Gaurav Sharma Takes Helm at JLL India's Hotels & Hospitality Group

New Leadership Drives Growth in India's Hospitality Sector

Gaurav Sharma has been appointed as the Head of Hotels & Hospitality Group for India at JLL, alongside his role as Senior Director for Hotel Capital Markets in Asia. This strategic move comes amid a thriving period for India's hospitality industry, marked by robust investment and sustained growth in key performance indicators such as Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR).

Stationed in Delhi, Sharma returns to JLL with nearly two decades of experience in real estate and hospitality investment. His leadership is set to navigate India’s rapidly evolving hotel market, expected to reach transaction volumes of USD 450 million by 2025. This appointment underscores JLL's commitment to capitalizing on India's accelerating hospitality sector and bolstering regional investment opportunities.

Market Momentum and Strategic Vision

India’s hotel industry has witnessed impressive gains recently. As of 2025, the sector recorded a 10.5% year-on-year increase in RevPAR. The first half of 2025 alone saw 182 hotel signings with over 22,000 new keys, primarily in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which now make up 70% of new development projects. This geographic diversification reflects the growth of tourism beyond metropolitan hubs, tapping into emerging destinations across the country.

Investor interest is varied, ranging from high-net-worth individuals and family offices to publicly listed hotel companies. This broad participation signals confidence in the sector’s maturity and potential returns. JLL forecasts that hotel transaction volumes will reach USD 1 billion by 2028, demonstrating long-term optimism about India's hospitality investment scene.

Gaurav Sharma’s Professional Journey

Before rejoining JLL, Sharma held senior roles at The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and SAMHI Hotels Ltd, bringing expertise in asset management, mergers and acquisitions, and portfolio growth. His previous tenure at JLL saw him lead Capital Markets for North India from 2006 to 2012, equipping him with a rich background in market strategy and operations across domestic and international hospitality landscapes.

In his new position, Sharma is tasked with steering JLL’s hospitality advisory services, capitalizing on emerging trends, and executing strategic hotel transactions across Asia. His deep industry insight and transactional experience are set to enhance JLL’s market leadership and client portfolio in India’s booming hotel sector.

Historical Context: The Evolution of Hospitality in India

India’s hospitality industry has undergone significant transformation over the past two decades. Traditionally centered around metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai, the sector has expanded rapidly into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This shift reflects growing domestic tourism fueled by an expanding middle class with increasing disposable income and travel enthusiasm.

The liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s and subsequent growth in outbound and inbound travel created fertile ground for hotel development and investment. Over the last decade, hotel chains and independent operators alike have broadened their footprint, catering to both leisure and business travelers. The sector's resilience is partly due to India’s diversified tourism offerings, ranging from cultural heritage sites and mountain retreats to spiritual destinations and coastal getaways.

Emerging Trends Shaping the Future

• Geographic Diversification: Expansion beyond major cities into smaller towns and emerging tourist destinations.
• Investment Variety: Increased activity from private investors, family offices, and listed companies enhancing market liquidity.
• Market Growth Metrics: Sustained growth in RevPAR and occupancy rates driven by both domestic and international demand.
• New Developments: Record additions in hotel keys highlighting confidence in long-term tourism growth.

Looking ahead, the hospitality landscape in India will likely continue its robust upward trajectory. Technological advancements, increased connectivity, and evolving traveler preferences will shape investment and operational strategies in the sector.

Forecasting Hospitality’s Role in India’s Tourism Growth

The positive trajectory in India’s hotel market aligns with broader tourism growth in the country. With projections of the travel market doubling within the next few years and a growing young population entering the workforce, demand for accommodation and leisure services is poised to rise sharply. These dynamics support a vibrant ecosystem for hotel investments, hospitality services, and associated infrastructure development.

Industry experts anticipate further diversification of hospitality offerings, including boutique hotels, luxury resorts, and budget accommodations to satisfy an expanding and varied tourist demographic. Moreover, with the rise of regional tourism hubs, opportunities for yachting and boating activities on India’s coastal and lake destinations may also gain traction as complementary leisure experiences.

Investment Implications

The hospitality sector’s growth signals prosperous opportunities for capital deployment and expansion. As investors seek to capitalize on sustained RevPAR increases and the emergence of new tourist hotspots, advisory firms like JLL are poised to facilitate critical transactions and strategic partnerships.

Table: Projected Hospitality Investment Milestones

Summary and Outlook

Gaurav Sharma’s appointment as Head of Hotels & Hospitality Group at JLL India represents a pivotal moment for the nation’s hospitality sector. Supported by remarkable recent growth in hotel performance metrics and investment activity, India’s hospitality industry is on a clear upward path. The increasing development in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities reflects a decentralized tourism expansion that creates fresh opportunities for hoteliers, investors, and service providers alike.

For waterside destinations and other leisure hotspots, this evolution may enhance demand for complementary activities such as sailing, yacht chartering, and other marine-related tourism experiences. Providing access to clear waterfronts and marinas could become a valuable asset in new hospitality projects aiming to attract discerning travelers.

For those interested in exploring boat rentals, sailing adventures, or yacht charters, the vibrant growth of hospitality in regions across India offers exciting new destinations and activities to enjoy.

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