IHCL Taps Experiential Luxury Travel with 51% Stake in Brij

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality group and the parent company of well-known brands such as Taj Hotels, has signed agreements to acquire a 51 percent stake in Brij Hospitality.

Brij Hospitality is the owning company behind the Brij Hotels brand, which operates a rapidly expanding collection of luxury hotels and resorts across India. By securing a controlling stake, IHCL is bringing the Brij brand into its broader ecosystem while retaining collaboration with Brij’s founding promoters.

Brij’s destination-led boutique appeal

Brij Hotels has built its reputation around properties located in culturally and experientially rich destinations. Its portfolio includes locations such as Varanasi, Jaipur, Dalhousie, and Jawai, among others. These destinations attract travelers who are looking for immersive, locally inspired stays rather than standardized hotel experiences.

As demand for experiential travel continues to rise, Brij’s approach aligns closely with shifting traveler preferences.

Strengthening IHCL’s experiential leisure strategy

The acquisition reflects IHCL’s focus on deepening its presence in the experiential leisure segment of the Indian hospitality market. Rather than relying solely on traditional luxury and business hotels, IHCL is increasingly investing in brands that emphasize curated experiences, local culture, and destination-driven travel.

Through closer integration with IHCL’s existing portfolio and development pipeline, the Brij brand is expected to scale faster within this niche segment. Working alongside Brij’s original promoters, IHCL aims to accelerate growth while preserving the brand’s distinctive identity and experiential positioning.

IHCL’s expanding international footprint

The Brij acquisition comes amid broader expansion efforts by IHCL beyond India. In late December 2025, the company opened the Taj Paro Resort and Spa in Bhutan, extending the Taj brand into the Himalayan region.

In the same month, IHCL also signed an agreement to open a new hotel in Cairo. This development marks the group’s first entry into the Egyptian market and highlights its continued focus on selective international growth.

Photo by Owais Khan on Unsplash