Restaurant India News: UHM Targets 50 Hotel Signings in India by Year-End

United Hospitality Management (UHM), the hotel development and asset management company promoted by Kuwait's Al-Bahar Group, is accelerating its expansion in India as it looks to capitalise on the country's growing third-party hotel management market.

The company entered India through the acquisition of boutique hospitality management firm Rosastays late last year and has since signed 28 hotel assets. UHM now plans to add another 20 properties before the end of the year, taking its portfolio to nearly 50 signed and operational hotels.

Carlos Leal, Executive Chairman and Board Member of UHM, and Klaus Assmann, CEO – Middle East, India and South East Asia, said India presents significant long-term opportunities despite third-party hotel management still being at an early stage of adoption.

"India is still at the beginning of that journey, but we believe it will grow rapidly," said Leal, comparing the Indian market with the United States, where 80 percent of hotels in cities such as New York are managed by third-party operators. He added that there are more than 250 third-party hotel management companies in the US, while approximately 20 percent of hotels across Europe operate under similar management structures.

The executives said international hotel brands are increasingly focusing on brand licensing, loyalty programmes and distribution, creating opportunities for specialised third-party management companies that can improve returns for hotel owners.

"We are not a typical third-party hotel management company. What differentiates us is that we started as owners first and operators later," Leal said. "We manage assets from an owner's perspective. If the owner is successful, we are successful."

Unlike conventional hotel management companies that primarily oversee operations, UHM offers management services across multiple hospitality segments, including economy and midscale hotels, luxury resorts, branded residences, mixed-use developments, lifestyle hospitality concepts and food and beverage businesses.

"We have the capability to manage every segment of hospitality—from entry-level hotels to luxury resorts and branded residences," said Assmann. "That allows us to offer solutions based on what works best for the asset rather than forcing a single brand or operating model."

The company has already established strategic partnerships with international hotel brands including Hyatt and IHG and plans to expand collaborations with Marriott, Hilton and other global operators in India.

"We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach," Assmann said. "The right brand depends on the destination, the market demand and the owner's objectives. Our responsibility is to identify the option that delivers the best return on investment."

Alongside global partnerships, UHM also plans to introduce several of its own hospitality brands into India, including Rosastays Villas, technology-led hotel brand Yotel, lifestyle brand Bespoke, wellness-focused Serenity, and nearly 20 food and beverage concepts from its international portfolio.

The company also sees significant growth potential in luxury villa rentals and experience-led hospitality, driven by increasing demand from affluent travellers seeking personalised stays.

"Consumers today are looking for experiences rather than just hotel rooms," Leal said. "Hospitality is the sum of accommodation, wellness, food, lifestyle and experiences."

To support its India expansion, UHM has invested in local infrastructure and operational capabilities, establishing dedicated development, operations, revenue management and hotel opening teams. The India business is led by Deepika Arora, Managing Director – India, and Ricardo Leal, Vice President – Operations for India and South East Asia.

While remaining optimistic about India's long-term hospitality growth, the company acknowledged that regulatory and bureaucratic processes continue to be among the key challenges for international investors.

Globally, UHM manages hospitality assets worth more than US$1 billion and has over 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality. Its international portfolio spans Europe and the Middle East and includes properties such as Hyatt Regency Lisbon, Sheraton Cascais Resort, Pine Cliffs Resort, Algarve – a Luxury Collection Resort, Yotel Porto, The Palm Dubai Beach Resort – a Vignette Collection by IHG, Wyndham Residences The Palm, Mövenpick JLT, VOCO Bonnington JLT, and The Creekside Hotel, Dubai – an Accor Hotel.