Grand Metropolitan Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel management companies based in Zurich, confirmed the strategic acquisition of London-based Signature Hotels. The takeover gives Grand Metropolitan Hotels a significant footprint in the UK market. The commercial term of the deal remains undisclosed. Signature Hotels currently operates boutique and upper-midscale properties across London, with two additional properties set to open during the next twelve months. The group’s portfolio is characterised by a focus on individuality, local character, and human-centred hospitality- balancing sustainable performance with culture, wellbeing, and social responsibility. Through this takeover, Grand Metropolitan Hotels expands its reach within London’s upscale hotel segment while extending into one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality markets, India, where Signature has two properties under development. The partnership further aligns two family-led groups united by shared values, long-term vision, and a commitment to meaningful, people-focused hospitality. “Signature Hotels offers a powerful combination of local credibility and international ambition,” said Martin R Smura, Founder and Chairman, Grand Metropolitan Hotels. “London remains one of the most competitive hospitality markets in the world, and Signature’s operational strength there, coupled with its ties to India, provides GMH with an immediate and meaningful platform for growth.” Ramesh Arora, current CEO, Signature Hotels group, will be retained as Supervisory Board Member for the Grand Metropolitan Hotels. With over four decades of international experience across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, Arora has been recognized with numerous accolades including Hotelier of the Year by PATA and the Lifetime Contribution to Hotels and Tourism award by Stardust. “This partnership brings together two family businesses with aligned values and a shared belief in hospitality as a force for good,” said Ramesh Arora. “By joining GMH, …

Aeroprime Group won the ‘Leading Passenger GSA of the Year’ award at the India Travel Awards 2025. Receiving the trophy, Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director & CEO, said, “This award reflects our relentless focus on service excellence, innovation, and global partnerships. With platforms like Glid and data-led solutions, we are setting new benchmarks in aviation and travel.”

IATO has proposed an ‘Incredible India Endorsement’ programme to engage leading Indian brands and industry icons as tourism ambassadors. The association also emphasised joint promotion and support for the tour operators approved by the Ministry of Tourism-approved, including financial aid for brochures, digital marketing, and co-promotions with hospitality chains, airlines, and wellness brands.

The Union Ministry of Tourism and its allied bodies are actively implementing the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM) 5.0, focusing on cleanliness, governance, and efficiency. With 6,429 monitored targets, cleanliness drives at 413 tourism sites, and large-scale digitisation efforts, the initiative aims to streamline operations and enhance India’s tourism infrastructure to give a more organised and welcoming experiencefor domestic and international tourists.

Attend an exclusive webinar today at 3 pm (IST) to know about Dubai Safari Park and its unique attractions and visitor experiences. Interested participants can register to attend the session. For more information or registration assistance, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call +91 9650196532.

Ahmad Johanif bin Mohamad Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia, New Delhi Office, shared that Malaysia aims for 1.5 million Indian tourists in 2025, with nearly 900,000 arrivals recorded by July 2025. For 2026, the Malaysian government has set an ambitious goal of welcoming 2 million Indian visitors. Indians show keen interest in Malaysia’s golf tourism.

At its 75th AGM, HRAWI re-elected Jimmy Shaw, Managing Director, The Waterfront Shaw, Lavasa as its President. Nirav Gandhi (Sr Vice President), Chetan Mehta (Vice President), and Pradeep Shetty (Honorary Secretary) continue in their current roles, while Gurbir Singh Bedi will take charge as Joint Honorary Secretary. Paramjit Singh Ghai assumes the position of Honorary Treasurer.

Kandula Durgesh, Tourism Minister, Government of Andhra Pradesh, announced that the government is considering a new heritage tourism policy for the state to preserve historic buildings and unlock their revenue generation potential. He also talked about hospitality projects worth ₹723 crore approved in six months, generating nearly 200,000 jobs, while highlighting proactive policies, infrastructure expansion, and global outreach through major platforms like ITB Berlin and WTM London.

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, highlighted that GST rationalisation will aid India’s tourism industry. “Reduction of tax rates from 12 per cent to 5 per cent will result into notable consumer savings,” he said, acknowledging that minor issues around Input Tax Credit require coordination with the GST Council. “The government’s overall policy direction strongly supports the sector’s expansion.”

The stage is set for one of the most awaited evening in Indian travel and tourism sector — the India Travel Awards 2025, scheduled for 9 September at Le Meridien, New Delhi. For over a decade, this iconic platform has stood as the ultimate benchmark of excellence, applauding visionaries, innovators, and achievers who have shaped the industry. This year’s edition promises to be grander than ever, honouring trailblazers, seasoned stalwarts, and the rising stars who represent the future of Indian travel. All eyes now turn to New Delhi, where the industry leaders will gather to celebrate aspiration, innovation, and achievement at the most anticipated awards night of the year.