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Wellness travel and eco-consciousness are likely to dominate the hospitality industry this year
CG Corp Global seeks to expand operations with new project in the UAE
- PUBLISHED: Tue 3 Jun 2025, 10:18 PM
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Wellness travel and eco-consciousness are likely to dominate the hospitality industry this year. At the same time, the rise of mid-market hospitality will reshape the next decade of hospitality, an industry veteran said.
“Today, guests seek authentic, transformative experiences and do not hesitate to travel to remote, offbeat locations to unwind. As pioneers, we intend to tap into these trends to deliver value to our expanding customer base. With around 25 to 30 hotels opening annually and a target of 650–700 hotels by 2030, including replicating the wellness-led model of The Farm in India, we are well-positioned to shape the trajectory of global hospitality,” Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director of CG Corp Global, Nepal’s first and only billion-dollar multinational conglomerate, said.
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As CEO of CG Hospitality Global, Chaudhary oversees a luxury hospitality portfolio of over 193 hotels and resorts across 12 countries and 127 destinations, expected to expand to 200 hotels by 2025.
Excerpts from an interview:
What are the core values or philosophies driving CG Corp Global’s international growth, and how do you ensure the company’s legacy is preserved through this evolution?
Our growth is anchored in our legacy, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. The journey from 5 hotels to 195 hotels across 12 nations in 25 years may seem easy, but it was a great learning experience that taught us the true value of blending global standards with local authenticity.
To honour CG Corp’s 149-year-old legacy and heritage, we consciously focus on creating a meaningful impact. Behind every key business decision, we focus on empowering local communities and championing the cause of sustainability. This approach helps us give back to the communities that have supported our journey.
From a business perspective, staying agile and nurturing new ideas, while upholding family values, has helped us preserve our legacy and excel in every market we enter.
How does the Dubai Islands development align with CG Hospitality’s broader ambitions in the region?
Dubai Islands is a milestone that perfectly fits our vision for the Middle East. While our roots are in South Asia, we have built nearly 200 hotels across Asia and the Middle East. Around three-quarters of the world’s population is here, making it a key market for us. Moreover, Dubai’s global connectivity and dynamic tourism market make it ideal for strengthening our brand-agnostic approach.
When selecting new markets for CG Hospitality’s expansion, what key factors or indicators guide your decision-making process?
Since the moment I got involved in the family business, I have been seeking markets where we can make a difference. Most of the time, I base my judgment on a market’s growth potential, cultural richness, and unique experiences. Our first instinct is to look at how we can tap into these factors to offer a premium experience to our guests.
While our brand-agnostic approach has kept us flexible in each role we assume, whether as owner, operator, or partner, we invest where our model can thrive and deliver long-term value.
What defines a successful hospitality brand partnership in your eyes, and what do you seek when entering such collaborations?
In my experience, successful partnerships are built on two pillars, shared values and complementary strengths. Our partnerships with renowned hospitality brands such as Marriott International, IHCL, and Accor are perfect examples of how the right alliance can be mutually beneficial and fulfilling.
Such exemplary partnerships have helped us scale from 5 hotels to a robust portfolio of 195 hotels. Successful partnerships go beyond the basic give-and-take model. That’s why we focus on growing together, blending our partners’ reach with our regional expertise to build something meaningful and lasting.
How is CG Hospitality integrating sustainability and wellness into its properties and guest experiences?
Post-pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in people’s attitudes towards experiential travel. More consumers are now seeking new experiences that satisfy their need to reconnect with nature. This thirst for experience-driven travel and well-being is driving an industry-wide trend that will take center stage in the next couple of years.
Luckily, sustainability and wellness have always been at the heart of our philosophy, and our eco-conscious Fern hotels, along with The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines, exemplify this commitment. Our goal is to blend ancient healing traditions with modern innovations. That’s why we design properties with environmental responsibility and curate holistic experiences that nurture mind, body, and spirit.
What are your strategic priorities for the remainder of this year and your long-term vision for the next five years?
Our immediate goal is to accelerate expansion in the East and the Middle East, as these regions are important for our growth. At the same time, through our strategic partnerships like Series by Marriott and Autograph Collection, we aim to focus on mid-market growth and wellness tourism. During this growth phase, we will prioritize investing in talent, technology, and markets that can help us evolve from an operator and investor to a global brand creator.
What does the recent signing with Marriott International (MI) represent for CG Hospitality, and what made this partnership significant?
Our new partnership with Marriott International is a game-changer for the mid-to-upscale eco-conscious segment in India. As part of the agreement, Marriott will make a strategic equity investment in Concept Hospitality, while Concept’s Fern-branded hotels will affiliate with Series by Marriott across India.
It will enable us to access Marriott’s 237 million Bonvoy members and global distribution channels, positioning The Fern as India’s first eco-forward hospitality brand. Moreover, this partnership will double Marriott’s footprint in India and make luxury more accessible.
Our long-term goal is to expand Fern and Series by Marriott throughout Asia, the Middle East, and eventually into Europe and the US. Additionally, our recent collaboration with Marriott to bring The Farm at San Benito into the Autograph Collection positions us at the forefront of wellness tourism in Asia and beyond.
Somshankar Bandyopadhyay is a News Editor with close to three decades of experience. Currently, he manages the business section, ensuring that the top economic and business news of the day reaches its readers.