The partnership between Nepalese billionaire Binod Chaudhary’s CG Hospitality and Tata Group’s Indian Hotels is set to expand their hotel footprint across the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayas in the midst of a travel boom. The joint venture, known as Ekyam, has already invested over 12.5 billion rupees ($150 million) to develop 11 niche adventure and wildlife destinations. This investment will lead to the opening of 14 new hotels next year, bringing the total number of rooms under the Ekyam platform to 2,500 across 25 locations, including existing Taj resorts in Dubai, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Binod Chaudhary, the founder and chairman of CG Corp Global, expressed his confidence in Indian Hotels’ century-old legacy, which is globally recognized as the benchmark in Indian hospitality. The partnership with Indian Hotels began over two decades ago when CG Hospitality invested in several Taj properties, and it has since expanded to five countries. CG Hospitality also owns hotels under various other brands, such as Fern Hotels in India, Jetwing Hotels & Ceylon Hotels Group in Sri Lanka, and Fairmont Hotels in Kenya. Currently, its portfolio consists of over 178 properties with over 10,000 rooms in 12 countries, including The Farm, a wellness resort in the Philippines.
Binod Chaudhary, who is the controlling shareholder of CG Corp Global and Nepal’s only billionaire with a net worth of $1.8 billion, also holds privately held stakes in Nepal’s Nabil Bank and CG Foods, the maker of the popular Wai Wai noodles. He has plans to list several of his companies by 2026. The expansion of the Ekyam platform and the partnership with Indian Hotels signal Chaudhary’s continued commitment to growing his hospitality empire and cementing his presence in the industry.
With the travel industry experiencing a boom, particularly in adventure and wildlife tourism, the partnership between CG Hospitality and Indian Hotels comes at an opportune time. By focusing on niche destinations and offering unique experiences, the Ekyam platform aims to cater to the evolving preferences of travelers seeking more exclusive and immersive experiences. The expansion of the platform to include more hotels across the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayas will further solidify CG Hospitality’s presence in these sought-after regions.
The joint venture’s investment in developing new hotels under the Ekyam platform reflects a commitment to quality and innovation in the hospitality industry. Leveraging Indian Hotels’ legacy and expertise, CG Hospitality aims to create a portfolio of properties that showcase the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayas. With a emphasis on delivering exceptional guest experiences, the partnership between these two industry giants is poised to make a significant impact on the hospitality landscape in the region.
Overall, the collaboration between CG Hospitality and Indian Hotels represents a strategic move to capitalize on the growing demand for unique and immersive travel experiences. By investing in niche adventure and wildlife destinations, the joint venture is poised to attract discerning travelers looking for authentic and memorable stays. With a strong foundation in place and ambitious plans for expansion, Ekyam is well-positioned to become a leading player in the hospitality industry in the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayan region.
