Meghalaya is set to elevate its cultural calendar to new heights as the Me’gong Festival returns to Tura on December 5th and 6th with a stellar global lineup led by pop-rock icon Richard Marx and internationally acclaimed electronic duo Yellow Claw. The 2025 edition further strengthens the State’s expanding cultural economy framework envisioned by Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, where festivals act as catalysts for tourism, livelihoods, and community-driven growth. Over the years, Me’gong has evolved into one of Meghalaya’s most influential cultural platforms. The 2024 edition drew more than 3 lakh visitors over two days—one of the highest footfalls for any festival in the Northeast—underscoring its rising national and international resonance. This rapid growth aligns with the Chief Minister’s vision of nurturing an economic ecosystem powered by music, culture, creativity, and indigenous heritage. From hospitality and transportation to artisans, food entrepreneurs, and local youth, the festival continues to generate widespread economic opportunities while positioning the Garo Hills as a major cultural and tourism hub. The 2025 edition of Me’gong will feature an exciting musical lineup, highlighted by Bollywood stars Kanika Kapoor and Neeti Mohan. They will share the stage with leading local bands including Rough Road, Hoi Hoi Makbil, Haystack Ladies, G-Hills Finest, Crack Gang, and Ahaia. This blend of celebrated Indian talents and homegrown artists promises an electrifying showcase that celebrates the soul of Garo Hills. The festival’s rising profile was further cemented in 2024 when iconic Swedish rock band EUROPE performed for the first time in Northeast India. Visitors to Me’gong can also indulge in authentic Garo cuisine and explore craft exhibitions, weaving demonstrations, bamboo artistry, and traditional beaded jewellery—each reflecting the region’s rich cultural …

LaRiSa Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Nabha Haveli by LaRiSa — its first hotel in Punjab. The opening of this heritage resort in the historic town of Nabha, near Patiala, marks a key milestone in LaRiSa’s expansion across North India and its entry into Punjab. Nabha Haveli by LaRiSa becomes part of LaRiSa Hotels & Resorts’ growing portfolio of hotels, resorts, and villas — each thoughtfully designed to connect travellers with the true essence of their destination. The brand currently has a presence in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Just a short drive from Patiala, Nabha Haveli by LaRiSa will offer guests a deeply evocative escape into Punjab’s royal heartland — a region celebrated for its rich history, striking architecture, and cinematic charm. The area’s palaces, forts, and tree-lined avenues have long inspired filmmakers, with iconic movies such as Jab We Met, Veer-Zaara, and Patiala House filmed in and around the region. At LaRiSa, every destination has a story waiting to be rediscovered. Nabha’s story is woven with heritage, grace, and community — and Nabha Haveli by LaRiSa has been envisioned as a space where guests can become part of that narrative, all while experiencing LaRiSa’s signature warmth and comfort. “The signing of Nabha Haveli by LaRiSa marks an important step in our expansion across North India and is a significant milestone in our growth journey,” said Randhir Narayan, Director, LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts. “As we grow, we remain committed to crafting stays that capture the true spirit of each destination. Punjab’s legendary hospitality, combined with our professional management approach, will offer travellers an exceptional and luxurious experience …

Set between the vibrant city of Danang and the UNESCO heritage charm of Hoi An, Renaissance Danang Hoi An Resort & Spa has quickly become a standout destination for both leisure travellers and the growing MICE market. General Manager Mr. Piyoros Naronglith shares how the resort blends Marriott’s global standards with authentic local culture, sustainable practices, and flexible venue offerings—making it a preferred choice for Indian incentive groups, weddings, and multi-city programs across Vietnam. In this Q&A, he highlights the resort’s unique strengths, rising demand from India, and its role in shaping Central Vietnam as a leading leisure + MICE hub. What role does your property play in positioning Vietnam as a leisure + MICE destination? As General Manager, I believe our resort plays a significant role in elevating Vietnam’s profile as both a leisure and MICE hub. Located between vibrant Danang and the UNESCO-recognized Ancient Town of Hoi An, the Renaissance Danang Hoi An Resort & Spa showcases Vietnam’s rich blend of culture, nature, and modern infrastructure. Since early 2025, we have hosted over 30 incentive groups and executive retreats—highlighting the rising demand for “bleisure” experiences. Our full-service resort under the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio gives planners the assurance of global standards with authentic local character. Which experiences are most preferred by Indian groups? Indian incentive and wedding groups—eight so far this year—seek experiences that combine celebration, bonding, and cultural exploration. Our oceanfront event lawns, sunset beach dinners, and curated excursions such as lantern-making workshops and tours of Hoi An Ancient Town are major draws. Culinary customization is another key highlight. We collaborate closely with our chefs to offer tailored Indian menus, live vegetarian and Jain counters, and themed gala …

The patrons of Delhi-NCR are all set to experience a refreshing blend of flavour, fun and feel-good energy with the launch of HQ27 in the heart of the city. Crafted as Gurgaon’s new go-to hangout, the precinct arrives as a fresh codename for good times and exceptional experiences, set within an address already known for housing some of the city’s most prominent corporate destinations. Now reimagined, HQ27—with its open boulevards, alfresco corners and warm, uplifting aesthetic—promises the kind of easygoing experience that turns simple outings into memorable moments. HQ27 brings together a vibrant, thoughtfully curated ensemble of restaurants and concepts that give the neighbourhood an exciting new culinary rhythm. The experience begins with Aku’s, celebrated for its flavourful gourmet burgers; Le Marché, known for its artisanal groceries and premium essentials; Monique, offering elegant, indulgent patisserie craftsmanship; and Coffee Island, a warm, familiar stop for everyday brews and light bites. The precinct’s elevated dining offerings include Tan Yan by Sticky Rice, bringing refined and contemporary Pan-Asian flavours; Lazeez Affaire, serving iconic North Indian indulgence in a chic, modern setting; Carnatic Café, beloved for its soulful, authentic South Indian classics; and She’s Here, a contemporary dining concept offering global comfort cuisine in a lively, modern atmosphere. Adding a spirited edge is Espressos Anyday Martinis Anynight, a dynamic concept that transitions effortlessly from a relaxed daytime café to a lively, cocktail-forward evening spot. Completing this distinctive mix is Novy, an experiential new format that brings a playful, culturally rich dimension to HQ27. Together, these diverse yet complementary concepts create a destination that feels effortlessly social and endlessly inviting—perfect for long dinners, leisurely weekends, spontaneous catch-ups and every mood in between. Commenting on the …

India’s leading hospitality and F&B firm, Secret Ingredient, has brought to life Indore’s first-of-its-kind racquet club featuring paddle and pickleball facilities. Deuce officially opened its doors on November 14, unveiling an iconic glasshouse rooftop venue that blends sport and contemporary dining to create a fresh, modern social environment. Secret Ingredient has been part of the journey since day zero—from building the overall brand identity to steering multiple facets of the project including F&B development, layout planning, kitchen design, architectural advisory, and interior direction. The team also managed end-to-end operations, from menu trials to staff hiring and training, ensuring the concept translated seamlessly from idea to execution. The food and beverage identity at Deuce is global in its outlook, designed to feel comforting yet fun. The menu includes an all-day breakfast selection, healthy bowls, and courtside favourites like loaded burgers, crusty flatbreads, and artisanal pastas. The bar showcases reimagined classics along with playful, game-inspired cocktails such as Match Point, Rally Rush, and Crimson Court—capturing the Club’s lively, social character. An open kitchen with live views further reflects Deuce’s commitment to culinary quality, inviting diners to watch the craftsmanship behind each dish. Setting Deuce apart is its curated selection of signature smoothies, including Blue Goddess, Reese’s, and Pink Velvet, along with options to customise add-ons such as plant and whey protein, green and blue spirulina, mixed seeds, and marine or vegan collagen—allowing diners to craft personalised blends that support great taste and mindful, health-focused living. Speaking about the project, Hitesh Arora, VP – Operations, Secret Ingredient, said: “Deuce brings a refreshing perspective to how India experiences sports and social spaces. Our focus was on creating a strong F&B backbone while ensuring the …

Initiative aims to support air traffic controllers and airlines to significantly reduce fuel burn, and to deliver more on-time arrivals. This research partnership aims to advance operations via an AI-powered digital solution which can mitigate up to 40% of holding patterns at Dubai’s arrival airport. New system will predict UAE airspace congestion and generate proactive recommendations in order to modify flight plans whenever appropriate and reduce holding. Dubai Air Navigation Services, Emirates Airline, and Thales have signed a Collaborative Research Agreement to pioneer cutting-edge research aimed at reducing holding patterns for all flights arriving at Dubai International, supporting more efficient UAE airspace management. This collaboration to enhance the safety and efficiency of UAE airspace also reinforces the nation’s Net Zero by 2050 target. Holding patterns provide a safe, orderly system to sequence arriving aircraft during peak traffic and runway congestion. Aircraft fly carefully choreographed racetrack-shaped circuits at designated altitudes to ensure smooth arrivals. While holding patterns are essential for safety and operational flow, minimising their occurrence significantly reduces fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions. Under the agreement, the three partners will jointly research innovative ways to optimise aviation traffic management. Central to the initiative will be the integration of advanced AI technologies, which will help identify potential congestion areas and generate actionable recommendations for stakeholders. By leveraging these AI-driven insights, the collaboration aims to support air traffic controllers and airlines in minimising delays, enhancing predictability, and improving operational efficiency across the entire airspace network. Abdelhafid Mordi, Vice President of Thales in UAE and Iraq, and CEO of Thales Emarat Technologies said, “This innovative partnership with Dubai Air Navigation Services and Emirates Airline will allow us to strengthen the UAE’s airspace …

First IIT backed program delivered in Hindi, Telugu, Marathi and Tamil Masai, India’s leading outcome-driven EdTech platform, has launched its latest 4-month online certification program in Applied AI and ML Essentials, in partnership with I Hub IIT Patna. The program will be offered in Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, and Tamil, making it the first IIT-backed course to be delivered in regional languages across India. The demand for AI and ML skills has increased sharply. Companies today expect candidates to use AI-based tools and solve business problems from day one. Nearly 70% of enterprises say AI and ML are essential for gaining competitive advantage, and 75% of companies plan to use these technologies to improve decision-making and business outcomes. This shift has created a clear gap between available jobs and talent trained for these roles. Masai aims to bridge this gap by making quality technology education accessible to students from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The new program enables learners to understand complex concepts in their own language and gain practical skills that meet current job market expectations. Prateek Shukla, CEO & Co-Founder of Masai, said, “Large parts of India have strong talent but limited access to structured technology education. For many learners outside major metros, the language of instruction becomes a barrier even before the subject itself. By working with IIT Patna to deliver this program in Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, and Tamil, we are opening AI and ML education to a much wider group of students. The curriculum focuses on practical applications that companies expect from entry-level talent today, and we believe this will help strengthen the supply of job-ready professionals in a market where demand for these skills is expanding rapidly.” …

The Ramada by Wyndham, ALLEPPEY at Nehru Trophy Finishing Point, Punnamada, Alappuzha , Kerala – 688 001 today announced that Sreejith Kottla has been named general manager for the hotel, effective 31st October 2025, In his new role, Kottla  will be responsible for overseeing the hotel operations, ensuring guest satisfaction, maximizing revenue , managing staff and maintaining quality and financial performance, and promoting Alleppey as a premier MICE destination. Previously, Kottla  served as General Manager for Joys Hotels & Resorts, a Hotel group based in Thrissur, Kerala , responsible for hotel operations and Sales Mr. Reji Cheriyan, Chairman of the Ramada By Wyndham, Alleppey said, Sreejith is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that the Ramada By Wyndham continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the Alleppey community”. Kottla is a native of Payyanur, Kerala, and a graduate of Srinivas College of Hotel Management in Mangalore, Karnataka, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management. He also holds a MBA from Xavier Institute of Management, Mumbai. The Ramada by Wyndham , Alleppey is a 121 room hotel offering guests single, double and suite accommodations. Property features include backwater view Rooms,, Meetings spaces to accommodate 1500 persons, Restaurants, roof top bar , pool, fitness center,. Rooms at Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey feature modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions with expanded cable channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, upgraded bedding, tea and coffee makers, minibars, in-room safes, work desks, and spacious bathrooms with premium toiletries

The Ramada by Wyndham Gangtok Hotel & Casino Golden at Deorali, Gangtok today announced that Saurav Gupta has been named general manager for the hotel, effective 24th October 2025 . In his new role, Gupta will be responsible for hotel’s strategic growth and innovation, leadership and vision, revenue and sales, financial management and operational control, and ensure compliance and safety across all departments . Previously, Gupta served as General Manager for Regenta Central by Royal Orchid , a Hotel based in Jaipur, Rajasthan , responsible for operations, including strategic planning, revenue management, guest satisfaction, and team leadership . Manoj Sethi, owner of the Ramada by Wyndham Gangtok Hotel & Casino Golden said, “Saurav is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that the Ramada by Wyndham Gangtok Hotel & Casino Golden continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the Gangtok community”. Gupta is a native of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh and a 2009 graduate of IHM Kufri in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management . The Ramada by Wyndham Gangtok Hotel & Casino Golden is a 57-room hotel offering guests single, double and suite accommodations. Property features include complimentary breakfast, Rooftop pool, fitness center, meeting space, Rooftop Restaurant. Rooms feature Smart HDTV, coffee/tea maker, minibar, desk, electronic safe, ironing amenities, slippers, robes, hair dryer, bath products.

The Wyndham at Chandigarh Mohali today announced that Ajit Singh Dhankhar has been named general manager for the hotel, effective 06.10.25. In his new role, Dhankhar will be responsible for list responsibilities: Managing the entire operations of the hotel including general property performance, sales and marketing strategy, profitability and revenue. Supported the implementation of the brand service strategy and brand initiatives with the objective of meeting or exceeding guest expectations and developing strong associates’ team. etc.. Previously, Dhankhar served as General Manager for Parallel, Member of Radisson Individuals, a Luxury Boutique Business hotel based in Udaipur, Rajasthan, responsible for Upkeeping the guest experiences, meeting budgets and entire hotel operations. Angad Makkar, owner of the Wyndham Chandigarh Mohali said, “Ajit is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that the Wyndham Chandigarh continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the Chandigarh Mohali community”. Dhankhar is a native of Haryana and a 2006 graduate of Heritage Institute of Hotel & Tourism in Agra where he received his Hotel management & Tourism degree degree in all major departments. The Wyndham Chandigarh is a 80-room hotel offering guests single, double and suite accommodations. Property features include list property highlights such as complimentary breakfast, pool, fitness center, spa & saloon, Billiards & Snookers, Card room & meeting space, etc.. Rooms feature Free high speed wi-fi and flat screen HDTV spectacular views of the city surrounded by mountains, wrap up work at well-lit desk or stretch out in the sitting area as you order a snack from 24/7 room service. You will get a good night’s sleep on …