As India witnesses a surge in spiritual tourism and destination weddings, hospitality brands are strategically expanding into pilgrimage hubs and culturally significant locations. In this interaction with Travel Mail, Mr. Sandeep Basu, CEO of OPO Hotels and Resorts, shares insights into the company’s asset-light model, rapid expansion plans, and its growing footprint across key destinations including Ayodhya, Jaipur, and emerging pilgrimage circuits.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about OPO Hotels and Resorts? Why should one stay at OPO Hotel?
OPO operates on an asset-light model and began its journey nearly a decade ago with OPO Rooms. Over the years, we have evolved into a hospitality management company and currently operate around 16 hotels.
Our presence initially was concentrated in the Delhi-NCR region, but we have now expanded into destinations such as Jaipur and Khatu. We are also entering markets like Greater Patna, Kolkata, and Ayodhya, where we have recently signed a 150-key property. Additionally, we are establishing a footprint in the Northeast, including Itanagar, Guwahati, and Ziro Valley.
At present, we have 25 alliances, out of which 15 hotels are operational, while the rest are in pre-opening stages. We are operating 457 keys, with an additional 1,000 keys in the pipeline. Our target is to reach 50 alliances by the end of the year.
You mentioned expansion into Khatu. Are you focusing on spiritual destinations?
Yes, absolutely. Our current focus is on spiritual and pilgrimage destinations. After Khatu, we are planning to expand into Pushkar, Ajmer, Ayodhya, and Varanasi, with ongoing discussions for Shirdi as well. This segment is a key differentiator for us and forms our core USP.
How has the market been so far, and what trends are you observing this year?
The market is performing very well. With our expansion into Jaipur, we are also targeting the MICE and weddings segment. Destination weddings are gaining popularity, not just in Jaipur but also in Ayodhya, which is emerging as a new hotspot.
Our upcoming property in Ayodhya will feature large wedding lawns and a swimming pool, catering to this growing demand. We are also expanding into Ranthambore and Udaipur, both of which are strong destinations for weddings and leisure travel. Overall, it is a very promising market with strong growth potential.
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