EkoStay Expands Through Existing Homes and Community-Led Tourism

EkoStay Growth Model Focuses on Sustainable Travel and Local Engagement

As conversations around sustainable tourism continue on World Environment Day, hospitality brand EkoStay is highlighting a business model that uses existing homes rather than new construction.

Founded in 2018, EkoStay has developed a portfolio of more than 150 professionally managed villas across over 12 leisure destinations in India. The company reported revenue of ₹40 crore for FY 2025–26 and has expanded without external funding.

Rather than building new hotels or resorts, EkoStay works with underutilized second homes and private properties, bringing them into its managed accommodation network. The approach centres on renovating and repurposing existing structures, reducing the need for additional construction in tourism destinations.

According to the company, this model allows growth while limiting the direct impact of new development on natural landscapes. Destinations such as Ooty, Kodaikanal, Alibaug, Lonavala and Goa form part of its current portfolio.

Husain Khatumdi, Managing Director and Co-Founder of EkoStay, said the company’s expansion strategy focuses on creating accommodation that offers travellers a home-like experience while strengthening its presence across India’s leisure destinations.

Many of the locations where EkoStay operates, including the Nilgiris, Western Ghats, Konkan Coast and Nashik wine region, are known for their ecological significance. The company says directing travel demand towards existing private homes can help distribute visitor activity across communities rather than concentrating it in large hospitality developments.

The company also operates a Villa Makeover Programme, which converts underutilised second homes into professionally managed holiday properties. Renovation and maintenance work is carried out in collaboration with local tradespeople and service providers, creating economic opportunities in surrounding communities.

Zishan Khan, Chief Acquisition Officer and Co-Founder, said the company focuses on destinations with established travel demand where additional accommodation can be integrated responsibly.

The programme supports local employment through renovation projects, property maintenance and guest services. EkoStay says this approach helps ensure that tourism-related economic benefits remain within local communities.

Sohail Mirchandani, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, noted that the initiative is designed to support both property owners and the company’s long-term regional expansion plans.

The company also highlights the operational differences between private villa stays and conventional hotel accommodations. Shared facilities such as kitchens, living spaces and utilities can reduce resource consumption per guest group when compared with multiple individual hotel rooms.

EkoStay’s growth has been funded through its own operations since its launch. The company states that its expansion strategy focuses on measured growth, destination selection and operational readiness rather than rapid scaling.

Varun Arora, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, said changing traveller preferences towards private and experience-focused accommodation continue to influence the company’s growth plans across leisure destinations.

Founded in Mumbai in 2018, EkoStay currently manages more than 150 villas and plans to expand its portfolio to over 220 properties. The company operates across more than 12 destinations, recorded year-on-year revenue growth of 43 per cent in FY 2025–26 and maintains an occupancy rate of approximately 56 per cent.

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