Category Archives: Hotels

Emphasising that domestic tourism continues to be Radisson Hotel Group’s (RHG) growth driver, now accounting for 90–95 per cent of business post-COVID. Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO– South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Inbound travel is gradually picking up, with the group actively collaborating with GoI to further develop this segment.”

Maintaining an asset-light strategy, Dusit Hotels & Resorts India’s tally touches 10 hotels with fresh signings in Raipur, Bhiwadi, Kolkata, Lonavala, Kasauli, and Manali. Siradej Donavanik, VP, Global Development, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are aiming for 5-6 operation properties in the coming years and achieving the 3000 keys target in the next 5 years.”

Speaking at a hospitality event, Naveen Kundu, MD, Ebixcash Travel Services, said, “To attract Indian travellers, the global hospitality industry must get its hotels ‘India ready’.” He suggested focus should be on food and beverage including other amenities and services and there should be an India manager for India market. India is never going to disappoint you, he added.

Serena Hotels Africa, the premier collection of award-winning safari lodges and camps, city hotels and beach resorts across East and Southern Africa, is proud to announce a strategic partnership ARK Travel Group. As the official representative for Serena Hotels in India, Anjum Lokhandwala, Director, ARK Travel Group, will spearhead efforts to connect discerning Indian travellers with premium travel experiences in East Africa. Through this partnership, Serena Hotels Africa will now offer Indian families, honeymooners, wildlife enthusiasts, and premium travellers an insider gateway to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and beyond. A Bridge Between Continents From the cosmopolitan charm of Nairobi Serena Hotel to the historical shores of Zanzibar Serena Hotel  in Stone town, and the majestic wilderness of Kirawira Serena Camp in Tanzania.  Indian travellers will now have unprecedented access to handpicked journeys within the Serena Hotels unforgettable itineraries, which fuse cultural depth with world-class service. “India is not just a growing outbound travel market—it’s a community that appreciates heritage, family, and the richness of storytelling, all of which Serena embodies,” said Lokhandwala. “My goal is to help Indian travellers reimagine East Africa—not just as a destination, but as a soul-stirring experience. With Serena Hotels, we are offering more than premium getaways; we are offering journeys that leave an imprint.” A United Vision Ashish Sharma, CEO of Serena Hotels Africa, expressed confidence in the new partnership: “Anjum Lokhandwala brings unmatched insight into the Indian travel landscape. With her at the helm, we assure our Indian travellers a seamless brand experience. Joyce Wangui, Director of Sales, added: “Indian travellers are looking for more than sightseeing—they want immersive stories and meaningful connections. Through Anjum’s contribution, we are curating experiences that blend refinement with the …

At the Travel Wedding Show, Harkaran Singh, General Manager, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, emphasised on collaboration between hoteliers and wedding planners. “The main challenge arises when we are not on the same page. When we collaborate, the process is smooth and enjoyable. But when we find ourselves on opposite sides, that is when difficulties arise. Mutual respect is key, hoteliers must acknowledge the challenges wedding planners face, and vice versa,” Singh stated.

The Delhi High Court recently ruled that payment of service charges at restaurants and hotels cannot be imposed as a mandatory charge on customers’ food bills. It dismissed the petitions filed by restaurant associations challenging the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) guidelines, prohibiting restaurants and hotels from automatically adding a service charge to customers’ bills.

As per JLL India report, as many as 38 branded hotels comprising 3,293 rooms were opened during Q4 (October-December) 2024. Additionally, December 2024 also saw signings of 99 branded hotels comprising 11,943 rooms with the top six markets experiencing year-over-year increases in both Average Daily Rate (ADR).

In a strategic partnership, IHCL joined hands with The Claridges Hotel New Delhi to unveil ‘Claridges Collection,’ which will also include the historic Connemera, Chennai and Blue Diamond, Pune. Claridges Collection is set to build its portfolio across the metro cities with a vision to reach over 20 hotels by 2030. “Currently, IHCL has 375 hotels in its portfolio, with 242 operational and 153 in the pipeline. It is also close to completing 25 new hotels this year.” said Puneet Chhatwal, CEO, IHCL.

Emphasising on bridging the gap between Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and the hospitality sector during HRANI’s  11th Conclave in New Delhi, Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, President, HRANI, said, “The direct linkage between hotels, restaurants, and FPOs is a game-changer for both sectors. This model not only ensures high-quality farm-fresh produce for the hotel industry but also enhances farmers’ income.”

Novotel Group opens its 124-key Novotel Delhi City Centre in New Delhi, offering exceptional connectivity and convenience. The hotel caters to travellers seeking a seamless blend of comfort & eco-conscious design. Garth Simmons, COO, Accor Asia, said, “The opening marks another significant step in Accor’s expansion in India. It underscores our commitment to offering world-class amenities and sustainable practices, delivering exceptional experiences for both business and leisure travelers.”