Restaurant India News: Fern Hotels Signs New Ayodhya Property to Tap Religious Tourism Growth

The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a new property, The Fern Residency Ayodhya, Series by Marriott, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The development marks a continued push by the group to expand in high-growth spiritual and cultural destinations, strengthening its presence in North India.

The upcoming hotel is part of the brand’s strategy to align with increasing travel demand in religious hubs, where infrastructure and hospitality supply are rapidly scaling. Ayodhya has emerged as a key focus market due to rising domestic tourism and ongoing urban development.

Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “Ayodhya’s transformation into a globally significant spiritual destination presents a unique opportunity for us to create hospitality experiences that are both culturally rooted and contemporary. This signing allows us to deepen our presence in destinations that hold strong emotional and cultural resonance for travellers”.

Sushil Kumar Banka, Partner, SS Abasan LLP, said, “This collaboration enables us to develop a property that reflects the spirit of Ayodhya while meeting the expectations of today’s travellers. We look forward to creating a destination that is both welcoming and memorable. We believe this development will contribute meaningfully to the city’s growing hospitality landscape.”

The Fern Residency Ayodhya, Series by Marriott will feature 63 rooms and suites, targeting both business and leisure segments. The property will include an all-day dining restaurant and spaces designed to support social gatherings and small events, reflecting a mixed-use hospitality approach.

Scheduled to open in 2028, the hotel is expected to cater to a broad range of travellers visiting the city for religious, cultural, and business purposes. The development aligns with the brand’s positioning around sustainable hospitality and region-specific offerings, while also addressing the need for organised accommodation in emerging pilgrimage destinations.

The signing highlights a wider industry trend where hotel operators are increasing investments in Tier II and Tier III cities driven by infrastructure upgrades and tourism-led demand. With Ayodhya witnessing increased visitor inflow, the addition of branded inventory is expected to play a key role in shaping the city’s hospitality ecosystem.