Hyatt plans India expansion

Openings this year will include the Hyatt Regency Pune, Hyatt Regency Chennai, and Grand Hyatt Goa.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation president and chief executive officer Mark Hoplamazian said around a quarter of Hyatt's global planned openings of more than 120 properties is earmarked for India.

He said: "We believe India represents one of the greatest hotel markets over the next decade - one that will play a key role in driving Hyatt's long-term growth. We're proud of the business relationships we've developed and look forward to leveraging our experiences to become the preferred brand for our associates, guests, and owners in this important region."

The announcement comes after Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced this week it is on track to grow its existing portfolio of 26 hotels in India by 60% by 2013.

Starwood currently has 15 hotels under development in India, including six Aloft properties, with three set to open this year.