Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman, Moscow City Tourism Committee, informed that Russia aims to attract more Indians and MICE visitors. To do so they have already liberalised visa process and introduced e-visa. Russia aims to double tourism’s contribution to its GDP from 3.8 per cent to 10 per cent by 2030 by launching ‘Tourism and Hospitality’ project in 2025.

According to HVS Anarock’s ‘Occupancy Trends Across Key Indian Markets,’ all major cities saw a rise in occupancy rates in 2024 compared to previous year. Mumbai tops with over 80 per cent occupancy, driven by MICE events and high-profile gatherings like Dua Lipa’s concert. Pune recorded the highest growth, with a 12-14 percentage point increase.

Hemant Soren, Chief Minister, Jharkhand directed officials to prepare a blueprint for promoting eco-tourism in Jharkhand. With a forest cover of around 33 per cent, the state offers immense potential for eco-tourism activities such as forest trails, nature walks, jungle safaris, trekking and rock climbing, among others for adventure and nature enthusiasts.

Ravi Jain, Secretary, Tourism Rajasthan, said, “The state has allocated a budget of ₹5000 crore to promote cultural heritage and sustainable tourism, conserve heritage sites, and initiate new projects. Additionally, IIFA Awards 2025, scheduled for 7-9 March in Jaipur, will elevate state’s global appeal by promoting film tourism, local art and culture.

The annual “Neravu” distribution event, organised as part of the Asha Prakash Shetty Support Program, was held on 25 December at 3:30 PM at Goldfinch City, Mangalore. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with several dignitaries and beneficiaries coming together to make the initiative a grand success. This year’s event was graced by Adamya Chetna Foundation chairperson, Tejaswini Ananth Kumar, who attended as the chief guest. Other prominent personalities present included Dr M Mohan Alva, President, Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodabidri; Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA, Kappu; Gaurav P. Shetty, Managing Director, MRG Group; and Dr K Prakash Shetty, Founder & Chairman, MRG Group. Over six crores in assistance was distributed to 3000 families, benefiting approximately 15,000 individuals. The beneficiaries were carefully selected following a rigorous review of applications and verification of details to ensure the support reached the most deserving individuals and organisations. This year, the initiative prioritised those with mental disabilities, long-term illnesses requiring continuous treatment, physical disabilities, cancer, and other severe conditions. Assistance was also extended to individuals excelling in academics and sports or facing challenges in continuing education. Transport facilities for beneficiaries were arranged, with volunteers ensuring smooth execution. At the venue, 25 counters were set up for efficient distribution of assistance. Beneficiaries presented their pre-distributed tokens to receive their cheques at the counters. The well-coordinated efforts of volunteers ensured that the distribution process ran seamlessly without disruptions. The programme also supported organisations conducting impactful, community-focused initiatives, including maintaining cleanliness, empowering women, enabling youth, skill development, and promoting social transformation. Assistance for organisations ranged from ₹1,00,000 to ₹10,00,000, while individual beneficiaries received amounts between ₹10,000 and ₹1,00,000, depending on their specific needs. Medical cases formed a significant portion …

Crowne Plaza Kochi announced the appointment of Jerin Jose as Executive Housekeeper. With over 16 years of experience in housekeeping management, Jerin has worked with prestigious brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and The Rain Tree Hotels. His expertise spans quality assurance, inventory control, budgeting, and expense management, alongside strong skills in time management, communication, and team development. Jerin is recognised for achieving a perfect cleanliness score in his career. Dinesh Rai, General Manager, expressed excitement about his appointment, confident that Jerin’s leadership will elevate service standards. We welcome Jerin to the IHG family!    

Echor Samara in Morjim, Goa and Echor Baris Resort in Mussoorie add over 60 keys to the group’s portfolio, strengthening its presence in sought-after destinations. Echor Hotels, a leader in boutique hospitality, has announced the addition of two new properties to its growing portfolio: Echor Samara in Morjim, Goa, and Echor Baris Resort in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. This launch marks Echor’s debut in Uttarakhand and Goa, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to providing luxury stays in both offbeat and iconic destinations. With the addition of these two properties, Echor now manages over 400 keys across India and continues its march toward its ambitious revenue target of ₹100 crore by FY 2027. About the Properties Echor Samara, Morjim, Goa Located just a short walk from the serene Morjim Beach, Echor Samara offers 29 well-appointed rooms, including suites and pool-view accommodations. The property features a sea-view restaurant serving gourmet cuisine, a refreshing swimming pool, and a tranquil spa. Perfect for romantic getaways and family vacations, this boutique haven combines the vibrant energy of Goa with the luxury of a premium retreat. Echor Baris Resort, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand Situated amidst the scenic greenery of Mussoorie, Echor Baris Resort introduces 34 luxury rooms offering breathtaking jungle and Doon Valley views. The resort features private sit-out areas, a family-friendly children’s play zone, and a charming lawn for picnics and outdoor activities. Guests can savour diverse culinary experiences at the in-house restaurant, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. “We are thrilled to announce the addition of two incredible properties to the Echor Group – Echor Baris Resort in Mussoorie, our first property in Uttarakhand, and Echor Samara in Morjim, our debut in the Goa market,” said …

HRAWI advises members on responsible festive season practices The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI has issued a comprehensive advisory for its members to ensure smooth and lawful operations during the upcoming festive season. The guidelines, aimed at maintaining safety, compliance and guest satisfaction, encompass specifics including operational timings, promoting responsible bar tending and drinking, staff contribution transparency and adherence to noise and music regulations. Members are reminded to comply with locally permitted hours and secure necessary licenses for special events; strict age restrictions for alcohol consumption through display of appropriate signage and initiatives like valet and ride-hailing services to deter drink-and-drive incidents. The advisory also instructs F&B establishments to adhere to permissible decibel levels and enforce music cut-off times and to obtain permissions for live events in advance. HRAWI thanks the Maharashtra Government for allowing hotel and restaurant establishments in the State to operate till 5 am on the 31st of December 2024. “Our goal is to ensure a festive season that is enjoyable for patrons while being compliant with local laws. Adhering to these guidelines will promote goodwill and maintain the integrity of the hospitality industry. Collaboration with local authorities is essential to preventing incidents and promoting safety during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. We urge our members to proactively support initiatives like responsible bar tending and drinking including the right to refusal; provision of valet services and, following music and noise regulations,” says Pradeep Shetty, Spokesperson, HRAWI. HRAWI has further advised members to ensure service charges to be capped at 10 per cent, transparently communicated and fairly distributed among staff. The measure aims to safeguard customer trust and prevent any disputes. The advisory also highlights …

GRNconnect, in collaboration with DTORR, successfully conducted several student training sessions in November and December 2025, aimed at empowering students pursuing careers in travel and hospitality. These sessions, trained over 100 students and were held across esteemed educational institutions, are a testament to GRNconnect’s commitment to fostering the next generation of travel specialists, entrepreneurs, and influencers. Training Details: ITM University, Raipur Dates: 21st & 22nd November 2025 Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Amarkantak Dates: 26th & 27th November 2025 Department of Travel & Tourism, Government Polytechnic Nagpur, Maharashtra Dates: 21st & 23rd December 2025 These training programmes focused on providing practical knowledge and industry insights, ensuring students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the competitive travel and hospitality industry. Deepak Narula, Managing Director, GRNconnect said, “At GRNconnect, we firmly believe in the power of education and hands-on training to shape the future of the travel industry. By collaborating with DTORR, we aim to inspire and equip students with the tools they need to succeed as professionals and entrepreneurs. This initiative is our way of giving back to the travel fraternity and nurturing talent for a brighter tomorrow.” Vikas Tembhare, Director, DTORR said, “DTORR specialises in making students job-ready by providing practical and impactful training. Partnering with GRNconnect has been a remarkable experience, and together, we are bridging the gap between academia and the dynamic demands of the travel industry. These training programmes are a significant step towards preparing students for successful careers.” This collaboration underscores the shared vision of GRNconnect and DTORR to invest in the future of the travel and hospitality sectors by fostering a culture of learning and innovation among aspiring professionals. Together, they …

Sarovar Hotels & Ishaan Group announced the opening of Ishaan Sarovar Portico, Deoghar, an inviting retreat that caters to pilgrims, leisure travellers, and business guests alike. Strategically located in the sacred city of Deoghar, the hotel seamlessly blends modern hospitality with the serene and spiritual ambiance of the region, offering an enriching experience to every guest. This exciting addition to the Sarovar portfolio sets a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the region, offering modern amenities, exceptional service, and an unforgettable stay for both business and leisure travellers. With 52 elegantly designed rooms and suites across Deluxe & Premium Rooms and Executive Suites, Ishaan Sarovar Portico sets a new standard of comfort and sophistication in Deoghar. Each room features contemporary aesthetics, plush furnishings, and modern amenities, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hotel has diverse dining and leisure options, including Punita, a multi-cuisine all-day dining restaurant serving expertly crafted Indian, international, and local delicacies, and Fursat, a chic lounge bar offering handcrafted cocktails and premium spirits in a vibrant setting. Guests can also unwind at Sukoon, the in-house spa offering signature treatments and therapeutic massages, and Kasrat a fully equipped fitness centre. For weddings, social gatherings, and corporate events, the hotel provides three versatile banqueting and conferencing facilities that can accommodate up to 450 guests, making it a preferred choice for hosting memorable occasions in Deoghar. Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels & Director, Louvre Hotels India, expressed his excitement about the launch, stating: “We are delighted to open Ishaan Sarovar Portico in Deoghar, a city that holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. This hotel reflects our vision of creating unique experiences that blend modern hospitality …