Booking.com and Statista released the third India Accommodation Barometer on 19 January 2026, revealing that 75% of Indian hoteliers expect positive business development this year. While Tier-1 cities lead in recruitment, Tier-3 cities have emerged as the primary growth engines, outperforming urban hubs in occupancy and Average Daily Rates (ADR). This surge is fuelled by event-driven travel and a strategic shift toward AI adoption, particularly for fraud prevention and guest services. To combat a 67% skill shortage in smaller markets, 41% of accommodations are increasing upskilling budgets, ensuring the industry remains resilient despite global economic uncertainties.
