Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is poised to make a significant comeback in India’s vibrant tourism market after the pandemic. The luxury hotel group is aiming to highlight India’s rich cultural heritage and boost inbound tourism by showcasing its unique and high-quality offerings.
Mark Wong, Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific for SLH, recently shared the group’s post-pandemic strategy with T3. SLH’s portfolio currently boasts 570 hotels, demonstrating steady organic growth. While the group experiences an annual turnover of members (who typically remain with SLH for about four years), SLH added 61 new hotels last year and has already welcomed 45 new properties this year.
Wong emphasized that India is a key focus for SLH’s post-pandemic recovery. Before the pandemic, SLH had a substantial presence in the region. However, the pandemic reduced its presence to just the Raj Palace. Now, SLH is eager to expand its presence by signing new hotel partnerships and offering travelers the opportunity to explore India through unique and characterful properties.
The group’s first new partnership in India is with the MRS Group, and SLH is actively seeking additional partners who share its passion for quality and distinctive hospitality. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enrich the Indian market with SLH’s high-caliber offerings.
In addition to expanding its hotel network, SLH has reintroduced print media with a new physical directory. This coffee table book not only features their hotels but also narrates the stories behind them, offering a tangible connection to the unique experiences that SLH properties provide. This new approach aims to further engage travelers and showcase the character and charm of each individual hotel.