ASPHL Launches 3 Hotels Across Darjeeling, Gangtok, Katra

Kolkata, India | April 13, 2026, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd. (ASPHL) has expanded its footprint in India’s leisure and pilgrimage markets with the launch of three new properties across Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Katra. The simultaneous openings, completed on March 31, mark a strategic move aligned with the company’s 2026 expansion roadmap.

The newly launched hotels include Zone by The Park Darjeeling in West Bengal, Zone Connect by The Park Gangtok in Sikkim, and Zone Connect by The Park Katra in Jammu and Kashmir. The expansion strengthens ASPHL’s presence in high-demand travel destinations spanning hill tourism and religious circuits.

Three Openings Target Leisure and Pilgrimage Segments

The Darjeeling property represents the brand’s entry into a key hill destination known for its steady domestic tourism demand. The Gangtok hotel further strengthens ASPHL’s presence in northeastern India, catering to both leisure and adventure travellers seeking stays in mountainous regions.

In contrast, the Katra property targets India’s religious tourism segment, offering accommodation options for pilgrims visiting one of the country’s most prominent spiritual destinations. This diversified approach allows the company to tap into both seasonal leisure travel and year-round pilgrimage demand.

By launching across three distinct markets simultaneously, ASPHL has broadened its operational footprint while aligning with evolving travel patterns that increasingly favour experiential and destination-based stays.

Expansion Aligned with 2026 Growth Strategy

The three hotel openings are part of ASPHL’s broader strategy to accelerate expansion in leisure-driven markets. The company has identified non-metro and high-footfall tourist destinations as key growth areas, supported by rising domestic travel and improved connectivity across regions.

According to company leadership, the move reflects a focus on portfolio diversification and brand visibility across emerging travel hubs. The expansion also supports ASPHL’s positioning within the mid-scale and design-led hospitality segments, where demand continues to grow among domestic travellers.

The company indicated that entering multiple geographies simultaneously is aimed at strengthening its market presence and capturing demand across varied travel segments, including leisure, adventure, and religious tourism.

Brand Portfolio Strengthened Across Key Regions

ASPHL operates multiple hospitality brands, including THE Park, THE Park Collection, Zone by The Park, Zone Connect by The Park, and Stop by Zone. The latest additions fall under its Zone and Zone Connect brands, which are positioned within the mid-scale segment and designed to cater to modern travellers seeking functional yet design-oriented stays.

The expansion into Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Katra extends the company’s reach into regions that have seen consistent growth in domestic tourism. Hill stations such as Darjeeling and Gangtok attract both leisure and adventure travellers, while Katra remains a high-volume pilgrimage destination with year-round demand.

This geographic spread enables ASPHL to balance seasonal variations in leisure travel with the steady inflow of religious tourists, supporting more stable occupancy patterns across its portfolio.

Company Background and Market Position

Kolkata-based ASPHL, part of the Apeejay Surrendra Group, is among the established hospitality players in India with asset ownership across multiple cities. The company’s portfolio spans several segments, ranging from luxury to mid-scale and budget offerings.

The group’s hospitality journey began with the launch of its first property under THE Park brand in Kolkata in 1967, with 149 rooms. Over the years, ASPHL has expanded its footprint through a mix of owned and managed properties, building a multi-brand presence in the Indian hotel market.

The company continues to focus on expanding its mid-scale brands, which are positioned to cater to the growing base of domestic travellers seeking reliable and standardised accommodation in emerging destinations.

Upcoming Developments and Investment Plans

In addition to its recent openings, ASPHL is planning further expansion projects to strengthen its presence in key markets. The company has announced plans to develop a 218-key luxury hotel in Kolkata, indicating continued investment in its home market.

To support this development, ASPHL aims to raise approximately $38.45 million through a 69-unit serviced residence project on EM Bypass, being developed in partnership with the Ambuja Neotia Group. The planned fundraising reflects a structured approach to financing expansion while maintaining focus on asset-backed growth.

The latest launches, combined with ongoing development plans, highlight ASPHL’s strategy to scale its portfolio across multiple segments and locations. The focus remains on leveraging demand in leisure and spiritual tourism while expanding its presence in urban and luxury markets.

With three new properties now operational, ASPHL continues to strengthen its position in India’s evolving hospitality landscape, aligning its growth strategy with shifting travel trends and regional demand patterns.