Category Archives: Hotels

The 55ᵗʰ FHRAI Annual Convention has kicked off in Bengaluru with Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, projecting India as a $30 trillion economy by 2047. Highlighting hospitality’s rising demand, he noted industry status for 50 iconic destinations and said 18 states had extended this recognition. He stressed investments today will power tourism and hospitality growth tomorrow.

At its roadshow in New Delhi, Michael Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth Experience Hotels, revealed the group’s ambitious expansion beyond South India. Upcoming projects include a wellness retreat in Uttarakhand and tea-estate-based properties in Kalimpong and Kurseong, scheduled to open by early 2026. Additional developments are planned in Bandhavgarh, Spiti Valley, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Goa, and Sakleshpur. By the end of 2025, the brand will add four new units, with three more slated for early 2026. The group’s Saha brand is driving growth by converting heritage villas into unique experiential stays, reinforcing its positioning in sustainable, community-driven hospitality.

The Skål International India National Congress 2025, held recently in Mumbai, brought together more than 200 delegates from across India and abroad. The roadmap for Vision 2025-2030 was also unveiled at the event, outlining strategies to expand Skål’s footprint across India, strengthen member engagement, and deepen global linkages. India’s leadership in the Skål movement was reaffirmed during the congress as the country officially became the largest Skål nation in the world by membership, surpassing the USA. Mukesh Batra, President, Skål International Mumbai South, said, “This congress is not just about numbers; it is about values, vision, and vitality.”

Le Meridien New Delhi proudly announces a groundbreaking sustainability initiative in partnership with K2 Atmospheric Mineral Water and Watergen. For the first time in India, these global leaders in atmospheric water generation have collaborated to create fresh, mineral-enriched water made directly from air, elegantly bottled in glass and served exclusively to visiting guests. This innovative initiative reflects the shared commitment of all three partners to combine luxury with responsibility, offering a refined guest experience while minimising environmental impact. “At Le Meridien New Delhi, we believe meaningful change begins with intentional choices,” said Tarun Thakral, CEO, CJ International Hotels Limited. “We are honoured to be the first hotel in India to work with K2 Atmospheric Mineral Water and Watergen on this unique project. Together, we are contributing to a greener, more sustainable New Delhi while offering our guests a truly distinctive experience, one extraordinary sip at a time.” The collaboration emphasises: Sustainably Sourced: Using advanced atmospheric technology to generate safe, mineral-rich drinking water. Elegantly Served: Provided in eco-friendly glass bottles exclusively for the hotel’s visiting guests. Every Sip Counts: A conscious effort to reduce plastic use and conserve natural resources. This first-of-its-kind partnership in India sets a benchmark for sustainable hospitality while reinforcing Le Meridien New Delhi’s dedication to enhancing both guest well-being and community responsibility.

For the first time, the Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, has invited proposals from investors to develop and operate farm stay accommodations across the state. Jaiveer Singh, Tourism Minister, UP, said that the state is taking rural tourism to the next level with a vision that is entirely new. “This initiative is not just about creating farm accommodations — it is about turning our villages into vibrant centres of culture, livelihood, and learning. Tourists today are eager to escape concrete jungles and experience authentic farm life — from milking cows at dawn to sharing meals in rural kitchens. We are ready to provide that warmth, simplicity, and authenticity,” he said.

Arjun Sharma, Chairman, Select Group, has joined the Gallery of Legends at the prestigious India Travel Awards. Son of the late Padma Shri Inder Sharma, he began his journey at SITA World Travel, later steering Kuoni and Le Passage to India into India’s top inbound tourism companies. Beyond tourism, he co-created Select CITYWALK, still known for the highest sales per sq ft in India. He continues to shape hospitality as Chief Vision Officer of Heritage Village Resorts & Spa.

The India Travel Awards 2025, held on September 9 at Le Méridien New Delhi, brought together leading voices from the travel and hospitality industry for an evening of recognition and celebration. The presence of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister, Tourism & Culture, graced the prestigious event. Honouring achievers who have driven growth, innovation, and excellence in India’s tourism sector, the event sets new benchmarks for the industry. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, was the Honoured Guest at the event. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the India Travel Awards coffee table book. The event also saw the presence of eminent industry leaders, including Ashwani Lohani, Director, Prime Ministers’ Museum & Library, and Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India.

Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bangtao invites Indian travel trade partners to a webinar on 5 September at 3 pm to discover its offerings. Highlights include special Diwali packages with value adds, an engaging quiz and interactive Q&A with experts and exciting rewards. For more info, contact amrita.bhatia@buzztravelmarketing.com or call 9987552213.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Hishan Singhawansa as its new Chief Executive Officer, outlining a vision that places India at the heart of Sri Lanka’s tourism growth story. With over 17 years at the John Keells Group (JKH), Singhawansa steps into leadership at a time when Sri Lanka’s arrivals from India have surged by more than 30% in the first half of 2025, reaffirming India as the country’s largest source market. “Sri Lanka is one of the most accessible and exciting destinations for Indian travellers, just 90 minutes away from Chennai and Bengaluru, and under four hours from Delhi and Mumbai,” said Singhawansa. “With scale, innovation, and consistency, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is ready to elevate these connections, offering luxury, lifestyle, and authentic experiences that resonate deeply with Indian leisure, MICE, and wedding segments.” Cinnamon’s flagship development, Cinnamon Life Colombo, represents a US$1.2 billion integrated resort the largest of its kind in South Asia. With 687 rooms and 160,000 sq. ft. of MICE facilities for up to 5,000 guests, it is designed to position Colombo alongside Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai as a regional powerhouse for Indian weddings, corporate events, and large-scale conferences. Beyond infrastructure, the group is investing in people and purpose. The Cinnamon Hospitality Academy is equipping Sri Lanka’s workforce to meet world-class standards, while initiatives such as EmpowHer target a 30% increase in women’s participation within three years, creating safer, more inclusive hospitality workplaces. Meanwhile, Cinnamon Nature Trails, the brand’s conservation-led tourism arm, continues to offer experiential journeys from whale watching to wildlife safaris that appeal to India’s rapidly growing interest in sustainable travel. “Tourism is about economic transformation and community empowerment,” added Singhawansa. “Our …

Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Geonet Developments International for ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection, a high-style beachfront destination set to open in 2028 in the heart of Seminyak, Bali. This bold signing marks another key milestone in Cross Hotels & Resorts’ mission to become APAC’s Leading Alternative to Global Hotel Operators, while spotlighting the brand’s growing expertise in managing lifestyle experiences. Located along Seminyak’s legendary coastline, ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection is poised to deliver a refined yet vibrant stay, blending the sophistication of the ELLE brand with Bali’s iconic beach energy. The resort will feature 170 ultra-luxury hotel rooms & suites, each designed to reflect a modern, effortless glamour. At its heart, the signature beach club will serve as a cultural and social anchor, offering music, fashion, mixology, and cuisine in a setting that invites day-to-night celebration. Chad Egan, CEO & Founder, Geonet, added “We are so excited to bring ELLE into this collaboration. It marks our first project together with the globally iconic brand. This is also our second collaboration with Cross Hotels & Resorts, which reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality assets. Backed by the global reach of Flight Centre Travel Group, Cross brings the operational focus and brand energy we were looking for. Together, we are creating a bold new beachfront destination that speaks to style, connection, and commercial performance.” Evan Burns, Country Manager, Indonesia, Cross Hotels & Resorts, added “ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection is a fresh, magnetic addition to Seminyak, delivering the vibrancy of a modern beach club lifestyle with …