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Hospitality industry eyes strong growth as travel and tourism accelerate
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Wednesday, 29 July, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Anurag More, Mumbai
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India's hospitality industry is poised for sustained growth over the next five years, driven by rising domestic travel, corporate mobility, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), destination weddings, and experiential tourism, according to Vipul Mishra, Director of Sales & Marketing (DOSM), Novotel Mumbai International Airport.
Mishra believes that India's expanding economy, improving infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and increasing interest from international travellers will continue to create significant opportunities for the hospitality sector. He noted that the industry is evolving into one that is increasingly experience-led, technology-enabled, sustainability-focused, and personalised.
"Hotels that continue to invest in innovation, sustainability, and service excellence will be best positioned to capitalise on this growth. The ability to combine exceptional service with flexibility and a deep understanding of changing guest expectations will define long-term success," he said.
Highlighting Mumbai's growing prominence, Mishra said the city possesses all the essential ingredients to strengthen its position as a global business and tourism destination. As India's financial capital, Mumbai attracts business travellers, international visitors, leisure tourists, event organisers, and luxury travellers alike.
He added that ongoing infrastructure development, improved connectivity, the expansion of MICE tourism, and the growth of premium hospitality offerings will further enhance the city's global appeal.
"The hospitality sector has a significant role to play in showcasing Mumbai as a dynamic, globally connected, and welcoming destination," he said, adding that hotels investing in sustainability, innovation, and internationally recognised certifications such as Green Key will contribute meaningfully to the city's growth.
According to Mishra, Mumbai's hospitality industry is witnessing several transformative trends, including the resurgence of corporate travel, rising domestic tourism, increasing demand for experiential stays, and the growing influence of digital platforms.
Today's travellers seek convenience, flexibility, personalised experiences, and value, making it imperative for hotels to remain agile. At Novotel Mumbai International Airport, the focus remains on strengthening digital engagement, expanding strategic partnerships, and creating tailored experiences for both business and leisure guests.
Mishra emphasised that sustainability has become an integral part of modern hospitality operations. The hotel has implemented initiatives aimed at reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, encouraging responsible consumption, and building sustainability awareness among employees.
He highlighted that the hotel has retained its Green Key Certification for the third consecutive year, reflecting its commitment to internationally recognised environmental standards.
"Sustainability is not confined to a single initiative or department. It requires participation across the organisation and should seamlessly integrate into the guest experience without compromising comfort or luxury," he said.
He further noted that responsible sourcing, waste segregation, and conscious resource management remain central to the hotel's sustainability strategy, with employee participation playing a crucial role in driving meaningful change.
Mishra also underscored the growing role of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital technologies in transforming hotel operations. He said data analytics now enables hotels to better understand guest preferences, booking trends, and customer behaviour, allowing for more informed business decisions.
While automation helps streamline repetitive tasks and improve operational efficiency, Mishra stressed that technology should complement—not replace—the human touch that defines hospitality.
"The most effective technology is one that solves real operational challenges, improves efficiency, and allows hotel teams to focus more on creating memorable guest experiences," he said.
Operating in one of India's most competitive hospitality markets, Novotel Mumbai International Airport has established a strong presence through strategic corporate partnerships, MICE business, digital engagement, and guest-centric services.
Among the hotel's notable achievements are partnerships with three airline companies within its first year of operations, exceeding its annual budget by 11 per cent last year, and consistently earning industry recognition through awards including HICSA Awards, Hospitality Horizon Awards, Times Hospitality Icons Awards, Travel + Leisure India's Best Awards, Restaurant India Awards, and recognition among the 2025 Novotel Worldwide Best Quality Performers (Top 10).
Looking ahead, Mishra said the hotel's priorities over the next two to three years include expanding corporate and MICE partnerships, strengthening its presence in leisure and social events, enhancing direct booking channels, and exploring new market opportunities.
He added that maintaining leadership in sustainable hospitality through continued Green Key certification and delivering award-winning guest experiences will remain central to the hotel's growth strategy.
"Our objective is to achieve commercially sustainable growth while continuously evolving to meet the changing expectations of our guests and the market," Mishra concluded.
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