Indian Hotels Company Ltd, a hospitality firm belonging to the Tata group, is focused on expanding its presence in the spiritual tourism segment in India. The company is looking to build properties in renowned spiritual locations, emphasizing the increasing significance of spirituality globally. Currently, the group has 66 hotels in operation or under development in spiritual destinations, including Ayodhya, a recent addition. The company’s Managing Director & CEO, Puneet Chhatwal, expects spiritual destinations to become more popular worldwide. Chhatwal stated that spiritual destinations are a safer choice for travelers, as people seek blessings from deities during both good and bad times. He said that visiting spiritual destinations forms an integral part of Indian culture and history. Chhatwal expressed his satisfaction with the financial performance of the company’s hotels in spiritual locations. The firm plans to continue growing its network in spiritual destinations, with three contracts already signed in Ayodhya. Chhatwal expects the first property in Ayodhya to open within a year, followed by the other two. Currently, the company is present in more than 50 spiritual destinations across India. Chhatwal added that their property portfolio under brands like Vivanta and Ginger covers various spiritual destinations, ranging from Katra, Vaishno Devi in North India to Tirupati, where a second property will be added. He mentioned their early investment in Guwahati, where they were among the first to establish a presence. Spiritual destinations are a strategic focus for the company, and they continue to explore opportunities for further growth in this segment.