A decade of influence, a future of greatness

The Indian hospitality industry is entering one of the most exciting phases in its history. Driven by robust infrastructure development, rising tourism demand, increasing investments, expanding brand footprints and a rapidly evolving consumer landscape, the sector stands at the cusp of transformative growth. Against this backdrop, BW HOTELIER presents the 10th Edition of the BW HOTELIER Indian Hospitality Summit & Awards (IHA 2026). This milestone edition celebrates a decade of leadership, excellence and influence in Indian hospitality.

A Decade of Industry Leadership

Over the past 10 years, the BW HOTELIER Indian Hospitality Summit & Awards has established itself as one of the industry’s most credible and respected platforms. It has become the annual forum where leaders from across hospitality, travel, tourism, food and beverage, investment, development and policy come together to exchange ideas and discuss the forces shaping the sector.

As the event marks its 10th edition, it also marks a significant moment in the evolution of Indian hospitality itself. Over the past decade, IHA has chronicled and contributed to this journey, creating a platform that reflects both the industry’s achievements and its aspirations for the future.

India’s Hospitality Decade: From Growth to Greatness

Today, India stands at a powerful inflection point. Infrastructure investments, expanding connectivity, favourable demographics, growing domestic travel and rising international interest are creating unprecedented opportunities for hospitality growth. Yet the challenge ahead is not merely one of expansion, but of building a globally competitive industry defined by quality, in-novation, service excellence, and sustainable value creation.

This year, the summit has been designed around this central idea: how can Indian hospitality transform strong growth momentum into lasting greatness? Across two days, industry leaders will explore the opportunities, challenges and strategic priorities that will define the next decade.

Day One: Growth Engines for the Future

The first day of IHA 2026 will focus on investments, development, and infrastructure – the pillars that are powering the industry’s expansion.

Day Two: Delivering Excellence

While investment creates capacity, operational excellence creates lasting value. Day Two will therefore focus on the people, systems and innovations that define successful hospitality businesses.

Shaping Industry’s Most Important Conversations

One of the strengths of IHA has been its ability to convene diverse stakeholders around issues that matter most to the industry’s future. At a time when hospitality is increasingly interconnected with infrastructure, tourism policy, investment strategy, technology, sustainability and human capital development, meaningful dialogue has never been more important. The 10th edition aims to provide a platform for these conversations — bringing together policymakers, investors, owners, operators, developers and hospitality leaders to exchange perspectives and help shape the next phase of industry growth. 

Celebrating Excellence

The summit will culminate in the BW HOTELIER Indian Hospitality Awards Gala Night on September 25. Recognised for its transparent, fair, and ethically governed jury process, the awards honour outstanding professionals, teams, organisations, and hospitality assets that have demonstrated exceptional performance and leadership. Evaluated by an eminent panel of regional and national jury, the awards have earned a reputation as one of the industry’s most respected benchmarks of excellence. Importantly, there is no fee for nominations. As always, the awards will celebrate the individuals and organisations that continue to raise the bar for Indian hospitality.

Looking Ahead

As Indian hospitality prepares for a decade of unprecedented opportunity, the BW HOTELIER IHA 2026 arrives at a defining moment. The landmark edition will not only celebrate how far the industry has come but also focus on where it is headed next. By bringing together the sec-tor’s most influential voices, fostering meaningful dialogue, and recognising excellence, IHA 2026 will help frame the conversations that will shape Indian hospitality in the years ahead. For two days in September, New Delhi will host the leaders, thinkers and changemakers driving the industry forward. Together, they will celebrate a decade of achievement and help define the decade to come.