbeat locations such as Dehradun, Varanasi, Binsar, and Kumaon.
Chairman of Ambuja Neotia Group, expressed confidence in IHCL’s ability to scale the Tree of Life brand, citing the company’s expertise in developing and managing boutique leisure properties. He also highlighted that IHCL’s vast experience in scaling up hospitality brands across different segments would be instrumental in expanding the Tree of Life portfolio. For IHCL, this acquisition signals a commitment to diversifying its offerings and tapping into the high-demand leisure and boutique hospitality sector, particularly as India’s domestic tourism market shows strong potential. The deal positions IHCL to offer a more expansive range of luxury and experiential travel options to both domestic and international travellers, particularly those seeking more intimate and personalised vacation experiences. The hospitality giant’s move is being seen as part of a broader trend in the industry where brands are looking to tap into the growing demand for authentic, niche tourism experiences that go beyond traditional luxury stays. With the rise of sustainable travel and the increasing popularity of offbeat locations, IHCL’s acquisition is well-timed, as the industry gears up to cater to evolving consumer preferences in the post-pandemic world.
