My first trip to India was less than 2 years ago. It was a whirlwind tour of five cities in as many days. It was a feast for the senses and the massive economic development underway throughout the country was plain to see. But the most notable memory from my trip was the way hospitality is woven into human existence in India. 

<P><EM>Readers: This is Hyatt Hotels CEO Mark Hoplamazian's fourth post as Hotel Check-In's guest blogger.</EM></P>
<P>A <A href="http://www.usatoday.com/community/forums.aspx?plckForumPage=ForumDiscussion&amp;plckDiscussionId=Cat%3a20c2fbbb-131f-47e0-8a47-ff08d3ca9234Forum%3a2757f475-b96e-4244-aa64-710ac11fa421Discussion%3a37c3b84c-3c10-4fd2-91d3-0e2d2491a275">Hotel Check-In reader</A> asked about our plans for India in light of recent industry declines there.&nbsp; Unequivocally, Hyatt is bullish on India over the long-term.&nbsp; </P>
<P>My first trip to India was less than 2 years ago. It was a whirlwind tour of five cities in as many days. It was a feast for the senses and the massive economic development underway throughout the country was plain to see. But the most notable memory from my trip was the way hospitality is woven into human existence in India.&nbsp;</P>
<P>
<P><STRONG>ALSO ONLINE: </STRONG>What's the first thing you do after checking in to your room?</P>
<P>The warm welcomes I received and the openness of the people I met were remarkable. I enjoyed the wonderful tradition of home hospitality and dined at many homes during my trip (Bengali cuisine is my favorite so far, but the diversity of tastes and styles of cooking is an experience unto itself). Hosting people for a meal in one’s home seems to be second nature in India. </P>
<P>Combine a culture of hospitality with India’s sensible approach to economic development and you have a long-term success in the making. I believe that India will be one of the greatest hotel markets in the coming generation. </P>
<P>The government of India is focused on the enhancement and value of human capital, and committed to infrastructure and other forms of development to support an evolving economy. Its focus on elevating literacy is key to the country’s overall future success. It appears Indians agree that things are going well – the Congress Party’s success in the elections this past weekend certainly is good news for continued stable focus on smart development.</P>
<P>Hyatt has been operating in India since 1982. Over the coming four to five years, we expect to open 20 new properties across most of our brands - Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Place. We're also in discussions now on potential Hyatt Summerfield Suites development. </P>
<P>We’ll be expanding in India not just as hotel operators, but also as investors, adding to the capital that we have already invested in hotel properties in the country. We’re especially excited about taking Hyatt Place to India, the brand’s first expansion internationally.&nbsp; </P>
<P>If you haven’t been to India, I hope you get to go sometime soon.&nbsp; It’s an experience not to be missed.</P>
<P>Mark</P>