Dear Shareholders,
The financial year 2024-25 was a landmark for EIH Limited, as we
celebrated 90 illustrious years of The Oberoi Group, a legacy that began with the vision,
passion, and perseverance of our founder, Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi. His unwavering
belief in people and bold entrepreneurial drive laid the foundation for what would become
a defining force in Indian hospitality.
From modest beginnings, he reimagined the concept of luxury, creating
hotels that seamlessly blended contemporary sophistication with India's rich artistic and
cultural heritage. In doing so, he not only elevated the standards of Indian hospitality
but also brought it global acclaim, all while nurturing Indian talent and remaining deeply
rooted in the values and traditions of our country. Today, the Oberoi brand signifies more
than luxury, it is a benchmark for exceptional service, architectural elegance, and an
enduring dedication to the guest experience. With a legacy defined by timeless values and
uncompromising standards, and a portfolio of exceptional properties across the globe, The
Oberoi Group continues to honour its storied past while shaping a future of promise and
distinction.
In terms of our performance, FY 2024-25 was a milestone year for the
Company as we delivered record financial results, reflecting our long-term vision, strong
governance, and unwavering commitment to meeting our guests expectations. With a solid
financial foundation, we are well-positioned to drive strategic growth across key markets
while creating sustained value for all our stakeholders.
STRATEGIC EXPANSION AND GROWTH PLANS
This has been a landmark year in our growth journey, not only in terms
of performance but also planning our future. EIH Limited has a robust development pipeline
of 21 properties to be completed by 2029, comprising 19 hotels, 2 luxury Nile cruisers.
This expansion includes:
8 hotels to be owned, invested in, and operated directly or
through joint ventures by EIH Limited.
13 properties (including the 2 luxury boats and the Nile
cruiser) to be managed by The Oberoi Group.
The development pipeline spans 12 hotels in India and 9 international
hotels and cruises across London, Egypt, Bhutan, Nepal, and Saudi Arabia. Upon completion,
16 hotels (including the boats and cruiser) will operate under the Oberoi brand, and 5
hotels under the Trident brand, representing a total inventory of approximately 1,473
keys. This year, the brand expands its presence with the launch of The Oberoi Rajgarh
Palace in Khajuraho and two Oberoi Nile Dahabeyas, offering an intimate and
ultra-luxurious cruising experience on the Nile. Earlier this year, The Oberoi
Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort opened in Bandhavgarh, bringing international focus to Madhya
Pradesh as a luxury wildlife destination.
GLOBAL CONTEXT
The global economy in 2024 delivered a resilient performance, despite
uneven growth across countries and sectors. Inflation showed signs of easing, thanks to
central banks' timely interventions through interest rate hikes. Labour markets began to
stabilise, with unemployment remaining historically low. Real household incomes improved,
supported by strong nominal wage growth and ongoing disinflation. However, private
consumption stayed muted in many regions due to subdued consumer confidence.
Midway through the year, uncertainties emerged, driven by geopolitical
tensions and rising concerns over potential tariff escalations. These risks became more
pronounced as we entered 2025, casting a shadow on global economic sentiment.
Amid this backdrop, the global hospitality industry staged a remarkable
recovery in 2024, nearing pre-pandemic benchmarks. Key performance indicators, including
occupancy rates, average daily rates, profitability, and RevPAR, all registered notable
improvement, signalling renewed momentum and strong travel demand across markets.
INDIA REMAINED AN OUTLIER
Over the past decade, India has emerged as the fastest-growing major
economy in the world. From a GDP of USD 2.1 trillion in 2015 to an estimated USD 4.3
trillion in 2025, the country's economic journey has been rooted in a series of structural
reforms, rapid technological progress, and the strength of a young, aspirational
population.
The country's focus on digital infrastructure, financial inclusion, and
manufacturing has significantly boosted domestic productivity. Its thriving services
sector, particularly IT and financial services, continues to be a key engine of growth.
Strategic government investments in infrastructure and a growing push for self-reliance
across critical sectors have further accelerated the country's economic momentum. Despite
global uncertainties, India's GDP is projected to grow at 6.5 percent in FY 2024-25, a
testament to robust domestic demand and macroeconomic stability. Inflation has largely
remained within the Reserve Bank of India's target range, enabling the central bank to cut
interest rates by 100 basis points across three consecutive actions, supporting
consumption and unlocking further discretionary spending.
The Union Budget 2025-26 has laid the foundation for sustained growth,
with increased allocations for infrastructure and lower income tax rates expected to
stimulate both investment and demand. As we begin the new financial year, India has
reached yet another historic milestone, overtaking Japan to become the fourth-largest
economy in the world. With a confident stride into the future, India's growth story is
only just beginning.
INDIAN HOSPITALITY SECTOR ON ROBUST GROWTH PATH
The Indian hospitality industry witnessed strong momentum in FY
2024-25, supported by a global rebound in travel and tourism. A sharp rise in
international tourist arrivals, coupled with robust domestic air traffic growth,
significantly boosted the sector.
The Government of India's continued focus on promoting tourism further
strengthens the industry's outlook.
The Union Budget 2025 introduced several positive measures, including
the expansion of the UDAN scheme, promotion of regional cuisines, and development of key
tourist destinations in collaboration with state governments. These, along with visa
liberalisation and destination marketing initiatives, are expected to drive sustained
growth.
The sector is poised for further expansion. Key growth drivers include
spiritual tourism, live events, cultural and heritage travel, and the MICE segment. The
growing appetite for experiential travel, along with ongoing investments in
infrastructure, such as new airports and expanding highways, continues to unlock new
opportunities. Focus initiatives such as 'Heal in India', aims to strengthen India's
position as a global medical tourism hub.
Additionally, a rising ultra-high-net-worth individual (UHNI) base in
India, an increase of 11 percent, is fuelling demand for luxury and high-end leisure
travel. With inbound tourism expected to grow 15 percent in FY 2025-26, India's
hospitality sector is well- positioned to flourish, buoyed by increased global
connectivity, enhanced experiences, and a strong policy push.
Our iconic portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts, and cruisers in premier
destinations uniquely positions us to capture India's evolving opportunities. Our legacy
of excellence ensures memorable guest experiences and sustained value creation for our
shareholders, paving the way for continued leadership and success in the sector.
PROGRESSING SUSTAINABLY
As a pioneer in India's hospitality sector, we are committed to
sustainability across all operations. Our focus remains on energy efficiency, water
conservation, responsible sourcing, and minimising our environmental footprint. This year,
Elements by Oberoi, an integrated initiative, further strengthened our longterm commitment
to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
We continue to foster a workplace culture built on inclusivity,
compassion, and ethical integrity. Our robust governance systems and compliance frameworks
ensure that we operate with the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
I wish to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of every member of
our organisation for driving our strategic vision forward. I would also like to extend my
sincere appreciation to our Board of Directors for their guidance and to our valued
shareholders for their continued trust and support.
As India's dynamic growth unlocks new opportunities, we remain focused
on delivering exceptional guest experiences while expanding thoughtfully across priority
markets.
We look ahead with confidence, built on strong foundations,
distinguished legacy, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Yours sincerely,
Arjun Singh Oberoi