Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited, the hospitality group behind THE Park Hotels, has accelerated the expansion of its Zone by The Park and Zone Connect by The Park brands as it targets India’s rapidly growing cultural, spiritual and leisure travel markets.
The latest phase of growth includes the opening of three new hotels in Darjeeling, Gangtok and Katra, alongside the signing of additional properties in Ayodhya and Ujjain.
The expansion reflects the group’s strategic focus on destinations experiencing rising visitor numbers and increased infrastructure investment, particularly those with strong cultural and religious significance.
Positioned within the upper-midscale hospitality sector, Zone by The Park has been developed as a contemporary lifestyle brand, bringing design-led accommodation and modern guest experiences to destinations that have traditionally had limited branded hotel options.
The latest openings form part of the group’s wider post-IPO growth strategy, which also includes expansion into the luxury heritage segment. Recent developments include the launch of Punjab’s first luxury palace hotel, Ran Baas The Palace, together with THE Lotus Palace Chettinad.
The new signings in Ayodhya and Ujjain reflect the growing importance of India’s pilgrimage tourism market. Ayodhya has experienced significant visitor growth following the inauguration of the Ram Temple, driving increased demand for hospitality infrastructure. Ujjain, one of India’s most established pilgrimage destinations, continues to benefit from ongoing redevelopment and investment while attracting visitors to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple and the internationally recognised Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
The group’s recent openings in Darjeeling and Gangtok also respond to increasing demand for travel centred on wellness, nature and cultural exploration. Both Himalayan destinations continue to attract visitors seeking mountain landscapes, Buddhist heritage and outdoor experiences.
Meanwhile, the new hotel in Katra strengthens the brand’s presence in one of India’s busiest pilgrimage gateways, serving visitors travelling to the Vaishno Devi Shrine.
Collectively, these developments reflect a broader shift within India’s hospitality sector, with established domestic operators increasingly expanding beyond metropolitan centres into destinations offering authentic cultural experiences, heritage tourism and spiritual travel.
By combining contemporary accommodation with strategically selected locations, THE Park Hotels aims to meet growing demand from both domestic and international travellers seeking meaningful travel experiences supported by modern hospitality standards.
Associated News
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