Tata group hospitality firm, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), plans to have 156 hotels globally by 2017 with a total of nearly 20,000 rooms. The company, which currently has 122 hotels, will add 34 new hotels in the next four years as part of their expansion plans.

IHCL and its subsidiaries, collectively known as Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, currently operate 105 hotels across India and 17 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East.

The hospitality major presently operates in four categories ranging from the luxury brand Taj; upper upscale brand Vivanta by Taj Hotels and Resorts; upscale/mid-market hotels and resorts under the Gateway Hotel brand; and economy hotels under the Ginger brand.

As part of the expansion, Indian Hotels will be opening around 15 Vivanta and 14 Gateway properties.