Indian hospitality company Sayaji Hotels has signed agreements for four new hotels in Somnath, Ujjain, Nashik and Varanasi, as it looks to expand its presence in the country’s growing spiritual tourism market.
The company said the new properties – Enrise by Sayaji in Somnath and Ujjain, and Effotel by Sayaji in Nashik and Varanasi – will strengthen its presence across some of India’s major pilgrimage destinations.
The expansion comes as domestic religious tourism continues to grow, supported by improved transport links, infrastructure development and rising domestic travel. Industry estimates cited by the company suggest India’s spiritual tourism economy could reach nearly $59bn by 2028.
The Somnath property will mark Sayaji Hotels’ entry into the city, home to one of India’s 12 Jyotirlinga shrines. The company expects the hotel to cater to pilgrims as well as leisure travellers visiting the region.
In Ujjain, the Enrise property will add to the group’s presence in a city known for the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The city attracts millions of visitors annually and has emerged as an important market for organised hospitality.
The Effotel property in Nashik will introduce the brand to the city and expand Sayaji’s existing presence. Nashik is known for the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga and Kumbh Mela, while also developing as a business and wine tourism destination.
The Varanasi hotel will mark Sayaji’s entry into the city, one of India’s most prominent religious and cultural destinations.
Raoof Dhanani, Managing Director of Sayaji Hotels, said improved connectivity and infrastructure had made pilgrimage travel more accessible and strengthened the long-term potential of spiritual tourism.
He said the company’s expansion reflected its confidence in Somnath, Ujjain, Nashik and Varanasi as long-term hospitality markets.
The four agreements form part of Sayaji Hotels’ broader expansion strategy across premium, business and experiential hospitality segments, with the company targeting destinations where tourism demand is expected to grow.
