ayodhya: Ayodhya hotels suite up for Ram Mandir inauguration

New Delhi: As the timeline for the inauguration of the much-awaited Ram Mandir in Ayodhya approaches, hotel chains and investors have been ramping up their focus on the destination in anticipation of a significant uptick in demand.

Experts said infrastructure development in the pilgrimage town will lead to a significant boost for hospitality and travel services.

As per estimates shared by JLL, currently, there are five branded hotels comprising 520 rooms under various stages of development in the city. JLL estimates about Rs 350 crore worth of investments in such hotel development in Ayodhya, said Jaideep Dang, MD, hotels and hospitality group at the company.

Chains such as Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), Marriott International, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts have signed hotels in the destination so far. However, most of the organised supply will only come in post 2024 as per estimates shared by industry insiders.

Ajay K Bakaya, MD, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, said the chain will open its 80 keys Park Inn by Radisson hotel in Ayodhya on December 7.

“Every chain we know of has signed or is talking of signing hotels in Ayodhya. Early movers will have an advantage,” he added.The UP Housing and Development Board recently invited interested parties for the e auction of hotel plots in the destination ‘calling it a golden opportunity.’ The auction date is December 8.Suma Venkatesh, executive vice-president, for real estate and development at IHCL, said the two hotels signed in Ayodhya under the Vivanta and Ginger brands are in line with IHCL’s vision to strengthen its presence across spiritual centres in India. The hotels are expected to come up in early 2027 as they are greenfield projects.

“With the opening of the airport and the temple, the demand is likely to surge in financial year 2025. The complex with the two hotels, sprawled over five acres, is strategically located at a comfortable driving distance from the upcoming Ayodhya international airport and will cater to both business and leisure travellers,” she added.

Nikhil Sharma, market managing director, Eurasia, at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said the chain has signed its first hotel in Ayodhya for one of its fastest-growing brands – Ramada Encore by Wyndham. We are actively exploring the possibility of introducing some of our most renowned brands to Ayodhya,” he said. “Being the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, Ayodhya holds immense importance for Hindus across the world,” he added.

People are investing in the destination in anticipation of a major uptick in demand as it has the potential to become a very important pilgrimage destination, said Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip.