Voco Srinagar: Elevating Kashmir’s Hospitality Landscape
IHG Hotels and Resorts has signed a management agreement with Geelan Residency for Voco Srinagar, thus making this the first IHG brand in Kashmir. The property is eyeing an October 2026 opening date and ties in with two of the group's critical strategies in focus—expansion into leisure destinations across India while leveraging and benefiting from its developing tourism sector. It will be the sixth Voco hotel under development in India, following the successful launch of the first Voco in Jim Corbett.
The exclusivity at Voco immerses guests in an experience that harmonizes the individual charm of a boutique hotel with the assurance of a globally recognized brand. The brand was launched in India in 2023 and has since been on a growth spree; its presence is already in Jim Corbett, Gurugram, Mumbai, Goa, and Punjab. This latest agreement underscores Voco’s growing popularity in the Indian market.
Set in the upmarket commercial area of Srinagar, Voco Srinagar will be aptly situated away from the airport and Central City hotspots and residential places. Located within a two-hour drive from Gulmarg, Pahalagam, and Sonmarg, it is an ideal location for those who want to blend both during their visit.
The hotel will add some modern rooms, with several dining options from all-day dining to a deck by the pool, a fitness center, and many more to its inventory of 95 well-appointed rooms. With design that serves as much the leisure guest as the business events, Voco Srinagar was positioned to satisfy the demand for social gatherings and MICE.
Sudeep Jain, Managing Director-South West Asia, IHG Hotels and Resorts, added the following: “We are pleased to bring our premium brand-Voco to Kashmir. It is one of the leading and upcoming best leisure destinations in India. Here we see a remarkable change towards a positive trend in tourism in Kashmir.”. Paying tribute, Raj Gujarat, CEO and Managing Director, Royal Group, said, “I am excited to partner with IHG, especially for our upcoming hotel in India. A place as iconic and visually stunning as Srinagar needs the vibrancy that the Voco brand delivers. There is a big demand for qualitative branded and high-standard accommodation.” Voco Srinagar is uniquely placed to provide that service with its unique design and warm hospitality.” He further added, “Domestic tourism has leaped to new heights for vacations in India. This signing will strengthen our commitment to expanding IHG’s footprint in key leisure markets.”
Javeed Jeelani, the managing partner of Geelan Residency, did not doubt the pairing with IHG Hotels and Resorts so he added, “Be it partnering with a globally reputed hospitality brand like IHG to bring the Voco brand to Kashmir, we are only too proud. We are pretty confident that Voco Srinagar, with its location and the high standards brought by IHG, will set a new threshold in hospitality for the region and offer an unforgettable experience to our guests.”
