Royal Orchid Hotels saw its shares rise by seven point zero eight per cent to Rs 328.75 after the company announced a strategic partnership with Hilton to develop 125 Hampton by Hilton hotels across India. The agreement is intended to accelerate Hilton's expansion in the upper midscale segment and will focus on western and southern markets, including Goa and Maharashtra and southern states. The franchised hotels will join over 3,100 Hampton properties globally and aim to serve rising domestic travel demand. Hampton by Hilton, the brand identified as the company's largest by hotel count and a pioneer in the upper midscale segment, will adapt design, service and amenities to local preferences while keeping global standards. The brand operates in 46 countries and is known for consistent franchise performance. After consumer research in India, the hotels will offer an approachable stay tailored for quality-driven travellers. Hilton's Asia Pacific president said India's economic growth, expanding middle class and infrastructure development are reshaping travel and that the partnership will enable rapid franchise scaling while maintaining brand consistency. Royal Orchid's president characterised the collaboration as a strategic leap in the group's 50-year journey that complements its mid-market focus and said the plan would support local job creation over the next 10 years. The group's executive director added that the mixed portfolio of owned, managed and franchised properties positions it to scale the Hampton brand across emerging centres. The company operates and manages hotels and resorts and reported a consolidated net profit fall of 49.3 per cent to Rs 90.2 million (mn) in the third quarter of FY26 on revenue from operations that rose 26.6 per cent to about Rs 1.13 billion (bn) year on year. The partnership is expected to roll out over an extended period and to materially expand Royal Orchid's presence in India's mid-market hospitality sector.