Category Archives: Hotels

HRAWI is gearing up to host its flagship ‘Empowering Hospitality’ conclave and awards ceremony in Nashik on 28 February. The event aims to promote industry collaboration and recognise hospitality leaders for their contributions to the sector. “The conclave is aimed at promoting knowledge-sharing and equipping professionals with tools to navigate today’s dynamic market,” said Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI.

WelcomHeritage announced the appointment of Ashutosh Chhibba as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With over 30 years of exemplary experience in the hospitality industry, Chhibba is poised to lead WelcomHeritage into an exciting new era of growth, innovation, and operational excellence. An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata, and a graduate of the Welcomgroup Management Institute, Chhibba began his distinguished career with ITC Hotels in 1992. Over the decades, he has held key leadership roles, driving success at iconic properties such as the erstwhile Welcomgroup Chola Sheraton, ITC Kakatiya, ITC Maurya, and ITC Mughal. His international experience includes overseeing the launch and operations of the legendary restaurant Dumpukht in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia, where he demonstrated his ability to adapt and deliver excellence in diverse global markets. Chhibba’s career has encompassed both leisure and business hospitality segments, with a strong focus on managing owned properties across multiple locations, including Riyadh, Aurangabad, and Hyderabad. In addition to his vast operational expertise, Chhibba is deeply committed to continuous learning, having completed the Revenue Management Programme at Cornell University, USA, and the Sales & Marketing Exposure Programme at IIM Bangalore. These advanced programmes have equipped him with cutting-edge skills in revenue optimisation, sales strategies, and marketing innovations, ensuring a strategic approach to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Commenting on his appointment, Ashutosh Chhibba said, “I am honoured to lead WelcomHeritage, a brand synonymous with India’s cultural richness and heritage. I look forward to leveraging my experience to further enhance our offerings, strengthen our brand presence, and deliver unparalleled guest satisfaction while preserving the legacy of WelcomHeritage.”

Horwath HTL report showed that despite economic challenges and the absence of major events, the hospitality sector saw strong growth, with a national occupancy rate of 63.9%, an Average Daily Rate (ADR) of INR7,951, and a 10.7% RevPAR increase. India added 14,400 chain-affiliated rooms, pushing the total supply past 200,00.

Six Senses has received the highest level of certification by Control Union – a certification body accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Six Senses properties underwent an extensive audit by Control Union to verify their efforts in sustainability planning, reducing negative environmental impacts, enhancing cultural heritage, and maximizing social and economic benefits for surrounding communities. Jeff Smith, Vice President of Sustainability, Six Senses shares, “GSTC Certification is a mark of trust and credibility in sustainability. While this certification is issued globally, it marks a proud moment for our individual Six Senses properties included in this certification and their sustainability teams, who work proactively to provide uncompromising hospitality, environmentally cognizant operations, an outstanding guest experience, and high levels of engagement among colleagues and the local community.” The GSTC Certification is a respected seal of sustainable travel and tourism, offering an antidote to “greenwashing” in the hospitality industry. The extensive certification criteria aim to give credibility to sustainability claims, ensuring they are both measurable and can be upheld through meaningful action. Certification is based on third-party audits of hotels and corporate processes by accredited auditors, and is granted for a period of three years, providing a continuous commitment to improvement and accountability. Six Senses Vana, a pioneering wellness retreat nestled in the Himalayan foothills, has made significant contributions to achieving this prestigious certification, embracing sustainability as a core value since its inception. The GSTC certification further validates Six Senses Vana’s efforts to minimize environmental footprint, preserve cultural heritage, and cultivate meaningful connections with the local community, thereby marking a proud moment in its long-standing sustainability journey. Jaspreet Singh, General Manager, Six Senses Vana, added, “The recent GSTC certification is a testament …

According to the India Hotel Market Review 2024 released by Horwath HTL, seven states in India contributed over 70% of the national room revenue, with Maharashtra solely contributing 20% to it. The net supply growth in 2024 was 14.4k rooms with rooms demand per day up 29,000 rooms since 2019. It predicts that about 105,000 rooms to be added by 2029.

Celebrating its 75 years of leadership in hospitality, Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI, said, “We are set to roll out special initiatives and commemorative events throughout the year to elevate the hospitality sector. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our dedication to promoting growth, advocating for progressive policies, driving sustainability and strengthening India’s position as a global tourism hub.”

Highlighting that luxury hospitality is no longer confined to metropolitan hubs and is expanding to emerging cities, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “tier-II and tier-III cities in India are becoming important markets as affluence rises and travel preferences diversify.”

In Q4 2024, the independent hotel brand strengthens its global portfolio across nine countries, from a grand hilltop retreat in Udaipur to an eco-friendly island escape in Colombia Preferred Hotels & Resorts announced the addition of 10 new member properties to its global portfolio between 1 October and 31 December, 2024. To celebrate, I Prefer Hotel Rewards members can earn 2,500 bonus points on eligible stays at any of these participating locations for a limited time. Ranging from a restored mansion set in the heart of Santiago’s historic center to an Austrian alpine retreat, each of these unique properties offer a host of memorable guest experiences designed to inspire travelers as they embark on new adventures across the world in 2025 and beyond, with highlights including: Gamboa Rainforest Reserve (Gamboa, Panama) – Lifestyle Collection: Located deep within the lush Panama jungle along the banks of the Chagres River, Gamboa Rainforest Reserve offers an immersive escape in the heart of nature. This rainforest retreat features 166 elegantly designed rooms and suites with private balconies, offering panoramic views of the verdant jungle and winding waterways. Guests can unwind in the resort’s pool or indulge in locally inspired cuisine at a variety of dining options. Activity highlights include guided aerial tram rides through the forest canopy, visits to the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary, kayaking on the Panama Canal, tours of the nearby Soberanía National Park to spot exotic wildlife, and enriching cultural experiences with indigenous communities. Hotel Magnolia (Santiago, Chile) – L.V.X. Collection: Set in the heart of Santiago’s historic district, Hotel Magnolia seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern sophistication. Housed in a historic building converted into a contemporary hotel, this boutique retreat boasts …

Minor Hotels announced the upcoming debut of NH Collection in Spain’s Balearic Islands, with NH Collection Ibiza to launch in April. Sir Joan hotel in Ibiza, recently acquired by AX Partners, will undergo a refurbishment in line with NH Collection’s premium standards before relaunching under the new brand this spring. Following a comprehensive refurbishment in 2017, this current renovation will further enhance both the quality of its facilities and its services, including the gastronomic offering which will feature a new restaurant and cocktail options. With this, the new five-star NH Collection Ibiza aims to become one of the benchmarks of premium tourism in Ibiza, now with the service and benefits of a great brand to provide unique and unforgettable experiences to its customers. Overlooking the port of Ibiza and the old town, the hotel is a meeting point for national and international visitors to the vibrant island of Ibiza. Its privileged location, now combined with the management of Minor Hotels under the NH Collection brand, will position it as a key asset in the premium segment of the Balearic Islands. Second opening in 2025 for the NH Collection brand The launch of this hotel in April will be the brand’s second of the year, following the recently announced NH Collection Alagna Mirtillo Rosso in Italy, which will open its doors in March. This four-star hotel, located in the heart of the Pennine Alps in the village of Alagna Valsesia at the foot of Monte Rosa, is perfect for skiing enthusiasts. Together, these properties will help strengthen the NH Collection brand portfolio, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with nearly 100 hotels worldwide. Gonzalo Aguilar, Chief Executive Officer, Minor …

The official debut of Regenta Resort, a five-star luxury retreat near the famed “Statue of Unity” in Kevadia, Gujarat, was announced by Royal Orchid Hotels (ROHL), following an announcement of the agreement earlier this year. As the 15th ROHL-branded hotel in Gujarat, this new, fully-managed luxury property is well-positioned to become an iconic asset in the state’s burgeoning tourism industry. With 49 rooms ranging from spacious suites with private balconies overlooking tranquil mountains to Presidential Villas with private pools and gardens, Regenta Resort caters to a wide range of travelers’ needs amidst verdant landscapes and picturesque scenery. The retreat features tasteful decor blended with new age charm and convenience replete with ROHL’s signature hospitality and impeccable service. The in-house multi cuisine café Vindhychal offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes, including Indian, Continental, Chinese, and local specialties, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for every palate. Kevadia, located in the Narmada district of Gujarat, has emerged as a prominent tourist and cultural hub. The monumental Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel an exemplary figure and the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister, has transformed Kevadia into a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. Other than being home of the SOU, Kevadia is known for its vibrant natural beauty, jaw dropping mountain range and serene landscapes including Sardar Sarovar Dam. Chander K. Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels said, “This launch is a reflection of our commitment to expanding our business in western India and meeting the rising demand for high-end accommodations and experiences in strategic locations, both of which are indicators of our guests’ evolving preferences. The region’s significance …