Summit Hotels & Resorts has started FY2026-27 with nearly 40 per cent growth in business during April and May, supported by sustained leisure travel demand across the Eastern Himalayas and growing consumer preference for branded regional hospitality operators.
The company sold more than 37,000 room nights during the first two months of the financial year, while portfolio occupancy reached 78.9 per cent. Average room rates exceeded INR 6,000, reflecting stronger pricing across its key destinations. The performance came despite a temporary slowdown in travel activity in parts of eastern India during the West Bengal Assembly election period.
According to the company, destinations across Sikkim and the Darjeeling Hills were the primary drivers of growth, supported by repeat visitors and increasing demand for premium mountain stays.
“We entered the year expecting healthy demand, but the pace of bookings has been stronger than anticipated,” said Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts. “What stands out is not just the occupancy but the ability of travellers to continue choosing these destinations despite temporary disruptions. The appetite for experiential leisure travel remains strong, and we are seeing that translate into both room revenue and higher spending within our hotels.”
Food and beverage revenues also recorded growth during the period, while guest review scores remained among the highest across the company’s operating markets. The strong start to the financial year coincides with Summit’s efforts to broaden its business beyond its owned and managed assets in the Eastern Himalayas.
As part of its expansion strategy, the company is pursuing partnerships with independent hotels, boutique resorts, heritage properties, wildlife lodges and spiritual destinations across India. The model is designed to provide hotel owners with access to wider distribution channels and revenue management support while allowing them to retain ownership and operational control.
Summit said its partnership framework differs from traditional affiliation models by adopting a shared-growth approach. Participating properties retain their individual identity while gaining access to the company’s central reservations system, revenue management capabilities, digital marketing support, technology platforms and hospitality workforce network.
Having completed 18 years in the hospitality industry, Summit believes significant opportunities exist within India’s large independent hotel segment. With booking momentum continuing into June and advance reservations tracking close to last year’s levels, the company expects leisure and destination travel demand to remain stable through the coming quarters.
