Summit Hotels Records Strongest Growth in Sikkim and Darjeeling Hills, Begins FY2026-27 with 40% Surge

Siliguri, June , 2026: Summit Hotels & Resorts has begun FY2026-27 with nearly 40% growth in business during April and May, a performance the company attributes to sustained demand for leisure destinations across the Eastern Himalayas and growing consumer preference for branded regional hospitality players.

The hospitality group sold more than 37,000 room nights during the first two months of the financial year, with portfolio occupancy reaching 78.9%. Average room rates crossed ₹6,000, reflecting stronger pricing power across key markets. The performance comes 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 emerged as the biggest contributors to growth, supported by repeat travellers 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," he added.

Food and beverage revenues also recorded healthy growth during the period, while guest review scores remained among the highest in its operating markets. The strong start comes at a time when Summit is broadening its business beyond owned and managed assets in the Eastern Himalayas.

As part of its next phase of growth, the company is actively pursuing partnerships with independent hotels, boutique resorts, heritage properties, wildlife lodges and spiritual destinations across India. The model is aimed at hotel owners looking for access to larger distribution networks and professional revenue management without giving up ownership or operational control.

Unlike traditional affiliation structures that often involve substantial upfront costs, Summit's partnership framework is built around a shared-growth approach. Hotel owners retain the identity of their properties while gaining access to the company's central reservations system, revenue management expertise, digital marketing capabilities, technology platforms and hospitality manpower network.

The company, which has completed 18 years in the hospitality industry, believes the opportunity lies in India's large base of independent hotels that have strong local appeal but limited access to organised distribution and brand support. With booking momentum continuing into June and advance reservations already tracking close to last year's levels, Summit expects demand across leisure and destination travel markets to remain healthy through the coming quarters.

Summit Hotels & Resorts enters the spiritual hospitality segment with the launch of ‘The Mandir Collection’; first property planned in Salasar

Siliguri, June , 2026: With spiritual tourism emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments within India’s travel landscape, Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of The Mandir Collection, a new hospitality brand focused on pilgrimage destinations and spiritually inspired travel experiences.

The move marks Summit’s entry into a hospitality segment that has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by improved connectivity, infrastructure development, and increasing interest in faith-based and wellness-led travel.

As part of the launch, the company has identified Salasar for the first property under the new brand. The upcoming property, planned as Summit Salasar – The Mandir Collection, is envisioned as a premium spiritual retreat catering to families, devotees, wellness travellers, and destination-led gatherings.

The hotel is expected to feature approximately 70 rooms and villas, including private pool villas, along with curated experiences inspired by spirituality and Indian traditions. Planned offerings include a Satvik dining concept, dedicated temple assistance services, wellness-focused experiences, devotional evening sessions, banquet and outdoor event spaces, and proximity to the Salasar Balaji Temple.

Commenting on the development, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, “Spiritual travel in India is experiencing a massive boom, with nearly 1 in 5 Indians planning faith-based or wellness trips. Travellers today are not only visiting pilgrimage destinations for religious reasons but also seeking experiences in wellness, culture, and personal connection.  India’s spiritual tourism economy is projected to reach USD 135 billion by 2034, and through The Mandir Collection, our intention is to create hospitality experiences that remain rooted in the spirit of the destination while offering the comfort and quality modern travellers expect.”

Going ahead, Summit Hotels & Resorts plans to gradually expand The Mandir Collection across select pilgrimage circuits and faith-led destinations. The company is also evaluating opportunities in locations such as Haridwar and Ayodhya, as well as other emerging spiritual tourism hubs. This expansion further strengthens Summit’s focus on building destination-driven hospitality formats across evolving travel segments in India.

Summit Hotels & Resorts expands into Arunachal Pradesh with Rungkhung Village Resort in Dirang

Siliguri, May , 2026: Marking its continued expansion across the Eastern Himalayan region, Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced Rungkhung Village Resort, a boutique retreat in Dirang under The Signature Collection, further strengthening its presence in emerging high-potential destinations.

Located in the scenic Dirang Valley and overlooking the Kameng River, the property is positioned as a refined mountain retreat offering immersive views of layered valleys, mist-covered hills, and untouched natural surroundings. Designed to blend local Arunachali character with contemporary comfort, the resort caters to leisure travellers seeking slower, experience-led stays.

The boutique property features well-appointed rooms and suites, including Premium View Rooms and Junior Suites, each equipped with private balconies that open to panoramic river and valley views. Interiors are designed with warm tones, soft textures, and modern amenities, creating a comfortable yet contextually rooted stay experience.

Dining is centred around an all-day restaurant offering a mix of multi-cuisine dishes alongside regional Northeast specialities, complemented by a valley-facing setting. The property also includes outdoor spaces such as landscaped gardens, bonfire setups, and relaxation areas that encourage guests to engage with the natural environment.

Guests can access curated local experiences and nature-led activities, reinforcing the destination’s appeal as a peaceful alternative to more crowded hill stations. With its low-density layout and focus on privacy, the retreat is designed to offer a quieter, more immersive stay.

Commenting on the addition, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, “Dirang is an emerging destination with immense natural appeal, and we see growing interest from travellers looking for less crowded, experience-driven locations. Our approach has been to create a property that stays true to the destination while offering the comfort and consistency that guests expect from the Summit brand.”

The addition of Rungkhung Village Resort reflects Summit Hotels & Resorts continued focus on building a strong portfolio of boutique properties across the Eastern Himalayan belt, with an emphasis on location-led hospitality and experiential travel.