Developments in the Hotel Sector on August 31, 2025

London and New Delhi, August 31 - Two major stories dominated hotel-related news today: an expansion announcement by India’s LaRiSa Hotels & Resorts and continued unrest around UK asylum-seeker accommodations.

LaRiSa Targets Rapid Growth New Delhi - LaRiSa Hotels & Resorts today outlined a plan to increase its portfolio from 34 to 50 properties within three years, with an eye on both domestic and international markets including Sri Lanka, Thailand and Dubai. Owner & Director Priya Thakur noted that the company currently operates 34 properties-six owned outright, five on revenue-share and the remainder under management contracts-and aims to hit the 50-property milestone by 2028. The portfolio spans luxury and mid-market segments, and the expansion strategy will leverage a mix of ownership, revenue-share and management agreements to accelerate growth.

Anti-Asylum Protests at UK Hotels Continue London - Demonstrations targeting hotels housing asylum seekers persisted over the weekend. On Saturday, two groups of anti-immigration protesters marched to the Crowne Plaza near Heathrow Airport, with some attempting to force entry. Five arrests were made and two officers sustained minor injuries. Commander Adam Slonecki of the Metropolitan Police warned that unlawful actions will be met with firm response, even as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government presses on with its policy of accommodating over 32,000 migrants in some 200 hotels nationwide by the end of June. The incident follows a government court victory last week upholding its right to house asylum seekers in hotels despite local objections.