GRT Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality arm of the GRT Group, held an exclusive Travel Trade Meet in New Delhi, gathering senior executives from leading Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and travel industry stakeholders. The event was designed to deepen collaboration with the travel trade and showcase the group's growing footprint across South India.
Strengthening partner engagement
The gathering provided an opportunity for attendees to explore GRT's multi-brand segmentation, which spans upscale city hotels, business properties, and award-winning nature resorts. Particular emphasis was placed on properties that offer destination-inspired design and curated local experiences, a segment that has gained traction among discerning travellers.
Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, addressed the audience, stating: “Our travel trade partners have always been integral to our growth journey, and they remain vital as we navigate our roadmap towards the future.” His remarks underscored the company's reliance on agent and DMC networks to drive occupancy and brand awareness in key source markets.
The evening concluded with an interactive session outlining GRT's expansion plans and its vision for hospitality standards. The company reinforced its commitment to strengthening trade relationships nationwide, a strategy that aligns with broader industry trends of new hotel developments in Delhi NCR and other gateway cities.
Portfolio and market position
Founded in 1998 as an offshoot of GRT Jewellers, GRT Hotels & Resorts now operates 22 upscale properties across five states in South India. The chain was among the first in the region to embrace pet-friendly travel, a differentiator that appeals to a growing segment of leisure and business travellers. With a focus on sustainability and bespoke experiences, GRT continues to redefine hospitality for modern travellers.
The group's portfolio includes properties in key leisure and business destinations such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, and the hill stations of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Its nature resorts, often set in wildlife sanctuaries or plantation estates, have earned industry recognition for their eco-conscious operations.
For travel agents and tour operators, GRT's multi-brand approach offers flexibility in packaging—whether for corporate groups, MICE events, or leisure itineraries. The company's emphasis on local experiences also aligns with the growing demand for authentic, place-based travel, a trend that has been highlighted in recent destination marketing campaigns targeting the travel trade.
Outlook for trade partnerships
GRT's Delhi meet signals a broader push to deepen its engagement with the travel trade beyond its traditional South Indian stronghold. As the group eyes expansion into new markets, including potential properties in North and West India, its reliance on DMCs and travel agents will only grow.
The company's strategy mirrors that of other regional hospitality players seeking to scale through partnership-driven growth, rather than relying solely on direct bookings. With the Indian domestic travel market buoyed by rising disposable incomes and improved air connectivity—such as Emirates deploying its A380 on the Delhi route—hoteliers like GRT are well-positioned to capture incremental demand.
For travel professionals, the key takeaway is clear: GRT Hotels is actively investing in trade relationships and product innovation, making it a reliable partner for South India itineraries and beyond.
