Surat to get Gujarat’s first JW Marriott, golf course and mega convention centre

Surat | Gujarat — Surat, the diamond city of the world,  is set for a major transformation in luxury hospitality and event tourism after Auro Hotels announced Gujarat’s first JW Marriott hotel, South Gujarat’s first 9-hole golf course, and a massive convention centre at the Earth Space Campus on Bhatpore-Hazira Road. The landmark announcement comes on the heels of the successful Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference – South Gujarat held at Auro University, signalling a major investment push into the city’s premium infrastructure.

The ambitious multi-phase project aims to position Surat as a global destination for luxury stays, sports training, conferences, exhibitions and destination weddings.

Jeet Banker, Finance Head of Auro Hotels Group, confirmed the roadmap for the development. “We are preparing South Gujarat’s first 9-hole golf course, a golf academy and a technology-powered I-Range driving range targeted for launch by December 2026. We are also building Gujarat’s first seven-star JW Marriott hotel at the Earth Space campus, expected to open by 2031, along with a 1.5 lakh square feet convention centre,” he said.

First golf ecosystem for South Gujarat

The golf course will be the first of its kind in South Gujarat and will be designed to meet international standards. Alongside the course, a dedicated golf academy will offer professional coaching, individual and group training sessions, and a specially designed junior golf programme to nurture young talent.

A highlight of the sports infrastructure is the AI-powered I-Range Golf Driving Range. Each practice station will feature advanced shot tracking, swing analysis and digital displays to help both beginners and professional players refine their skills.

Banker said the project aims to create a sports and leisure ecosystem similar to global golf resorts. “This development will bring world-class golf infrastructure to Surat and attract enthusiasts, business leaders and international guests,” he added.

Gujarat’s first JW Marriott hotel

Auro Hotels revealed that the plan to bring the luxury brand to Gujarat dates back to a memorandum of understanding signed during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2023. With land availability now progressing, the group is moving ahead with the project.

The upcoming JW Marriott in Surat is expected to redefine luxury hospitality in the state, offering premium accommodation, fine dining, wellness and spa experiences. The hotel will be integrated with a grand convention centre spanning 1.5 lakh square feet (13,935 sq m).

Mega convention centre to boost MICE tourism

The convention centre will be designed to host large industry conferences, exhibitions, weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) events. Industry experts believe the facility could position Surat as a major event destination in Gujarat and western India.

“This historic development is a proud effort towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of ‘Wed in India’ — where world-class wedding and event infrastructure is built on Indian soil,” Banker said.

Project timeline

The development will be completed in phases:

• 9-hole golf course and academy – December 2026
• Convention centre – May 2028
• JW Marriott hotel – December 2031