As 2024 draws to a close, we at MRG Group reflect on what has been an extraordinary year of growth, innovation, and success. This year, our flagship ventures—Sanadige Restaurants and Goldfinch Hotels—have continued to uphold their reputation for excellence, delighting guests with unparalleled hospitality and culinary experiences. From introducing new menu innovations at Sanadige to elevating our service standards across Goldfinch Hotels, we have strived to exceed expectations and create memorable moments for our patrons. The Indian hospitality industry, marked by record-breaking occupancy rates and average daily rates (ADR), signalling strong recovery and growth. Domestic travel, corporate events, and India’s global presence through events like the G20 and the Cricket World Cup played pivotal roles in this resurgence. We at MRG Group have seen a huge growth in our HOSPITALITY as well as REAL ESTATE business. At MRG Group, we witnessed this positive momentum first-hand. The launch of our new property in Navi Mumbai is a testament to our commitment to expanding in high-potential markets. This year has reinforced the industry’s adaptability and the increasing demand for experiential travel. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the continued growth of leisure, MICE, and corporate travel, while remaining mindful of challenges like rising operational costs. MRG Group remains dedicated to delivering excellence in hospitality and creating memorable experiences for our guests.” This renewed momentum has not only driven business growth but has also reaffirmed the timeless value of genuine hospitality. Looking ahead, we are filled with optimism for 2025. The new year promises to be a transformative one for MRG Group as we actively explore new avenues for expansion. With plans for strategic acquisitions and partnerships with international brands, we aim to …

Lily Beach Resort & Spa invites you to experience an unforgettable Festive Season in tropical luxury from December 22nd, 2024, to January 5th, 2025. This year’s celebration features captivating performances by renowned painter Elvira Carrasco, magician Adrian Chong, and the dazzling fire dancer Igor, all set to create magical moments throughout the festivities. The extensive program is designed for both adults and children, ensuring a truly memorable holiday for everyone. Festivities begin on December 23rd with early morning yoga and meditation, followed by exciting snorkelling excursions. In the evening, the enchanting Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place, accompanied by traditional carols—a must-see for guests of all ages. On December 24th, the day will start with sunrise yoga at Tamara Spa, followed by an island and snorkelling excursion. The evening will feature a sumptuous Christmas Gala Dinner, which Lily Beach is known for. As the award-winning All-Inclusive resort, Lily Beach most recently won the Wine Spectators Award for Excellence 2024 for the exquisite selection of more than 80 premium wines available at the resort. The dinner will be followed by a lively Bingo game, and performances from a live band and DJ, creating a fun-filled evening to dance the night away. Christmas Day, December 25th, brings an artistic touch with a live painting session by Elvira Carrasco, who will captivate guests with her distinctive style. Guests can participate in her art sessions, have their portraits painted, or simply marvel at her talent. Elvira will be on the island through January 1st, concluding with an art exhibition. The day’s festivities will continue with snorkelling, a lagoon-side Champagne toast, and an Asian Street Food dinner, followed by live music and karaoke to …

The Education Promotion Society for India successfully hosted a comprehensive Round Table Discussion and Felicitation Program on December 16, 2024, in New Delhi. The gathering brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and educational entrepreneurs to discuss the transformative role of the private sector in higher education in India. The programme commenced with an insightful inaugural address by Prof. Anil D Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Board of Accreditation, setting the stage for thoughtful dialogues on the “Role of the Private Sector in Transforming Higher Education in India.” The round table discussion, moderated by Mr. Gurucharan Gollerkeri, Director of M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, featured eminent speakers such as Dr. Vedprakash Mishra, Pro-Chancellor of Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research; Dr. Amit Banerjee, Chancellor of Siksha O Anusandhan; Prof. Victor Gambhir, President of JECRC University, Jaipur; Prof. N J Pawar, Vice Chancellor of Dr. D Y Patil Vidyapeeth; and Dr. Ajit Parulekar, Director of Goa Institute of Management. The discussion highlighted innovative approaches to enhancing accessibility and bridging the skills gap in higher education. Private institutions bring in significant innovation, investment, and expertise, playing a crucial role in enhancing the quality of education, introducing cutting-edge technologies, and fostering industry-academia collaborations. Following the discussion, a session on Leadership and Excellence in Education was held, with Prof. T G Sitharam, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education, delivering the chief guest address, emphasising the necessity for private sector involvement in education. Dr. MR Jayaram, President, EPSI Chancellor, Ramaiah University said, “The participation of the private sector is vital for creating a more inclusive and accessible education system that can cater to diverse populations and drive socio-economic development. It …

Clarks Resort announced the appointment of Sarvesh Kumar Singh as General Manager. With over 20 years of extensive background in hospitality, he has served in all the departments. His skillsets includes managing finances, promoting and marketing the business, grievance handling, ensuring the smooth running of the property, in his new role he aims to maximize revenue and optimize operational costs. Throughout his career, Mr. Singh has made significant contributions to renowned Domestic brands such as The Great Kabab Factory, Le Meridien, Brij Gajkesari Bikaner and many more. In his new capacity, he will be responsible for the development of strategies and asset management within Clarks Resort portfolio. His proficiency in enhancing business processes is expected to improve commercial effectiveness across all projects under the brand. His appointment is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence and reaffirms its position as India’s fastest-growing hotel brand. Mr. Prakash Bedi, VP, Clarks Safari, Resort & Collection shares,” Clarks brand is growing at a fast pace, with new property signing, and entering domestic market, Sarvesh would be perfect for the role. His extensive experience in managing properties, entering virgin markets, will help in increasing the revenue and the market share.” Sarvesh Kumar Singh shared “It’s a privilege to join Clarks Resort the Archis Castle, especially in the current time, when the brand has witnessed impressive growth in recent years. I am enthusiastic about playing a crucial role and contributing to the ongoing success of our new ventures throughout India. Together with my team, we can explore new opportunities and put the brand on the domestic map.”

Home to one of South East Asia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s Sabah region is keen to accelerate its India growth story. With the latest arrival figure available now, Sabah has shown robust growth from the Indian market. Sabah has received 7,249 Indian tourists during the January – September 2024 period posting a significant jump in arrivals from last year’s nearly 6,000 Indian visitors for the whole year. The first three quarter growth over the corresponding period last year is over 60 percent. With the Indian visitor arrival target set at over 10,000 for 2024, Sabah Tourism Board is also eyeing an ambitious over 60% growth for the current year that it looks well set to meet. The region’s pre-pandemic 2019 Indian visitor arrivals was also around 6,000 that it recovered last year. India is projected to grow from 2023’s already strong 27.2 million outbound market size, to a staggering 50 million outbound travel market by 2030. Sabah is keen to corner a greater slice of this market. To further strengthen its presence in India, STB has partnered with Blink Brand Solutions, in a joint marketing campaign. This collaboration aims to drive targeted campaigns and increase destination awareness. Speaking about the partnership, STB CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit expressed optimism about the potential of the Indian market. “The growth numbers are very encouraging, but we are only beginning to tap into the enormous potential of the Indian outbound travel segment,” he said. Furthermore, citing a McKinsey report, Jimit said, “By the end of this decade India will be a US$ 143.5 billion outbound travel market and that’s staggering. The same report also says that 70 percent of Indian outbound travellers chose …

Get ready for the vibrant Brahmaputra Carnival, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Brahmaputra River. This unique three-month extravaganza will take place from December 15, 2024, to March 15, 2025. The 90-day carnival will be held along the banks of the majestic Brahmaputra at Lachit Ghat in Assam. Prepare for a dynamic fusion of tranquility and adventure, with the mighty river serving as the heart of the celebration. It promises an immersive experience that blends rich cultural traditions with thrilling adventures and luxurious accommodations. This grand carnival features a range of exciting activities, such as glamping, water sports, live concerts, and showcases of culinary heritage and handicrafts. Thrill-seekers can enjoy exhilarating activities like speedboat rides, kayaking on serene waters, tackling challenging terrains on ATVs, river rafting, water rollers, archery, bungee jumping, jet skiing, and many more fun-filled experiences. The event also offers a platform for local artisans, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents through traditional music and dance, enriching the cultural experience. For those seeking relaxation, the festival provides a luxurious glamping experience with three categories of tents: Royal Tents, Premium Tents, and Deluxe Tents. Each option offers a comfortable and stylish retreat, complete with modern amenities and breathtaking river views. Beyond the carnival grounds, explore the captivating tourist attractions of Guwahati. Visit the revered Kamakhya Temple, encounter diverse wildlife at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, or find serenity at the Umananda Temple. For convenience, Guwahati Airport is located just 22.5 km from Lachit Ghat, with taxis and prepaid auto-rickshaws readily available. Additionally, Guwahati Railway Station is only 2.4 km away from the carnival site, providing easy access via various transport options. Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government …

Taiwan Tourism Administration, the destination marketing organisation responsible for the promotion of Taiwan as a premier travel destination, has announced the appointment of Paul Shih as the Director of TTA, Singapore Office. Shih brings a wealth of knowledge, significant experience and proven leadership roles from across sectors in key positions. In his new role, Shih is responsible for India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Middle East tourism markets. He will oversee all TTA’s operations in these markets to prepare Taiwan Tourism for its next phase of growth. He replaces Joseph Cheng who held this role earlier and was instrumental in relaunching Taiwan’s post-Covid tourism interests in several key markets, including emerging tourism markets like India. Shih’s overall responsibility encompasses developing the markets he is responsible for to enhance Taiwan’s visibility and destination awareness and boost visitation. Shih will also be responsible to unfold Taiwan latest destination marketing and publicity campaign ‘Taiwan – Waves of Wonder’ in order to grow leisure and business travel from across India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the Middle East markets. “I am incredibly honoured and excited to lead Taiwan in some of the most dynamic international tourism source markets like India, Middle East amongst others. Taiwan is one of the world’s premier travel destinations and packs tremendous destination punch within its small geography that has never ceased to delight and entertain international visitors. It would be my utmost endeavor to take brand Taiwan, the marketing and promotion of the diverse destination,  its offerings and experiences to newer heights and help create destination demand across sectors like business, leisure and MICE tourism in these markets,” Shih said while commenting on his appointment. Shih will also …

Fourth-year program offers aspiring hospitality leaders’ access to worldwide education and career opportunities through scholarships and training Caribbean hospitality employees are invited to apply for admission to the 2025 Caribbean Hospitality Professional Development Program sponsored by Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, one of the world’s leading hospitality business management schools, and the CHTA Education Foundation. This transformative program has become a cornerstone for professional growth in the region’s thriving tourism sector, equipping supervisors and managers with the tools to accelerate their journey toward senior leadership roles. “Les Roches is once again honored to partner with CHTAEF for the fourth consecutive year on this impactful initiative,” said Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches Global Hospitality Education. “With over 100 participants from 15 Caribbean islands, the program has already fostered a community of skilled professionals driving the region’s tourism excellence. Together with CHTA EF, we aim to continue empowering Caribbean talent and supporting a sustainable, resilient future for the region’s hospitality industry.” The six-month program is designed to be pursued alongside participants’ current roles, requiring a commitment of 12–15 hours per week. It combines virtual and experiential learning in areas such as hospitality operations, revenue management, marketing, sustainability, and leadership. Graduates emerge with advanced skills tailored to meet the evolving demands of today’s global tourism market. Karolin Troubetzkoy, Chairperson of CHTA Education Foundation said, “As Chairperson, I am profoundly proud of the significant impact our Professional Development Program has had on shaping the careers of Caribbean hospitality professionals. This initiative not only highlights the talent within our region but also underscores our commitment to nurturing that talent into leadership. By collaborating with Les Roches, we ensure our participants are …

GMR Airports today launched an AI-powered digital twin platform at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, aiming to revolutionize airport operations and transform the passenger experience. Built on this innovative platform, it also unveiled its one of a kind next- generation Airport Predictive Operation Centre, a transformative advancement in airport management and operations at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. This innovative platform integrates airside, landside, and terminal operations into a unified system, utilizing real-time data to optimize decision-making, minimize disruptions, and ensure seamless operations Honorable Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Honorable Minister of  Roads and Buildings, Government of Telangana, Shri Komatireddy Venkat Reddy  in presence of Shri GBS Raju, Chairman, Airports, GMR Group, Shri SGK Kishore, ED South & Chief Innovation Officer, GMR Airports , Shri Pradeep Panicker, CEO-GHIAL in the presence of other key stakeholders of the airport ecosystem and senior officials of GMR Airports graced the occasion. This state-of-the-art facility brings real-time synergy between various stakeholders within the airport ecosystem, marking a transformative step in airport management. The Digital twin platform in a phased manner will be adopted as the standard operating model across all GMR-operated airports. Speaking about this innovative feature, Mr. SGK Kishore, ED – South & Chief Innovation Officer, GMR Airports said, “GMR Group is leading the aviation industry with cutting-edge technological innovations, focusing on significantly enhancing passenger experiences. Our new AI-enabled digital platform and the Airport Predictive Operation Centre (APOC) set new standards in modernizing operations and elevating passenger satisfaction. By integrating real-time data and advanced analytics, we ensure smooth passenger flow, reduced wait times, and personalized services, shaping the future of air travel with unparalleled efficiency and safety.” …

Owl and the Pussycat Hotel, an independently owned luxury boutique hotel on the stunning coast of Galle, Sri Lanka, is excited to announce the relaunch of its signature restaurant, Runcible Spoon. The newly reimagined restaurant promises to take guests on a unique culinary journey, blending international classics with the bold, vibrant flavors of South Asia. Guests will be treated to a variety of global favorites, including Moroccan lamb tagine, Spanish paella, Italian fritto misto, pasta primavera, fresh grilled prawns, American crab cakes, and Thai Modha fish curry. Complementing this will be a range of South Asian dishes, drawing from the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the Indian subcontinent. As part of the relaunch, Runcible Spoon is also unveiling an all-new mixology experience. Under the guidance of a newly appointed mixologist, the restaurant’s bar will offer an array of creative cocktails, combining local ingredients with premium spirits such as arrack, gin, rum, and vodka. These exciting new cocktails will provide the perfect accompaniment to the oceanfront setting, where guests can enjoy the sound of the waves alongside live jazz performances at the beach shack on weekends. Whether dining on the elegant terrace or relaxing at the vibrant beachside bar, guests at Runcible Spoon can expect an inviting atmosphere that perfectly blends laid-back charm with sophisticated flavors. The intimate yet lively dining experience is designed to offer something for everyone, from romantic dinners to family gatherings and special celebrations. The team at Owl and the Pussycat Hotel invites guests to rediscover Runcible Spoon, where every meal is an opportunity to savor fresh, carefully crafted cuisine in a setting designed to create memories. For reservations or further details, please contact the hotel. …