Stonewood Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Amish Mathur as the General Manager of Maan Vilas by Stonewood Premier, Udaipur. A seasoned hospitality professional with 27 years of vast experience, Mr. Mathur has honed his expertise across a diverse range of roles including working with QSR chains, international hotel brands and independent properties. His 360-degree understanding of the hospitality business is complemented by his expertise in pre-opening projects and managing properties in remote locations. Mr. Mathur is a hotel management graduate from the 1994-97 batch from Mangalore University and started his career with The Taj Rambagh Palace Jaipur as a management trainee. He later took charge of reservations at North Zone and became part of the sales & Taj Reservation Network. In his most recent role at Zone Palace by The Park in Phalodi, Mr. Mathur successfully undertook the renovation of a 300-year-old haveli, establishing a sustainable business model. His straight forward yet effective philosophy, “sell the destination to sell the hotel,” proved to be remarkably successful in driving growth and ensuring a consistent flow of business. On a personal note, Mr. Mathur is a passionate wildlife enthusiast with a keen interest in wildlife photography. In addition to his love for nature, he enjoys music, which serves as his pastime when he is not occupied with work. Hotel Maan Vilas by Stonewood Premier has the distinction of being one of the finest luxury hotels in Udaipur, ideally located just 1 km from the Sajjangarh Biological Sanctuary and a convenient 27 km drive from Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur. Guests can also indulge in a culinary experience at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant while enjoying the breathtaking views …

The Clarks Hotels & Resorts proudly announces the opening of its latest property, Clarks Inn Etawah, marking a significant milestone in the group’s expansion strategy. Situated in the heart of Etawah, this new property harmoniously blends modern comfort with traditional charm, making it a standout destination for travelers. Notably, Clarks Inn Etawah holds the distinction of being the first branded hotel in the area and boasts the largest banquet hall in the city. Strategically located just 20 minutes from the Lucknow Expressway, Clarks Inn Etawah offers unparalleled accessibility for both leisure and corporate guests. The property features elegantly designed rooms across three categories: standard, deluxe, and suite. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with contemporary amenities to ensure a convenient and comfortable stay, catering to the diverse needs of its guests. One of the highlights of Clarks Inn Etawah is the Sapphire Lawn, a sprawling 35,000 square-foot banquet facility that can accommodate up to 2,500 guests. With state-of-the-art features, this venue is an ideal choice for hosting both private celebrations and corporate events, setting a new benchmark for event spaces in the region. Guests can also indulge in a delightful culinary journey at The Bridge, the in-house multi-cuisine restaurant. Spanning 1,900 square feet, the restaurant features spacious indoor seating, a private dining area, and a pool side lounge for guests. The restaurant offers an innovative menu showcasing local flavors alongside Asian, and continental specialties. Kaushik Dutta, Operations Manager at Clarks Inn Etawah said, “Our vision for Clarks Inn Etawah is to create a welcoming haven for all travelers, where comfort, convenience, and superior service come together seamlessly,” “Whether our guests are visiting for business or leisure, we are committed to delivering …

Clarks Collection proudly announces the launch of Clarks Collection by Brahmas Resort Pushkar, a distinguished addition to Rajasthan’s hospitality landscape. Nestled in the heart of Pushkar, renowned for its cultural heritage and religious significance among Hindu pilgrims, the resort caters to discerning travelers seeking a blend of tradition and modern luxury. The ninety-two-room property stands as a beacon of cultural immersion and contemporary comfort. Each room is meticulously designed to offer a serene retreat, equipped with modern amenities including LED-screen TVs, tea and coffee makers, blackout curtains, high-speed Wi-Fi, and well-appointed bathrooms. Guests can savor a diverse culinary experience at the multi-cuisine restaurant, offering local delicacies alongside Mughlai, Continental, and Chinese cuisines. For those seeking bespoke dining experiences, our chefs curate personalized menus, perfect for romantic evenings. The resort features expansive facilities such as a large banquet hall catering to MICE events, weddings, and private gatherings. Families can enjoy a waterpark with thrilling slides, ensuring a memorable stay for all ages. With an eye on the burgeoning wedding market, the resort offers a sprawling 65,000 sqft lawn ideal for grand celebrations. Our dedicated wedding planners specialize in crafting tailored experiences, ensuring each event is unforgettable. Owner Rakesh Gupta states, “Our vision is to harmoniously blend comfort with spirituality, offering unparalleled Indian hospitality. Rajasthan’s popularity as a tourist destination, coupled with the rise of destination weddings in places like Pushkar, positions us optimistically for increased bookings.”

– Adventure lovers will be able to enjoy the exciting experience of rock climbing. – The event will be held from 10th to 19th January, 2025. – Cash prize of Rs 1 lakh to the winner. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is organizing the first-ever Pachmarhi Rock Climbing Challenge from 10th to 19th January, 2025 to boost adventure tourism in the state. The event will be held in collaboration with Mostech Escapes at Jatashankar Hill in Pachmarhi. The challenge will not only test participant’s physical and mental endurance but also offer them a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of climbing the Satpura mountains. Over 30 participants, primarily from Bhopal, Indore, Ahmedabad and Mumbai are expected to participate so far. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has a history of introducing innovative tourism experiences. This rock climbing challenge, a first-of-its-kind initiative, is expected to attract rock climbing enthusiasts from across the country. The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) is also supporting this event. A competition will be held during the challenge, with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh awarded to the winner. For more information, click on this link: www.mptourism.com/pachmarhi-climbing-challenge.htm

SS Innovators and Realtors Private Limited, Jammu-based real estate and road development company, has announced the opening of Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur in Jammu & Kashmir in partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts which is the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 9,200 hotels in 95+ countries. This Ramada Plaza by Wyndham hotel is located in Vijaypur on Jammu-Pathankot National Highway NH1A. Also known as the City of Temples, Jammu is the most visited place in the Union Territory. The city is the main hub for business and trade for the administrative division of Jammu and has ample variety of businesses and trade opportunities. Prominent industrial sectors in the city comprise of food grain mills, textile industry, carpet industry, handicraft and handloom industry. The hotel has 85 contemporary rooms and a host of amenities with an ADD, Coffee Lounge and a Bar, Fitness Center, Spa, Swimming Pool with the largest meeting and banqueting space in the city. The hotel is easily accessible by a short drive of 25 kilometers from Jammu Airport and about 15 kms from Samba Fort and the SIDCO’s Samba Industrial Area. Dimitris Manikis, President, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA said, “We are delighted to announce the opening of our Ramada Plaza branded hotel in the culturally rich and economically vibrant city of Jammu. This marks our third hotel in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, further expanding our presence beyond Katra and Srinagar. The launch of this property is a significant milestone in reinforcing Wyndham’s commitment to providing world-class hospitality to travelers from around the globe. We are proud to contribute to the growth story of this remarkable region, renowned for its boundless …

In a significant move to strengthen its leadership team, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort has announced the appointment of Ravindra Nath Purohit as its new General Manager. In this role, Mr. Purohit will be instrumental in spearheading the resort’s operations, driving guest satisfaction, and ensuring excellence across all aspects of hospitality. Mr. Purohit brings over 16 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with some of India’s most notable properties, including Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, and Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad and Ananta Hotels. Mr. Abhishek Hissaria, Managing Director, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort said, “Ravindra Nath Purohit’s vision and leadership will play a pivotal role in elevating guest experiences while embracing sustainable and culturally immersive practices.” Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Anshul Bhargava, Founder, BlackRock Hotels, stated, “We are excited to welcome Mr. Purohit to the BlackRock family. His deep industry experience and innovative approach to hospitality will undoubtedly help position Aamaghati as a benchmark for excellence in wildlife resorts.” Adding to Anshul, Gaurav Mudgal, Managing Partner & VP, Commercials, BlackRock Hotels & Resorts shared, “We believe in the power of strong leadership to drive innovation and excellence. With the appointment of our new General Manager, we are confident that we will continue to elevate our operations and commercials, delivering exceptional value to our clients and partners. Moreover, we are committed to turning every moment our guests spend at our hotel into a bright and unforgettable memory that lasts forever.” Throughout his career, Mr. Purohit has demonstrated exceptional skills in operations management, financial planning, staff training, and customer relationship management. His expertise lies in streamlining operations, cultivating guest loyalty, and implementing innovative strategies for profitability.

The start of 2025 has brought exciting news for Team MOM, as they are thrilled to introduce Oman, an offbeat and exotic destination, to Indian travelers. In partnership with Arabica Orient Tours (AOT), a 14-year-old company with a young heart, mindset, and a dynamic, owner-driven approach, MOM aims to bring this exotic destination to the Indian market. They are counting on the support of travel trade colleagues to make this venture a success. AOT’s commitment to excellence was acknowledged in 2023 when they were honoured with the prestigious Arabian Best of Best Awards. This recognition highlights AOT’s dedication to delivering top-notch experiences for travellers. MOM founders, Sashi Sherpa and Ashish Rohra, aim to offer Indian travelers a fresh perspective on a destination, emphasizing its rich and diverse offerings. They also highlighted that there is a vast untapped market for destinations like Oman, showcasing its potential for Indian travelers. Together, these two companies are poised to bring a wave of change to the Indian travel market by introducing Oman as a sought-after destination.

As people across North India bid adieu to winter with vibrant festivals like Lohri, Pongal, and Makar Sankranti, you make the most of the long weekend in January by packing in a quick getaway to Jammu’s premium mountain harbour – Skyview by Empyrean. Located in the Sanget-Patnitop valley in Jammu and spread across 22 acres of lush greenery with views of the majestic Pir Panjal range, Skyview is the ideal go-to destination for sky-high celebrations! Here’s how you can ring in Lohri, Pongal, and Makar Sankranti at the premium property that blends adventure, luxury, nature, and hospitality! Lohri: A Bonfire of Joy Celebrated on January 13, Lohri marks the end of the harsh, cold wave in Northern India, welcoming long, sunny days. This Punjabi festival sees families gather around bonfires, sing folk songs and dance the night away. People offer sweets, peanuts, puffed rice, and popcorn to the flames, symbolizing gratitude for and wishing for prosperity in the coming year. Imagine dancing around a crackling bonfire to great music and gorging on delectable dishes prepared by the in-house chef surrounded by the most beautiful nature views this Lohri! For a truly exhilarating experience, don’t miss the chance to glide above the city on Skyview’s iconic in-house gondola. It offers exceptional luxury experiences blending comfort, elegance, and the natural beauty of the Himalayas. Guests can choose from beautifully designed luxury rooms and spacious suites, each offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Select Luxury Rooms feature private balconies, ideal for soaking in the serene ambiance of the Sanget Valley in Patnitop. Pongal and Makar Sankranti: A Celebration of Harvest Following Lohri, celebrations for the harvest festival Pongal and Makar Sankranti …

Advisors enjoy access to the New Year Sale with at least 25% off hotels for global, popular travel destinations Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program announces its 2025 New Year Sale, empowering travel advisors to unlock significant savings for their clients. This limited-time offer provides at least 25% off thousands of hotels across popular global destinations. Travel advisors can book until January 26, 2025, with travel dates through September 14, 2025. The New Year Sale is an ideal opportunity for travel advisors to strongly kick off 2025 by driving bookings, increasing sales and enhancing client satisfaction through delivering exceptional value. Expedia TAAP works with over 140,000 travel advisors globally, offering a wide-ranging inventory that includes more than three million properties, 220,000 activities, 120 car rentals and 500 airlines. Travel advisors benefit from a suite of Expedia Group technology and tools, such as a Virtual Agent for self-service, quick information retrieval, and booking modifications, as well as Live Agent Chat, connecting them with experienced agents for detailed assistance and decision-making support. Learn more about Expedia TAAP.

GRT Hotels & Resorts, India’s premier boutique hospitality brand, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Puneet Dutta as our new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Dutta will oversee the operations for the brand, which encompasses 22 hotels and resorts in India. This strategic appointment comes as the brand embarks on an ambitious plan to expand its presence both nationally and internationally. With a distinguished career spanning over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Mr Dutta brings a wealth of experience in driving operational excellence and strategic growth. His expertise also lies in leading cross cultural environment, hotel pre-opening & property turnaround. He is known for his ability to craft strategy & streamline operations to provide creative, regenerative and profit-oriented solutions to lead business in diverse situations. In his new role, Mr Dutta will oversee the brand’s operations, ensuring seamless integration and efficiency across all properties. He will also spearhead the group’s expansion strategy, while focusing on strengthening our presence in key markets. Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, commented, “We are excited to welcome Puneet to the GRT Hotels’ executive team. His proven leadership and industry expertise, coupled with a strong track record in both national and international operations, will be invaluable as we drive growth and deliver exceptional guest experiences. Puneet’s deep understanding of diverse markets will be instrumental in expanding our global footprint.” Mr Puneet Dutta, COO of GRT Hotels & Resorts said “I am thrilled to join GRT Hotels & Resorts at this exciting time of growth. The brand has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable luxury and wellness in India, paving the way for other hospitality brands to follow. The …