ITC Hotels has announced that it will acquire the luxury property ‘The Zuri Kumarakom Resort & Spa’ in Kerala for an enterprise value of Rs 205 crore. The deal involves purchasing a 100% stake in Zuri Hotels & Resorts Private Limited, the company that owns the resort.
The acquisition is structured on a debt-free and cash-free basis, meaning ITC Hotels will take over the asset without assuming liabilities, subject to standard adjustments. The transaction is expected to close in the coming days.
This move marks a key milestone for ITC Hotels as it establishes its first owned resort in Kerala—one of India’s most sought-after leisure destinations. The company is clearly aiming to deepen its presence in high-growth tourism markets, especially premium leisure travel.
As Managing Director Anil Chadha explained, "The acquisition of this exclusive property in Kumarakom marks a strategic cornerstone in our journey to expand ITC Hotels' footprint into one of India's most sought-after leisure destinations."
The resort is located in Kumarakom along the scenic backwaters on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Spread across 18 acres, the property includes 72 rooms, with 38 villas and cottages, along with dining venues, event spaces, and nearly 20,000 square feet dedicated to spa and wellness.
Its location and existing infrastructure make it a strong candidate for luxury repositioning under ITC’s brand.
15 May 2026 - Vol 04 | Issue 71
The Cultural Traveller
Following the acquisition, the property will undergo extensive renovation and will eventually be rebranded under the ITC Hotels umbrella. The redesign will align with the company’s “Rooted in the Soil” philosophy, drawing inspiration from Kerala’s traditional architecture and craftsmanship.
Anil Chadha added, "By integrating this iconic resort into our portfolio, we aim to elevate the guest experience through our globally recognised culinary excellence and world-class Ayurvedic wellness offerings."
The company believes the resort will benefit significantly from its broader ecosystem, including its loyalty platform, culinary strengths, and distribution network.
According to the company statement, "By integrating ITC Hotels' institutional strengths - including signature culinary experiences, best-in-class guest services, Club ITC loyalty program and robust distribution network, the Resort will unlock brand-led value uplift and establish itself as a premier luxury destination for leisure and high-profile MICE."
ITC Hotels expects the property’s stabilised revenue to nearly triple from current levels, making it a margin-accretive addition to its portfolio.
(With inputs from ANI)