Category Archives: Hotels

Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture, UP, informed that under the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2022, the state has received investment proposals worth ₹1 trillion in the hospitality sector in the last two years. The proposals were received after the state organised the Global Investors Summit in February 2023.

Odisha has attracted ₹8,155 crore investment at the ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025,’ for luxury hotels, resorts, adventure, and convention centres. As per Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister, Odisha, the state is planning to promote itself as a preferred destination for the MICE and destination weddings segment and concert tourism.

Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & MD, Cygnett Hotels and Resorts shared his views on the Union Budget 2025 saying, “The Union Budget’s strategic emphasis on tourism is a welcome move that will significantly boost India’s hospitality industry. The development of 50 key destinations under challenge mode, along with streamlined e-visas and visa-free access for select tourist groups, will drive international footfall and enhance India’s global appeal. The government’s initiative to include new hotels coming up in 50 key destinations in the infrastructure harmonised list (HML) for projects where land will be provided by the state governments is a welcome step. This will help hospitality investors to avail infrastructure lending at easier terms with enhanced limits and offer access to larger amounts of funds as External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs). The government’s plan to introduce a modified UDAN scheme for strengthening connectivity to additional 120 destinations and supporting helipads development in northeastern region will help to connect potential tourist destinations in the region. Particularly, the focus on the Buddhist Circuit presents immense opportunities for hospitality expansion. With greater infrastructure and promotion around these culturally significant sites, we see strong potential to develop quality accommodations and travel experiences in these regions, catering to both domestic and international travellers. Additionally, skill development initiatives through IHMs and financial support for homestays via Mudra loans will strengthen the sector, ensuring high-quality service and deeper community involvement in tourism growth. Cygnett Hotels is keen to align with these initiatives, expanding our footprint in high-growth destinations and playing a pivotal role in India’s tourism success story.”

With the announcement of the Union Budget 2025, the tourism and hospitality sector witnessed a new dawn of hope for tourism activities in India, specially for infrastructure development. Appreciating the budget, K Syama Raju, President, FHRAI, said, “The plan to develop the top 50 tourism destinations in partnership with state governments is a major initiative. This collaboration will not only improve infrastructure but also help spread tourism across the country, attracting more visitors and benefiting local communities. Additionally, the inclusion of hotels in the harmonious master list and the granting of infrastructure status to the hospitality sector is a significant move. This aligns with our long-standing request for granting of Infrastructure Status to the hospitality industry. This will facilitate access to cheaper, long-term financing, enabling hotels in these newly developed destinations to upgrade their facilities and offer world-class services, further boosting the sector.” He further added, “The focus on medical and wellness tourism through the ‘Heal-in-India’ initiative in the Union Budget 2025 is a forward-thinking move that will strengthen India’s position as a global leader in healthcare. India has already earned a reputation for providing world-class medical treatments at a fraction of the cost found in developed countries. By promoting ‘Heal-in-India,’ the government aims to further capitalise on this strength, attracting international patients seeking affordable, high-quality healthcare services. This initiative will not only boost medical and wellness tourism but will also create a platform for India’s healthcare industry to expand its global footprint. With the support of the government, healthcare facilities across the country will be encouraged to offer specialised treatments and services, making India an attractive destination for patients from both developed and developing nations.” He also highlighted, “The introduction …

Every hotel room added to the ecosystem creates two direct jobs and approximately eight indirect ones, significantly contributing to tourism infrastructure, said KB Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India, Chairman, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group. “Yet, despite its transformative impact, the sector remains under-recognized in policy priorities. HAI calls for the Budget 2025-2026 to announce imperative policy interventions that empower the hospitality industry,” he says.

Tisya Stays has long been a hallmark of luxury and privacy in the world of villa rentals, and with the recent expansion of its portfolio, it is further solidifying its reputation as a premium provider of exclusive vacation experiences. With 18 luxurious villas and 35 apartments in Goa and three stunning villas nestled in the peaceful hills of Uttarakhand, Tisya Stays offers an unparalleled combination of comfort, space, and privacy. The company announced the launch of new villas that cater to various group sizes and preferences. These new additions—Casa Solace, Casa Meraki, and Casa 2565, all three-bedroom properties, and the larger Vilasa villa with five bedrooms—are designed to provide guests with an extraordinary vacation experience. Each villa boasts its own private pool, contemporary amenities, and exceptional interiors, ensuring that every stay is nothing short of memorable. In addition to these stunning new properties, Tisya Stays also offers luxurious villas in the serene surroundings of Uttarakhand. The Mukteshwar, Sitla, and Satoli villas provide a perfect escape for those looking to unwind amidst the tranquillity of the hills, combining nature’s beauty with the utmost in luxury and privacy. One of the key differentiators of Tisya Stays is its unwavering focus on delivering a personalised experience. Each villa comes equipped with modern amenities like private pools and generators for power backup (for villas), ensuring that guests enjoy a seamless, uninterrupted stay. For those who require additional services, the concierge team is always on hand to arrange everything from airport transfers and grocery deliveries to spa treatments and private chefs, further elevating the overall guest experience. Tisya Stays is also accredited with Marriott Bonvoy, which means guests enjoy exclusive privileges, including earning and redeeming …

Experience divine serenity and vibrant hospitality at the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels (ASPHL) announced the opening of Zone Connect by The Park Prayagraj, a contemporary retreat in the historic city of Prayagraj. The milestone aligns with the spiritual fervour of the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, making it a timely addition to the city’s vibrant hospitality landscape. Strategically located in the heart of the sacred Kumbh City, Zone Connect by The Park Prayagraj offers a perfect blend of comfort and spiritual serenity, making it an ideal stay for both devotees and travellers. It is located just two km from Prayagraj Railway Station and 13 km from Allahabad Airport offering easy access to the city’s key landmarks, including the iconic Triveni Sangam, just 6.7 km away. The guests can savour exquisite vegetarian cuisine at Café C, host gatherings in the Townhall banquet accommodating up to 100 people, and hold meetings in the versatile Grey Zone, designed for up to 30 participants. For rejuvenation, the Vitalia Spa & Fitness Centre provides a tranquil escape, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling stay experience. Speaking about the launch, Vikas Ahluwalia, General Manager and National Head, Zone by The Park Hotels, shared, “Prayagraj is a city of profound spiritual significance, and we are honoured to introduce Zone Connect by The Park Prayagraj in time for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. With thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage networking and productivity, Zone Connect caters equally to spiritual seekers and corporate travellers, making it a hub for being social, nimble and at ease.” Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, emphasised the strategic importance of the launch, “We are …

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the signing of a hotel in Mandvi, Gujarat. This under construction project will be branded an IHCL SeleQtions hotel. Speaking on the occasion, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Mandvi’s unspoiled beaches and unique cultural heritage offers immense potential along India’s largely unexplored western coastline. Aligned with the Government of India’s Dekho Apna Desh initiative and IHCL’s pioneering spirit, we remain committed to developing such novel destinations. This signing strengthens our foothold in Gujarat bringing our portfolio to 29 hotels across brands. We are delighted to partner with Sea Leaf Resort for this project.” The 170-key IHCL SeleQtions Mandvi is a picturesque beachfront resort, set across 18 acres with scenic views of the Gulf of Kutch. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including an all-day dining restaurant and a specialty restaurant. Recreational amenities include a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and a spa with seven treatment rooms. Families will appreciate the dedicated kids’ play area, making the resort an ideal choice for all travellers. Ritesh Tanna, Director, Sea Leaf Resort, said, “We are happy to collaborate with IHCL to make Mandvi a sought-after destination for leisure travellers.” Mandvi, a picturesque town in the Kutch region of Gujarat, is a serene destination to enjoy the sea, sand, and sun. The tranquil Mandvi Beach, leading to the Arabian Sea, offers a peaceful retreat. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the Sundarwar Temple, Jama Masjid, Lakshminarayan Temple, Kajivali Mosque, and Rameshwar Temple, reflecting its rich historical significance. The iconic Vijay Vilas Palace, the summer palace of Maharao of Kutch, is among Mandvi’s most popular attractions. With …

Refined brand architecture, experiential luxury expertise and a focus on branded residences drive continued expansion as group reveals latest global pipeline figures. Minor Hotels is stepping into 2025 on a strong growth trajectory, underpinned by a robust pipeline of almost 300 new hotels slated to open over the next three years. This expansion puts the international hotel owner and operator on track to pass a milestone of 850 properties by the end of 2027, positioning it among the world’s largest hospitality groups. With more than 560 properties and 81,000 keys already in operation worldwide, Minor’s latest figures show a three-year pipeline of over 285 new hotels and almost 47,000 keys, underscoring the group’s ambitious global strategy and revealing a focus on global market diversification. While more than 50 per cent of Minor’s existing portfolio is currently concentrated in Europe, the addition of more than 100 properties in Asia, more than 60 in the Middle East & Africa, and 40 in Australia and New Zealand will lead to a more balanced global portfolio distribution. Minor Hotels is also looking to expand its presence in several priority markets, especially in North America and North Asia. Markets such as Morocco, Egypt, and Turkey have also been identified as priority destinations for entry, while efforts continue to accelerate momentum in the priority market of India following the recent opening of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel. Leveraging global brand strength  Luxury and upscale remains a driving force in Minor Hotels’ expansion, with one-third of the three-year pipeline categorised in the Luxury segment, encompassing the Anantara, Tivoli, and Elewana Collection brands, and a further third in the Premium segment across NH Collection, Avani and nhow. The …

SOTC Travel expands its retail network with two new outlets: Vasant Kunj & East Delhi SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company, expands its franchise outlets in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj and East Delhi region. The new additions expand SOTC’s network strength to 10 in the NCR region, reiterating the company’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint in the region. The NCR region is an important source market for the Company’s holiday business within Delhi and its surrounding catchments witnessing strong demand. SOTC Travel’s new franchise outlets are strategically situated at prime locations to serve both leisure and business segments. The Vasant Kunj and East Delhi outlets offer end-to-end travel solutions with an array of services, including international and domestic holidays (group tours, personalised holidays, cruises, etc.), value-added services like travel insurance, etc. Rakesh Bawa – Senior Vice President & Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel said “With a legacy of over 75 years in pioneering group escorted tours, we at SOTC Travel continue to lead the way in understanding the evolving needs of the Indian traveller. We firmly believe that, No one understands the Indian traveller better than SOTC. Vasant Kunj and East Delhi are emerging as key source markets with strong demand. We are excited to open two new outlets, expanding our network to 10 locations. Centrally located, these stores will help us target key segments like families, millennials, business owners and Gen Z. Our holiday experts at Vasant Kunj and East Delhi extend a warm welcome to our customers and look forward to co-curate and plan a memorable holiday.”