Cygnett Hotels & Resorts announces key additions to its senior leadership team as the fast-growing hospitality chain prepares for its next phase of expansion across India. As India’s mid-market and upscale hospitality segment becomes increasingly competitive, hotel companies are strengthening functional leadership to drive performance and operational consistency. Cygnett Hotels & Resorts’ latest appointments reflect this shift, with the company bringing in three seasoned professionals across culinary, learning and development, and technology. For the trade, the move signals Cygnett’s intention to reinforce its talent pool as the brand accelerates its national footprint. Chef Rahul Rana becomes Director–Culinary Cygnett Hotels & Resorts appoints Chef Rahul Rana as Director–Culinary, expanding its senior leadership bench with an experienced global hospitality professional. With 22 years of international experience, Chef Rana holds an advanced diploma in hospitality, tourism and culinary studies from Switzerland. His career spans leading hotel chains including Accor, Marriott, Hyatt, InterContinental and Sarova Hotels across the United Kingdom, Caribbean, Maldives, Indonesia, Kenya and India. Known for his expertise in modern culinary techniques and large-scale buffet presentations, he has also launched several standalone speciality restaurants, including Thai Chi (modern Pan-Asian), Peruvian concepts and Kenyan cuisine formats. Sanjit Kumar Thakur takes on the role of Corporate Learning and Development Manager Cygnett names Sanjit Kumar Thakur as Corporate Learning and Development Manager. Thakur brings nearly 15 years of experience, combining operational knowledge with strategic capability in people development. An alumnus of IHM Kolkata with an MBA in human resources management, he has worked with leading hospitality brands including Taj, Oberoi, Radisson, Sarovar and Accor. He currently oversees the L&D function at Cygnett, strengthening training systems and talent development frameworks. Ravvinder Bhola joins as General Manager …

UNESCO confirms that India will host its upcoming global intangible heritage committee session at the Red Fort. India is set to host the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, with UNESCO announcing the update during the opening of Journeying Across the Himalayas on 4 December. The session is scheduled to take place at the Red Fort and will bring together international delegates, experts and heritage custodians. The committee operates under the 2003 convention and oversees decisions related to the UNESCO intangible heritage lists. Announcing the development, Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, says: “In four days, India will be hosting the 20th session of the committee at the Red Fort, where dignitaries from around the world will come to decide on the UNESCO list.” For the trade, the announcement signals increased global attention on India’s cultural governance and its role in heritage preservation.

Tourism Malaysia has thanked Indian travel partners for driving strong visitor growth. Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia, New Delhi office, said India contributed 1.13 million arrivals last year and has already recorded 1.3 million visitors till October 2025. He added that partner support remains crucial in achieving Malaysia’s tourism targets.  

PATA will begin 2026 with its India chapter’s ‘Tourism Powerhouse’ event in Delhi on 8–9 January to discuss about the current trend, the challenges the country is facing, said Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA. He highlighted that discussions are underway with Indian members and chapters to introduce additional programmes beyond the Delhi event. Plans include capacity building, state-level outreach and thematic conferences to strengthen India’s engagement with global tourism networks.

Speaking at the TravTalk ThinkTank at the Le Meridien New Delhi, Naveen Kundu, Founder, Tourism Futures.AI, highlighted the urgent need for both promoter-led and professionally managed companies to embrace the art of ‘letting go’. He said leaders must allow their teams to learn, experiment and grow, without holding control too tightly. “Beyond running a business and making money, we have an obligation to create capable professionals for the industry,” he noted. He emphasised that empowering people, delegating responsibility and enabling independent decision-making are essential for the next phase of growth.

Impiana Private Villas Ubud Bali is inviting the Indian travel trade to an exclusive webinar today at 3 pm to showcase its newest offerings for the market. The webinar will highlight the property’s appeal for honeymooners, families, groups, and weddings, along with curated experiences rooted in Ubud’s nature and culture. The webinar will also unveil exclusive value-added packages and include an interactive Q&A. For more info, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

GRT Hotels & Resorts recently hosted the newest edition of its flagship thought-leadership series, ‘Great Conversations’, bringing together industry leaders for an insightful discussion on ‘Navigating Tomorrow – Leaders in Conversations.’ The spotlight was on emerging travel trends and the evolution of guest behaviour, explored through a compelling all-women panel featuring influential voices shaping the future of hospitality and tourism. Breaking convention, the session highlighted diverse perspectives on the shifting travel landscape, consumer demands, and the strategic direction for brands aiming to stay ahead. The distinguished panel included: Loveleen Arun, Founder, Panache World. Recognised by several global networks like Traveller Made, she is one of the premier Luxury Travel advisors in India today. Ranjini Nambiar, Director, Footloose Yatra Consultants. Ranjini served as the National – one of the industry’s most respected voices in experiential and sustainable travel. President of SKÅL International India from 2018 to 2020 Anu Shinoj, Hotel Manager, Radisson Hotel Bengaluru City Center The conversation was expertly moderated by Shubhangi N, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, GRT Hotels & Resorts. “The most enduring success in travel and hospitality belongs to those who look beyond fleeting market trends to capture the deeper, emotional voice of the guest. We believe the true differentiator is not operational perfection, but a commitment to purpose-driven hospitality and authentic human presence. We are happy to convene conversations like this with our industry peers, because it is through this collective intelligence that we can anticipate change, build trust, and deliver the extraordinary experiences our modern travellers seek,” said Mr Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts. The discussion delved into key areas, including the rise of experiential travel, the increasing demand for personalised …

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is the latest addition to the Saadiyat Cultural District, and it recently marked its much-anticipated grand opening with an exclusive VIP preview on Thursday evening. The high-end event was graced by global talent, cultural leaders, and special guests to experience the region’s most awaited and newest landmark. Ahead of the official public opening on 22 November 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan were spotted exploring the museum and enjoying an exclusive first look at its collections and dynamic exhibits. The actors experienced the immersive displays that bring natural history to life and encountered key highlights such as 67-million-year-old “Stan”, one of the best-preserved examples of a fossilised T. rex skeleton ever discovered. The VIP opening also welcomed an exciting lineup of international celebrities from across film, television, music, art, and culture. Leading the red carpet were Abu Dhabi resident and global TV icon Steve Harvey; acclaimed special-effects designer and MythBusters star Adam Savage; and rising Hollywood talents David Iacono and Audrina Miranda, stars of the recent Jurassic World movie. Joining them were award-winning producer and entrepreneur Swizz Beatz; celebrated actors Ron Perlman (Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy) and Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian); Tunisian-Italian model and cultural icon Afef Jnifen; and a host of other distinguished guests. Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, the largest institution of its kind in the Middle East, has a special focus on the natural history of the Emirates and the wider region. Galleries take visitors back in time to seven million years ago, when the Arabian climate was very different, giving life to a green and lush savannah-like landscape roamed by now-extinct animals, including …

TGI Hotels has announced the signing of Trishvam Palolem Beach Resort, a premium beachfront property under its Trishvam brand. Set to open in December 2025, the new resort marks TGI’s second property in Goa, expanding its presence from Panjim to Palolem Beach — one of South Goa’s most popular leisure destinations. Located directly on the shoreline, Trishvam Palolem Beach Resort will offer 42 elegantly designed cottages that combine natural coastal aesthetics with contemporary comforts. Positioned as a premium coastal hideaway, the resort aims to deliver immersive beachfront living with uninterrupted access to Palolem’s serene landscape. The property will feature an all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and a spa, catering to leisure travellers seeking comfort, wellness, and elevated beachside experiences. Commenting on the signing, Amit Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Hotels, said:“Panjim laid the foundation for our growth in Goa, and expanding into Palolem is a natural next step. Trishvam, part of our premium brand collection, reflects TGI’s commitment to elevated hospitality. Trishvam Palolem Beach Resort is the third property under the Trishvam premium brand collection, after Pondicherry and Krishnagiri, strengthening TGI’s presence in the leisure segment and enhancing its footprint in Goa. With this new resort, we aim to offer guests a refined beachfront stay that brings together comfort, local charm, and our signature warmth.” Trishvam Palolem Beach Resort is the third property under the brand, following Pondicherry and Krishnagiri, reinforcing TGI Hotels’ expansion in India’s leisure travel market.