India’s announcement that it will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG 2030 India) in Ahmedabad could make the country’s tourism revenue jump by 20-25 per cent, estimate the experts. This global sporting event is likely to draw tens of thousands of international athletes, officials, and spectators, leading to a massive short-term spike in hotel bookings, airline traffic and local travel across India – especially in Gujarat. Athletes, officials and technical delegates from, say, 74 Commonwealth nations and territories are expected to arrive for CWG 2030 India in Gujarat, while the country is also likely to attract over 2 million foreign spectators, tourists and delegates. Tourism estimates associated with CWG 2030 India event planning suggest the creation of over 120,000 jobs in the country’s travel & tourism sector. CWG 2030 India will be particularly meaningful because it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the inaugural Commonwealth Games held in 1930 in Canada. CWG 2030 India will mark the first time in two decades that the Games has returned to India (the last was in 2010 in New Delhi).
“Hosting Commonwealth Games in India will be a transformative opportunity for Gujarat, not just as a sporting destination but also as a global tourism and investment hub,” affirmed Mansukh Mandaviya, Union minister for youth affairs & sports and labour & employment, in an exclusive interaction with Business India. “CWG 2030 India will bring athletes, officials, fans and visitors from across the Commonwealth, creating a significant boost for hotels, hospitality, transport, local businesses, handicrafts and the wider tourism ecosystem. The Commonwealth Games will provide a global platform to showcase the state’s rich tourism potential. Major sporting events can become engines of economic growth, creating jobs, empowering local entrepreneurs and generating long-term opportunities. The event in Ahmedabad will strengthen our country’s position on the global sporting map, while contributing meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat.”
CWG 2030 India is expected to bolster the growth of Gujarat’s hospitality sector. Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar together have 5,420-6,000 star-category rooms in 3-star and 5-star hotel properties. Ahmedabad aims to scale up its capacity to 40,000 star-category hotel rooms ahead of hosting CWG 2030 India. Projections indicate a peak requirement of 20,000 to nearly 60,000 rooms, depending on delegation sizes, media and global sports tourists, highlighting a massive infrastructure gap in Gujarat. The Gujarat government is preparing a new hotel incentives policy, featuring capital subsidies to lower barriers to entry for global brands and local developers.
A growth market
“CWG 2030 India in Ahmedabad will accelerate infrastructure and connectivity across all of Gujarat,” acknowledges Neelendra Singh, MD, Lemon Tree Hotels. “The Games will add a powerful layer on top of that with international visitors, athletes, officials, media and delegations moving through a city where we already have well-located, functioning assets. That’s the advantage of building ahead of demand. Gujarat is an important growth market for Lemon Tree Hotels and we have built a substantial presence and pipeline across the state. We have Lemon Tree Premier on the Sabarmati Riverfront at the upscale end, Lemon Tree Hotel in Navrangpura at the upper-midscale and Keys Select near Ashram Road in the mid-market. That matters more than proximity to any one venue. Today, our footprint in the state stands at 32 properties, comprising 12 operational hotels and a robust pipeline of 20 upcoming hotels. The pipeline includes Vadodara, Navsari, Bhuj, Bhavnagar, Gandhidham, Junagadh, Gir, Surat, Valsad, Pavagadh and Garudeshwar, among others, across our portfolio of brands. And we remain open to evaluating opportunities in Gujarat, including acquisitions, where the asset, location and economics are compelling. Timelines vary depending on project execution and approvals, particularly across a portfolio that spans managed and franchised properties. What is constant is that Gujarat stays central to our expansion strategy; we see real headroom not just in Ahmedabad and the major commercial centres, but across the state’s industrial corridors, pilgrimage circuits, wildlife and nature destinations and emerging leisure markets. Our approach to growth is disciplined and increasingly asset-light. We see significant opportunities to expand through management contracts and franchises, which enable us to bring our brands and operating expertise into attractive markets by partnering with potential partners. At the same time, if an owned or acquired asset offers the right strategic location, attractive economics and long-term value creation potential, we would certainly evaluate it. The objective is to build a high-quality network that creates sustainable value for the company and our partners,” he adds.
Gujarat’s 200-km-long coastline combines leisure, marine ecology, heritage and high-density pilgrimage corridors and the opening for branded hospitality is to build destinations around that mix, rather than just build on the waterfront, informs Singh. The state’s focus on infrastructure has already been a real enabler for tourism and commerce in Gujarat. Sustaining development ahead of 2030 means continued investment in multi-modal connectivity, which means regional air routes, high-speed rail, last-mile road infrastructure, along with faster, more predictable approvals for hospitality projects. For hospitality operators, key considerations include project land acquisition, sustainable asset economics and streamlined municipal and environmental clearances. Furthermore, as new tourism circuits emerge, public-private alignment on last-mile transit, localised urban amenities and trained talent pipelines is essential. A destination thrives when visitor transit, local experiences, and hotel inventory develop as an integrated ecosystem.
The 2030 Commonwealth Games can be a defining moment for Ahmedabad and a powerful catalyst for Gujarat’s tourism economy. The opportunity extends beyond accommodating athletes and spectators – it can establish the state as a global destination for sports, business, leisure and cultural tourism.
Long-term portfolio
“Gujarat remains a priority growth market for us,” observes Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group. “We have seven operational hotels and five properties under development across the state. We continue to evaluate opportunities in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and other high-potential business, industrial, pilgrimage and leisure destinations. Our strategy is not dependent on a single event. We are building a long-term portfolio aligned with Gujarat’s expanding corporate base, industrial corridors, wedding and MICE demand, spiritual tourism and domestic leisure market”. Gujarat’s hospitality sector, however, faces multiple challenges, Sharma adds. “The biggest challenge is ensuring that new capacity is supported by sustainable demand beyond the Games. Development must, therefore, be part of a broader destination strategy rather than driven only by short-term event demand. Gujarat’s coastline remains one of India’s most promising and relatively underdeveloped leisure-tourism opportunities. Realising this potential will require clearly identified tourism zones, environmentally responsible development, improved connectivity and sustained destination marketing. With the right ecosystem, Gujarat can create compelling coastal circuits for domestic and international travellers”.
Experts believe that a co-ordinated, long-term tourism roadmap would have the greatest impact in Gujarat going ahead. Priorities should include single-window and time-bound approvals, infrastructure support for tourism zones, stronger connectivity, incentives for sustainable hotel development and industry-linked skill-development programmes. The Commonwealth Games should also be used to showcase destinations beyond Ahmedabad through integrated heritage, wildlife, coastal, culinary and spiritual circuits. The true legacy of the Games will be measured by the sustained tourism and economic value they create for the entire state. Other priorities include developing skilled hospitality talent, improving air and last-mile connectivity, accelerating approvals, strengthening civic infrastructure and maintaining consistent service standards as hotel supply expands.
“We already have 23 open hotels with about 2,660 rooms in Gujarat, including our Series by Marriott portfolio with The Fern,” concedes Kiran Andicot, senior VP, South Asia, Marriott International. “We have a further 22 signed hotels in the pipeline, of which 12 are expected to open through 2029, adding some 1,300 rooms across markets. Our expansion strategy for Gujarat state is not dependent on the Commonwealth Games, as our footprint spans multiple segments and cities across the state. And, as connectivity improves, destinations mature and the state continues to invest in its tourism infrastructure, we see considerable potential for Gujarat’s coastline to support a new generation of high-quality leisure resorts and destination-led hospitality.” Like any high-potential, growing hospitality market, Gujarat has areas where continued work focus and progress would be imperative, agrees Andicot.
Additionally, talent availability, particularly as the sector expands into new markets, remains a key focus, as does strengthening infrastructure and connectivity across emerging destinations. Ease of doing business, by way of smoother licensing approvals, would also help unlock development potential more efficiently. Building stronger, year-round demand across leisure and MICE, particularly by developing more diverse experiences and business opportunities, is another solid growth avenue that demands constant attention and investment. “The positive is that Gujarat has already made significant strides on many of these fronts and, with continued investment, stronger connectivity and a growing tourism ecosystem, we see these challenges gradually translating into opportunities for long-term growth,” he contends.
Boost for hospitality
Leading hoteliers believe that CWG 2030 India is an opportunity to strengthen the state’s hospitality ecosystem not only for the duration of the Games, but also for the long-term growth that the event is expected to generate. “Gujarat remains one of the key growth markets for The Fern Hotels & Resorts,” says Suhail Kannampilly, chairman & MD, The Fern Hotels & Resorts. “Our collaboration with Marriott International through Series by Marriott further strengthens this proposition. With about 37 operational and nine upcoming properties, The Fern has built one of the largest branded hospitality footprints in Gujarat, with a presence across major business centres as well as leisure, pilgrimage and emerging tourism destinations. Also, we are evaluating over 10 additional hotels across Gujarat that could potentially be signed, particularly in high-growth business markets, pilgrimage circuits, coastal destinations and emerging leisure locations. Our expansion will continue to be guided by the long-term potential of each market and the right development opportunities and strategic partnerships. And, as part of our expansion in Ahmedabad, we are also adding another 300-room hotel, further strengthening our presence and ability to cater to the anticipated increase in demand.”
Kannampilly feels that Gujarat’s extensive coastline offers an opportunity to develop a distinctive resort ecosystem, combining leisure with wellness, nature, marine experiences, heritage, culture and pilgrimage tourism. “We believe the opportunity lies in developing low-impact, experience-led resorts that respect the local environment and communities, rather than simply increasing hotel inventory along the coastline. Gujarat has made significant progress in infrastructure development and connectivity. Going forward, we believe the focus should be on sustainability, cleanliness, skill development and holistic destination management to support the next phase of tourism and hospitality growth. The new tourism policy is expected to address issues around simplifying approvals and incentivising tourism and hospitality development. Continued investment in hospitality skill development, particularly in emerging tourism markets, will also be important. Incentives for renewable energy, water conservation, wastewater recycling and other sustainable practices can further encourage responsible hotel development,” he adds.
Gujarat has strong fundamentals for the hospitality industry, supported by significant infrastructure development and improving connectivity. As the sector expands further into Tier II and III destinations, the next phase of growth will require greater emphasis on developing skilled hospitality talent, strengthening sustainable practices, ensuring reliable water availability and adopting a more holistic approach to destination management. Another opportunity is to strengthen Gujarat’s positioning as a destination for larger MICE events and international business gatherings. The progressive regulatory framework in designated areas such as GIFT City, including the provision permitting the regulated serving of alcoholic beverages, has helped enhance its appeal as a business and hospitality destination for global travellers and corporate audiences. Similar destination-specific policy initiatives, where appropriate, could help make other key tourism and business destinations in Gujarat more competitive for international events and MICE demand. Water availability will also be an important consideration as the state’s hospitality infrastructure expands. Ensuring a consistent and quality water supply, alongside responsible water management by hotels, will be essential to support the sustainable and long-term growth of tourism and hospitality in Gujarat.
The key challenges are ensuring that hospitality infrastructure keeps pace with growing tourism demand, the availability of skilled manpower, rising operating costs and maintaining consistent service standards. There is also a need for better last-mile connectivity and stronger tourism infrastructure in emerging destinations. Developing integrated tourism circuits can encourage visitors to explore more of Gujarat and stay longer. Single-window clearance from the state government for all necessary licences and approvals, along with more initiatives from the government of Gujarat, would further support the sector’s growth.
Regulatory hurdles
“At Lords Hotels & Resorts, we see the Commonwealth Games 2030 as an opportunity to strengthen Gujarat’s hospitality infrastructure and cater to the expected rise in athletes, officials, delegates and tourists,” remarks Pushpendra Bansal, COO, Lords Hotels & Resorts. “We see Gujarat growing steadily due to this upcoming event. Over the next two to three years, we are looking at adding six to nine more properties in Gujarat, subject to suitable opportunities and development timelines. Our aim is to build a wider and stronger hospitality network across Gujarat, with a presence in both established and emerging destinations. Moreover, Gujarat’s coastline offers significant potential for resort development, supported by its beaches, pilgrimage destinations, heritage and growing leisure tourism. However, there are hundreds of restrictions on developing such projects, including CRZ regulations and other compliances. The state government, along with the Centre, needs to facilitate such development by reducing regulatory hurdles and red tape. Single-window clearance from the state government for all necessary licences and approvals, along with more initiatives from the government of Gujarat, would further support the sector’s growth.”
“The Commonwealth Games will be a significant moment for Ahmedabad,” enthuses Prashant Chadha, GM, Le Meridien Ahmedabad. “For us, preparation is not something that begins closer to the event; it is about building the right capabilities well in advance. We are looking at operational readiness, team capabilities and the diverse requirements of an international guest profile. More importantly, it is an opportunity for us to showcase Ahmedabad and its hospitality to the world. Ahmedabad has come a long way. Its strong business ecosystem, connectivity and growing events landscape are bringing in a wider range of travellers. I believe the next phase will be about Ahmedabad becoming more visible internationally. We want to be part of that journey by offering a consistent international standard of hospitality, while ensuring that guests experience the warmth and character of the city”. The Games will certainly accelerate the city’s visibility, but Ahmedabad’s growth is much broader than that, Chadha adds. “We are seeing the city develop across business, investment, sports, education and cultural tourism. As more people discover Ahmedabad, their expectations from hospitality will naturally rise. I see this as a very healthy development for the city and an opportunity for the hospitality industry to keep raising its standards”.
Increased tourism, new businesses and new hotels and local services will thus have a positive impact on the cultural and economic development of Gujarat state, because of CWG 2030 in Ahmedabad. Globally, tourism opportunities are built around sporting events. Around the sporting events’ dates, before and after, there are companion events and tours that are offered to tourists. Within the state, there is much happening that becomes memories for a lifetime. The host state and the nation become the focus of attention over months – aspects like television coverage, which also broadcasts live images of the sights and sounds of the Games in the city, give a big boost to attracting millions of tourists in the years to come. The domestic tourism boom due to CWG 2030 India in Ahmedabad is undoubtedly going to facilitate domestic as well as foreign hospitality chains to expand aggressively across the state of Gujarat.