IHG Hotels & Resorts continues to scale its premium footprint in India with the signing of voco Udaipur, a 140-key property slated to open in the first quarter of 2029. The management agreement with Circle View Estate Private Ltd brings the voco brand to one of Rajasthan’s most sought-after leisure and events destinations.
Strategic Location and Target Segments
Situated on the foothills of the Aravalli hills, voco Udaipur will offer panoramic views of the city and its lakes. The hotel is designed to capture demand from both domestic and international travellers, with a particular focus on the weddings and MICE segments — two pillars of Udaipur’s hospitality economy. The property will feature 140 guestrooms and suites, two dining outlets, flexible meeting and event spaces, a swimming pool, fitness centre, and a spa.
Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, underscored the city’s strategic importance: “Udaipur is one of the country’s most recognised leisure destinations, with a well-established appeal across domestic travel, weddings and events.” The executive noted that the voco brand’s distinctive personality — blending premium comfort with a playful touch — aligns well with the evolving expectations of modern travellers.
Expanding the voco Pipeline in India
voco Udaipur joins a growing roster of IHG’s premium conversions and new-builds in the subcontinent. The brand, which launched globally in 2018, has gained traction among hotel owners seeking a flexible yet upscale identity. Nakul Karnawat, Director of Circle View Estate Private Ltd, expressed confidence in the partnership, citing voco’s unique brand personality and IHG’s strong reputation in operations and distribution.
IHG currently operates 52 hotels across six brands in India, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and voco. The group has an additional 98 properties in its development pipeline, set to open over the next three to five years. This expansion aligns with broader trends in Indian hospitality, where premium and upper-upscale segments are seeing robust demand from both leisure and corporate travellers.
For travel professionals — from tour operators to corporate booking platforms — the addition of voco Udaipur provides another option in a city that already hosts major players such as Taj, Oberoi, and Leela. The hotel’s MICE facilities will also compete for the lucrative wedding and conference market, which has been a key driver for Udaipur’s year-round occupancy.
Broader Industry Context
The announcement comes as several hotel groups accelerate their India expansion. Leisure Hotels Group recently opened Samsara Resort in Mussoorie, adding to its Uttarakhand portfolio. Meanwhile, destination-focused developments like Red Sea Global’s expansion of Al Wajh Airport signal growing investment in regional connectivity that benefits secondary leisure markets.
For airline and travel-tech partners, Udaipur’s accessibility continues to improve. The city’s Maharana Pratap Airport sees regular flights from major Indian carriers and select international connections, making it a viable stop for inbound tour operators packaging Rajasthan circuits. The voco property’s 2029 opening timeline gives travel trade partners ample lead time to integrate it into itineraries and corporate contracts.
IHG’s commitment to India remains clear: with nearly 150 hotels operating or in development, the group is betting on the country’s long-term travel demand. voco Udaipur represents a targeted play in a high-yield market, combining brand consistency with local character.
