Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality firm, has announced the acquisition of a 51% stake in Brij Hospitality, the parent company of the boutique brand Brij. This strategic move, revealed on 15 January 2026, aims to bolster IHCL's presence in India's burgeoning leisure tourism sector by integrating Brij's unique offerings into its diverse portfolio.
Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of IHCL, highlighted the growing demand for experiential leisure driven by increased disposable income and discretionary spending in India. "We are delighted to extend our partnership with the Clarks Group by furthering the marketing and distribution alliance to a majority shareholding in Brij Hotels," he stated. This acquisition positions IHCL as a leader in key cultural, spiritual, and wildlife destinations, expanding its reach to offbeat locations such as Jaipur, Varanasi, and Goa.
Brij Hotels, known for its immersive and culturally rich experiences, currently operates 22 hotels with 11 more in the pipeline. Co-founders Udit Kumar and Anant Apurv Kumar expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it aligns with Brij's mission to celebrate India's cultural diversity. They aim to create a global Indian boutique hospitality brand by combining IHCL's tradition of excellence with Brij's design-led approach.
With this acquisition, IHCL's portfolio now includes 610 hotels, with 253 more in development, as part of its Accelerate 2030 strategy. This expansion underscores IHCL's commitment to enhancing its leadership in India's leisure tourism market.
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