Hilton announced the signing of a strategic licensing agreement with Olive by Embassy to open 150 Spark by Hilton hotels across India, marking the brand’s debut in the Asia-Pacific region.

Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, for Hilton, said the deal will address a gap in the Indian market, offering affordable stays “without compromise” and “capturing unmet demand for value and consistency across major and smaller cities.” Not only will this partnership set the stage for record-breaking growth, he said, “but it also positions Hilton to achieve a commanding presence in one of the world’s largest lodging markets.”

Introduced in 2023, with 100 hotels at various stages of development, Spark by Hilton is the fastest launch-to-open brand in Hilton’s history. The India properties will feature public spaces with multifunctional seating from communal tables to rocking chairs, offering plenty of options for guests to enjoy breakfast, socialize or work throughout the day. The hotels will offer a complimentary breakfast, featuring local items, as well as a 24-hour retail market for on-the-go travelers.

Kevin Jacobs, CFO and president, global development, for Hilton, said that rapid middle-class formation continues to take place across the region “where we see tremendous long-term growth prospects for Hilton.” Following international debuts for Spark in the UK and Canada, he said, “there is a compelling opportunity for the brand’s flexible model, coupled with Hilton’s powerful network and commercial engine, to capitalize on the fast-growing premium economy segment in India.”

Kahraman Yigit, CEO, Olive by Embassy, said the company is seeing a huge demand in the country for premium economy accommodations and reliable quality stay experiences, one that is currently “unmet.” With no other product quite like it in the premium economy segment, he said, “Spark by Hilton is a much-needed, consistent brand that will provide an impetus for the overall market to grow.”

Image: Spark by Hilton