Relais & Châteaux– The association of independent hotels and restaurants publishes the results of its annual business survey, reporting a cumulative sales volume—based on data collected from 92% of its members—of €3.2 billion for the year 2024
The global association also welcomes 9 new members to its family globally. Amongst the new shining stars is The Sarvato in Jaipur from India.
Relais & Châteaux member sales volume increased by 8% compared to 2023, despite an unstable geopolitical context.
This growth confirms the Association’s strategy, focused on quality and the development of the Relais & Châteaux network.
For over 70 years, Relais & Châteaux has been a true hallmark of excellence for the most discerning travelers.
Laurent Gardinier, President of the Association, along with the entire Board of Directors, have chosen to emphasize quality by increasing the frequency of inspections, now conducted every two years instead of every three. Since his appointment in 2023, 68 new members have joined the network across 33 countries, illustrating the network’s dynamism and appeal.
Cuisine—at the heart of the association’s DNA—has more than ever established itself as a major economic driver for Relais & Châteaux. The Association represents the largest network of gastronomic restaurants in the world. With 42.1% of sales volume and an 8% increase compared to 2023, food & beverage activity nearly matches the hotel rooms segment (49%, +9% vs 2023), reaffirming the balance between the Association’s two historic pillars. In India, Sri Lanka and Thailand, hotel rooms account for a larger share of sales revenue compared to the global average, representing 52% of total revenue in 2024 (+19% vs 2023) while food and beverage contributes 33% (+8% vs 2023).
This remarkable performance reflects the strength and relevance of the Relais & Châteaux model, built on excellence, passionate craftsmanship, and a strong connection to local cultures, all of which attract Indian, Sri Lankan and Thai travellers. The majority of Relais & Châteaux tourists from India, Sri Lanka and Thailand travel to Europe, where most member properties are located.
According to booking data from Relais & Châteaux channels, 82% of the activity generated by Indian, Thai and Sri Lankan clients is concentrated in Europe. For these travellers, the most popular European destinations are France (28%), Italy (23%) Switzerland (9%) and the UK (6%). The activity in Switzerland alone recorded an increase of +127% in sales volumes compared to last year, which showcases a rising interest for this destination.
This tendency demonstrates this source market’s desire to discover iconic European locations in historical destinations.
Within Italy, Tuscany and Umbria remain the top destinations of Indian, Sri Lankan and Thai guests, representing 14% of their bookings worldwide, followed by Provence (9%) and Paris (8%), as well as Zurich and the Amalfi Coast in equal measure (6%).
Compared to last year, both Provence and the Amalfi Coast saw notable gains in market share among Indian, Sri Lankan, and Thai travelers, with Provence gaining 6 percentage points and the Amalfi Coast 3 points.
Water escapades represent a growing trend for travelers from India, Sri Lanka and Thailand, with +17% of their budget spent in bookings targeting thermal towns and +10% for seaside and beach destinations. Regarding property preferences, the source markets’ tourists are increasingly interested in contemporary architecture, earning 6 points of the market share compared to 2023, as well as castles, earning 5 points market share points relative to 2023.
These findings are based on a lasting relationship of trust with loyal guests: 58% of Relais & Châteaux clients say they would not have stayed at the property if it had not been part of the network, according to the latest consumer study conducted by the Association. This highlights the strength of the bond between the brand and its travelers, confirming consumer preference for authentic experiences rooted in local culture.
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