Encalm is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Susmita Khare as Group Head – HR & Training. With an illustrious career spanning 27 years in Human Resource Leadership and Management across Hospitality, Entertainment, Education, and F&B Retail, Ms. Khare brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for people-centric organizational development. In her new role, Ms. Khare will oversee the strategic management of human resources at Encalm, focusing on employee engagement, culture building, organizational development, and leadership training. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in supporting Encalm’s mission of creating delightful experiences every time, and its vision to be the world’s most admired hospitality organization that creates value for its stakeholders. Ms. Khare joins Encalm Hospitality following a distinguished career with prominent organizations such as the Oberoi Group of Hotels and Resorts, PVR Limited, SRM University, and Lite Bite Foods Pvt. Limited. She has successfully managed a workforce of over 5,000 employees across multi-locations and cultural contexts. Her strengths lie in people management, employee relations, and implementing change processes that enhance organizational culture and efficiency. Her outstanding contributions have been recognized through multiple accolades, including being named one of the Top 10 Chief People Officers in India – 2022, receiving the Women in Leadership award, and earning recognition for enriching work culture by the reputed ‘Creating Values’ management firm. Vikas Sharma, CEO, Encalm Hospitality Pvt. Ltd said, “We are thrilled to welcome Susmita to the Encalm family. Her extensive experience in HR leadership, coupled with her vision for building dynamic teams and fostering an inclusive work culture, will be instrumental in Encalm’s growth. We are confident she will lead the charge in creating an environment where our employees …

Aircraft purchase is part of ongoing transformation and ensuring resilience for strategic growth as industry sees supply chain issues affecting deliveries Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, today announced plans to purchase six Airbus A320 CEO aircraft, as part of its ongoing transformation and strategic growth. These aircraft are currently leased and operated by Jazeera as part of its fleet. The transition from leased to owned aircraft is aimed at reducing unit costs and mitigating supply chain challenges that have impacted the aviation industry, including delays in aircraft deliveries. This move will further enhance Jazeera’s operational resilience and cost-efficiency, especially as the airline prepares to mark 20  years of flying in 2025. As part of its transformation, Jazeera Airways plans to expand its network of routes, introduce enhanced in-flight services, and leverage cutting-edge technologies to elevate the overall passenger experience. The airline is also committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and continuing to adapt to evolving market demands in the coming years. Commenting on the development, Marwan Boodai, Chairman of Jazeera Airways, said: “Our decision to invest in six Airbus A320 aircraft reflects our forward-thinking approach to fleet management and transformation. By building a balance between leased and owned aircraft, we are reinforcing our operational resilience while ensuring we maintain one of the most cost-efficient models in the region. This acquisition also highlights our commitment to enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, and expanding our reach as we transform into a more sustainable and innovative airline. As we evolve, we will continue to stay focused on delivering value to both our customers and our shareholders.” The airline is expecting deliveries from its current order book of 26 Airbus A320 …

Hoi, an innovative travel-tech platform revolutionising airport experiences for modern travellers, announces a partnership with BluSmart, South Asia’s largest all-electric ride-hailing service. This collaboration introduces an integration that allows riders to discover and access Hoi’s comprehensive airport services including pre-ordering airport meals while En route to their terminals in BluSmart cars. Exclusive offers for BluSmart users will be available both through in-cab promotions and directly on Hoi’s platform. Users can access these special discounts when booking airport-bound rides across Delhi-NCR through BluSmart, enhancing their journey with premium airport services at preferential rates. A key highlight of this partnership is the convenience for riders to pre-order airport meals during their BluSmart ride, allowing them to skip food counter queues and proceed directly to their gates. This seamless experience is powered by Hoi’s advanced integration with Airport Flight Status Display Systems and the Airport Operations Database (AODB), ensuring real-time flight updates and gate information. The campaign encourages passengers to download the app and explore the Hoi platform through in-cab displays. or directly through the BluSmart app. With this integration, we aim to reach over 2.5 lakh rides during the one-month campaign. Speaking on the partnership, Harshvardhan Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Hoi said, “At Hoi, we’re constantly innovating to make airport experiences more efficient and enjoyable for travellers. Our partnership with BluSmart represents a natural synergy between sustainable transportation and smart airport services. By enabling travellers to organise their airport experience during their ride to the terminal, we’re effectively extending the airport’s convenience to the car journey itself.” Hoi has transformed the airport experience across major Indian airports including Delhi, Hyderabad, and New Goa  through its comprehensive platform. Beyond flight monitoring, Hoi provides pre-ordering of F&B …

The Hello Meghalaya Conclave took place in Shillong, serving as a vibrant gathering for the cultural community. As Meghalaya’s indigenous OTT platform, Hello Meghalaya offers invaluable opportunities to filmmakers, artists, and content creators. The event was organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya. Since the launch of Hello Meghalaya in 11th July 2024, the app had seen an overwhelming response with over 3.14 lakhs total app downloads and 2 lakh registrations in just a span of 5 months, 281K total number of views, 7.33K total content downloads, and 5.05K total content shared. The top-performing content includes Ka Daw, Thong Iong Nga, Ehrang, Ka Chithi, and Papa, with Thadlaskein, Laskein, and Mawlai being among the top regions for views. Hello Meghalaya also boasts a strong social media presence, with nine thousand YouTube subscribers, five thousand Instagram followers, and over four thousand Facebook followers, all achieved within six months. Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, expressed his pride in the success of Hello Meghalaya as an OTT platform launched by a state government. He shared an experience from his visit to Nongnah, a village in Southwest Khasi Hills located over three hours from Shillong. During his interaction with farmers and youth in the village, the youth showcased the Hello Meghalaya app, highlighting its impressive reach even in remote areas. The conclave showcased the video presentation of the journey of Hello Meghalaya over the span of 5 months. Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister launched the Guidelines of Film Grant Booklet, to encourage film production and to promote the use of local language a corpus fund has been created by the Government of Meghalaya to provide financial assistance to filmmakers. The …

On Saturday, 14th December 2024 the world’s steepest cable car starts operating. The new direct connection between Stechelberg and Mürren was officially opened the day before as part of a VIP opening ceremony. At the same time, the first section of the cable car between Mürren and Birg will go into operation. It marks the completion of the first major construction phase of the SCHILTHORNBAHN 20XX project: the opening of the new direct connection between Stechelberg and Mürren. It is the steepest cable car in the world with a gradient of 159.4 per cent. The classic aerial cableway connects the valley floor with the car-free mountain village in just four minutes via the vertical walls of the Mürrenfluh. It covers a height of 775 metres on a journey of almost 1194 metres. The two cable cars from Carvatech in Oberwies, Austria, have space for 85 people or 6.8 tonnes of cargo. 800 people per hour can be transported at full capacity. A striking feature is the very long suspension arm of 11 metres, which was essential due to the extreme gradient. The AURO system (Autonomous Ropeway Operation) aerial cableway with constant monitoring by cameras and sensors enables autonomous operation without personnel inside the cable cars and stations. A fully automated loading robot takes care of freight logistics. Transportation of luggage and cargo are synchronised with the passengers in a container attached underneath the cable car. Grand opening On Friday, 13th December 2024, the cable car was officially opened in the presence of over 600 guests. The lively celebration, hosted by Monika Erb, took place in the new Stechelberg valley station. In addition to the official opening ceremony and rides on the new cable …

NueGo, India’s largest electric intercity bus service from GreenCell Mobility, has  partnered with CheckMyBus, world’s leading bus travel metasearch platform, to revolutionize intercity bus travel for both international and domestic guests in India. This collaboration aims to provide an eco-friendly and sustainable travel experience, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. With a network connecting over 100 cities across India, NueGo’s electric buses offer a safe, cleaner & comfortable alternative to traditional bus services, promoting a future of pollution-free travel with focus on guest experience. This partnership will make NueGo’s extensive network easily accessible on the CheckMyBus platform, enabling global travelers to discover and explore India’s diverse destinations in an environmentally conscious manner. Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO – GreenCell Mobility, shared, “Partnering with CheckMyBus allows NueGo to connect with global travelers from over 100 countries, offering them a premium intercity bus experience in India that prioritizes sustainability. Together, we are redefining travel by embracing greener alternatives and contributing to a better future. By combining zero-emission mobility with India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, NueGo electric buses are making eco-friendly tourism a reality.” Marc Hofmann, CEO of CheckMyBus, stated, “We are excited to partner with NueGo to bring a climate-friendly bus travel experience to our global travelers in India. As the world shifts towards greener alternatives, the NueGo and CheckMyBus partnership aligns perfectly with our mission make it simple for travelers to find sustainable mobility. This collaboration not only enhances the travel experience but also contributes to a cleaner and greener planet.” Nuego’s fleet of electric buses is designed to offer comfort, safety, and convenience while minimizing the environmental impact. By choosing Nuego, travelers …

GMR Sports, a pioneer in India’s sports ecosystem, is proud to announce a landmark 10-year strategic partnership with Rugby India, the national governing body for rugby, to launch the Rugby Premier League. Set to debut in 2025, the RPL will be one of the world’s first franchise-based rugby leagues, featuring six city-based teams and showcasing elite talent from top rugby nations globally. This partnership signifies a bold step forward for GMR Sports as it extends its legacy of innovation and excellence into the realm of Rugby 7s, one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sports in the world. Speaking on this transformative collaboration, Mr. Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Chairman of GMR Sports, said: “At GMR Sports, we believe in driving the future of sports in India by creating platforms that inspire athletes and fans alike. The Rugby Premier League is not just a league—it is a movement to bring world-class rugby to India while fostering grassroots development. Partnering with Rugby India reflects our commitment to creating opportunities and setting benchmarks for excellence in every sport we touch. We are excited to be at the forefront of this exciting new chapter in Indian sports.” The Rugby Premier League promises to captivate audiences while building a strong foundation for rugby’s growth in India. By exposing young Indian talent to international players and top-tier coaching, the league aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for the sport. Mr. Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, emphasized the league’s transformative potential, saying: “The Rugby Premier League is a game-changer for rugby in India. With World Rugby’s support and GMR Sports’ expertise, we are set to deliver a league that showcases the finest talent and professionalism. Fans can expect nothing …

The event brought together more than 1,300 representatives of the business tourism industry from BRICS countries, including Russia, Brazil, India and China, as well as countries of the Global South. The congress became the largest Russian event for an international audience in this particular sphere. Moscow recently hosted, the second edition of Meet Global MICE Congress: BRICS Edition, which brought together over 1,300 representatives of the business tourism industry from BRICS countries — including Russia, Brazil, India, and China — as well as nations from the Global South. This congress marked the largest Russian event catering to an international audience in the MICE sector. Now in its second year, the congress saw its participation and expert presence double, firmly establishing Moscow as a pivotal hub for fostering interaction, building connections, and creating new business opportunities among representatives from 17 BRICS and Global South countries. The core theme of this year’s business program was “Global Challenges and Trends of the MICE Industry: Towards Sustainable Development through the Prism of Experience and Knowledge of BRICS Countries and the Global South”.  Participants explored the major transformations shaping the global MICE market and discussed strategies for ensuring sustainable development within the industry. The program included sessions addressing key issues relevant to both public and private sectors. Topics ranged from developing congress and exhibition infrastructure to leveraging new technological solutions like big data and artificial intelligence. With 13 business sessions featuring over 50 Russian and international experts, the congress saw high-profile contributions from figures such as Dmitry Vakhrukov, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation; Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee; Amaresh Kumar Tiwari, Immediate Past Vice Chairman of the …

 India’s global travel hotspot with a Blend of History, Wildlife, and Culture  Madhya Pradesh is a Tiger State with UNESCO Heritage Gems  Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh highlighted in WSJ Showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s Allure Madhya Pradesh has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the “Go-To Global Destinations for 2025”. This accolade highlights the state’s rich heritage, unparalleled wildlife, and exceptional natural beauty. The Heart of Incredible India beckons travel enthusiasts to dive into the state, where every celebration is a thrilling escapade! Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla expressed delight saying, this global recognition solidifies Madhya Pradesh’s status as a world-class travel destination. With 14 (3 permanent and 11 tentative) UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 9 Tiger Reserves, and vibrant cultural experiences, our state offers unique experiences for every traveller. WSJ’s recognition specifically highlights renowned UNESCO World Heritage site Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh, celebrated for their cultural significance, thrilling wildlife encounters, and breath-taking landscapes. These destinations showcase the diverse tourism offerings of Madhya Pradesh. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is actively promoting the state on global platforms to attract international travellers.

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 …