Deeping its commitment to India, Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has announced plans to expand its presence in the country by launching its luxury and upper midscale brands in key emerging markets. With rising disposable incomes, increasing demand for premium stays, and enhanced connectivity reshaping India’s hospitality landscape, Dusit is focused on underserved yet high-potential markets nationwide. In addition to exploring opportunities in India’s Tier 1 cities, Dusit also aims to target Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations where luxury and upscale hospitality options are currently limited – creating opportunities to deliver curated, high-end experiences tailored to local demand. This strategic expansion builds on the momentum of Dusit’s recent foray into the Indian market with the opening of the contemporary, upscale dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla in December 2024, and the signings of three key properties in Karnataka: the wellness-focused Devarana Sakleshpur, Karnataka – A Dusit Retreat (set to open in 2028), and two upcoming Dusit Princess Hotels & Resorts. With a diverse brand portfolio spanning the ultra-luxury Devarana – Dusit Retreats to upper midscale and midscale brands such as Dusit Princess and ASAI Hotels, Dusit plans to tap underserved locations where it can leverage its expertise in delivering Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to meet the needs of today’s business and leisure travellers. Prioritising quality over quantity, the company is thoughtfully selecting locations that align with its ethos of premium, experience-driven hospitality – offering a distinctive blend of holistic wellness, contemporary design, and exceptional service. As part of this vision, Dusit is preparing to launch six additional hotels across the country. The upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand will debut in Raipur (200 keys), Bhiwadi (165 keys), Kolkata (220 …

Bird Group, the promoter and operator of Roseate Hotels & Resorts, a collection of luxury hotels in India and the United Kingdom, announces the acquisition of Beechfield House, Wiltshire, a fascinating new addition to its distinguished hospitality vertical. Set in 8 acres of landscaped gardens & woodlands, Beechfield, a grade II listed property, inspired by the 16th century Italian Renaissance, was built in the year 1878, owned by a gentleman named Richard Keevil. It remained an impressive family home for 90 years until it was converted into a hotel in the late 1960s with the word ‘House’ added to its name. Beechfield House is nestled in Wiltshire, a charming county peppered with farms, local pubs and pretty former wool towns and villages such as Bradford-on-Avon, Castle Combe, Corsham, Devizes and the National Trust village of Lacock, that dates back to the 13th century and has an abbey. It is 30 minutes away from the heritage city of Bath, a city known for its distinct heritage, art, literature & culture, and the picturesque Cotswolds. Iconic attractions like the Longleat Safari Park and the legendary Stonehenge, too are within easy reach. Statuesque and yet intimately congenial, Beechfield House is a boutique hotel that proffers 24 luxurious rooms with breathtaking views of the verdant outdoors, majestic late Victorian architecture, high ceilings, striking antique fireplaces, large windows, an Arboretum and a charming Orangery. Quite resplendent with a sprawling terrace, a heartwarming walled garden, bejewelled with a heated, 40 feet outdoor swimming pool, Beechfield House is an enchanting destination with a bouquet of versatile and utterly charming dining, meetings & events spaces, perfect for private gatherings and bespoke weddings. In addition to Trip Advisor’s Certificate …

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai proudly announces the appointment of Mayurdeepsinh Rathod as Director of Revenue. Bringing over a decade of expertise in revenue management, strategic pricing, and market analysis, Mayurdeepsinh will play a key role in optimizing revenue strategies and reinforcing the hotel’s leadership in Mumbai’s luxury hospitality landscape. In his new role, Mayurdeepsinh will oversee revenue optimization, pricing strategies, market analysis, and distribution channels, ensuring that Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai remains at the forefront of the industry. His approach integrates data-driven insights, collaboration across departments, and cutting-edge technology to enhance guest experiences while driving profitability. With an impressive portfolio spanning India’s most esteemed hospitality brands—including The Leela Palaces, Resorts and Hotels, The Lalit Mumbai & The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort, IHCL Gujarat Cluster, The Oberoi, Radisson Blu Hotel, Aamby Valley City, and Hotel Sahara Star—Mayurdeepsinh brings a wealth of knowledge in forecasting, strategic revenue planning, and optimizing financial performance Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, shared his enthusiasm for the appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Mayurdeepsinh to the Four Seasons Mumbai team. His extensive expertise in revenue management will be instrumental in strengthening our market position and elevating our business strategy.” With his proven track record and forward-thinking approach, Mayurdeepsinh is set to bring fresh perspectives to Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, ensuring continued excellence in both service and financial performance.

The Leela is pleased to announce the appointment of Rajesh Gopalakrishnan as the General Manager of The Leela Hyderabad. With over three decades of rich experience in the hospitality industry, Rajesh brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to this prestigious property. Rajesh has a proven track record in steering luxury hotels to new heights, having held key leadership positions across renowned hospitality brands. His extensive experience spans managing operations, business development, guest experience, and sustainability initiatives in both established and emerging markets. His previous roles include General Manager at Radisson Hotel Group, Novotel Visakhapatnam, and Grand Mercure Vadodara, as well as senior leadership positions with Accor and Greenpark Hotels & Resorts. Throughout his career, Rajesh has demonstrated exceptional acumen in pre-opening projects, driving revenue growth, and implementing international hospitality standards. His tenure at iconic properties such as The Leela Mumbai, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, and Taj Coromandel Chennai has equipped him with a deep understanding of luxury hospitality and guest-centric service excellence. A graduate of the Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland, with an MBA in International Hospitality and Service Industries Management, Rajesh has also completed the prestigious International Hospitality Management Program from Accor Academy Asia, Thailand. His commitment to operational excellence, team development, and innovation aligns perfectly with The Leela’s vision of delivering unparalleled guest experiences. Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Rajesh said, “I am honoured to join The Leela Hyderabad and be part of such an iconic brand. I look forward to leading the team in delivering world-class experiences and upholding The Leela’s legacy of hospitality and luxury.” The Leela Hyderabad, renowned for its grandeur and impeccable service, continues to redefine luxury hospitality in the city. …

DreamSetGo, India’s premier sports travel platform, has been appointed as the first-ever Official Hospitality Sales Agent from India for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The stunning Italian Alps will serve as the majestic backdrop for this year’s Winter Olympics, offering an unparalleled setting for the world’s most exhilarating winter sports. In this exciting partnership with On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider for the Olympic Games, DreamSetGo is bringing Indian fans closer to the action more than ever before. This collaboration promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, combining exclusive access to the sporting events with bespoke travel and luxury hospitality experiences. Commenting on the milestone, Monish Shah, Co-founder & CEO, DreamSetGo, said, “Our collaboration with On Location for Milano Cortina 2026 enables us to offer passionate fans an unparalleled hospitality experience, bringing them closer to the world’s premier winter sporting event. This collaboration allows us to provide not only exceptional hospitality but also an unforgettable experience that goes beyond simply watching the action unfold.” With Italy set to host the XXV Olympic Winter Games from 6–22 February 2026 exclusive packages will include: ✔️ Official Winter Olympics Tickets: Guaranteed access to the most thrilling sporting events ✔️ Luxury Hospitality:  VIP lounges, gourmet dining and premium seating for an unmatched Hospitality experience. ✔️ Elite Accommodations: The finest hotels across Milano, Cortina, and other host regions ✔️ Exclusive Fan Access: Cultural excursions and behind-the-scenes moments ✔️ Personalized Travel Services: Hassle-free itinerary planning, private transfers and concierge services. The Winter Olympics have long been a showcase of elite talent, breathtaking performances and historic moments. With sports like alpine skiing, ice hockey, figure skating, and the newly introduced ski mountaineering, Indian fans now have an unparalleled opportunity to witness and experience …

BWH Hotels is thrilled to unveil its latest expansion with the signing of a new property in Ayodhya with Aurika Developers, reinforcing its strategic growth across Uttar Pradesh. With an established presence in renowned pilgrimage destinations like Katra, Amritsar, Vrindavan, and Indore, this new addition in Ayodhya enhances BWH Hotels’ commitment to serving culturally rich and spiritually significant cities across India. Ayodhya, one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations, attracts millions of pilgrims every year. Known as the birthplace of Lord Ram, the city is a hub of ancient history, rich mythology, and significant religious festivals, making it an essential stop for travelers from around the globe seeking to connect with its sacred heritage. Set to open in 2028, this iconic development marks Best Western’s dedication to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences to both domestic and international visitors to Ayodhya. The hotel will offer 150 well-appointed rooms, complemented by a wide range of guest amenities including an all-day dining restaurant, a state-of-the-art meeting and function hall, a serene swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium, and a rooftop dining experience with panoramic views. Mr. Atul Jain, Chief Operating Officer, BWH Hotels – India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, said: “We are excited to welcome this new milestone in our expanding portfolio in India. Ayodhya, a city that holds deep emotional and spiritual significance for millions, presents an extraordinary opportunity. Partnering with Aurika Developers, we are committed to elevating BWH Hotel’s profile in this iconic destination, further tapping into Ayodhya’s growing potential as a key hub for tourism.” Mr. Prasoon Chauhan Partners at Aurika Developers, said: “At Aurika, we are deeply committed to redefining the real estate landscape through thoughtfully curated developments that blend …

Glion Institute of Higher Education is proud to announce the appointment of Philippe Vignon as its new Managing Director, effective June 16th, 2025. Founded in 1962, Glion is a prestigious Swiss institution recognized globally for its excellence in hospitality management and luxury education. With its rich heritage, commitment to excellence, industry connections, Glion has become a benchmark in the academic world—shaping generations of leaders who elevate the hospitality, tourism, and luxury industries worldwide. The appointment of Philippe Vignon is a strategic decision to reinforce Glion’s identity as a Swiss-born global brand, and to accelerate its next phase of development, innovation, and influence. A profile in perfect harmony with Glion’s vision  With over 30 years of experience at the helm of major international organizations in sectors ranging from tourism and aviation to digital media and education, Philippe Vignon brings a rare combination of strategic insight, cross-cultural leadership, and operational excellence. His career has been defined by transformative initiatives, business growth, and the ability to position brands as leaders in their respective domains. Career highlights include: CEO, Geneva Tourism and Conventions: Transformed the institution into a high-performing Destination Marketing Organisation, leading to a 10% increase in regional tourism spending over four years. CEO, Edipresse Digital – Edipresse Group: Designed and executed a comprehensive digital strategy across more than 50 websites, accelerating the group’s transition to digital media. General Manager Commercial Switzerland, Italy, Germany & Eastern Europe, easyJet: Oversaw the airline’s most profitable bases, spearheaded the launch of easyJet in Geneva, and delivered 1.5 million new passengers within 18 months. L’Oréal Suisse SA: Advanced from Brand Manager to National Sales & Marketing Director, showcasing strong capabilities in brand development, team leadership, and commercial …

Vietjet operated two special relief flights, VJ2875 and VJ2877, using an Airbus A330 and an A321 to transport Vietnamese rescue teams to Myanmar following the devastating earthquake. In support of the emergency response, the airline facilitated the swift deployment of relief personnel from the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of National Defense. The two flights departed from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport to Yangon on March 30. Vietjet ensured the rapid deployment of these flights by expediting flight permits and technical preparations. Its experienced crew and staff have been assigned to assist the relief mission, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to humanitarian aid. The flights transported 106 rescue and relief personnel from the Vietnamese armed forces, along with trained search-and-rescue dogs and over 60 tons of essential aid supplies, including medical equipment and food, to support earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar. Vietjet CEO Dinh Viet Phuong said: “Vietjet is always ready for special missions. We swiftly completed all necessary preparations and successfully operated two flights to transport emergency rescue teams from the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense to Myanmar, providing timely support for earthquake relief efforts.” Upon landing at Yangon Airport, Myanmar, rescue personnel from the Vietnamese armed forces, alongside Vietjet staff, immediately begin unloading and transporting essential supplies to designated relief sites. Police and military officers also take part in search-and-rescue operations, provide medical assistance, and support recovery efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake. A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, causing widespread devastation. The disaster has claimed over 1,600 lives, injured nearly 3,500 people, and left hundreds missing. Strong tremors damaged homes, collapsed bridges, and disrupted roads across the …

LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts launches 8fold, a new brand in the mid-market segment to service a burgeoning set of upper middle class travellers looking for comfortable, sustainable and affordable accommodation in the price range of INR 4,000-9,000 per night. The recently formed hospitality company, LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts, currently operates 32 unique hotels across India and beyond, creating a collective portfolio of diverse hotels, resorts and villas. These hotels are managed and marketed under three brands: LaRiSa Resorts, AM Hotel Kollection and it is now expanding its footprint and addressing this exponential demand with 8fold. The first three to be introduced under this brand are 8fold by LaRiSa Shimla, 8fold by LaRiSa, Jibhi in Himachal Pradesh, 8fold Pinecrest by LaRiSa Bhimtal in Uttarakhand and the fourth 8fold by LaRiSa, Siolim in Goa will open shortly. The launch of the 8fold mid-market brand comes at an opportune time as travellers are now reflecting a shift towards mindful and purposeful travel by seeking properties that offer privacy, follow sustainable practices, unique experiences and wellness. Recent reports on the Indian hospitality industry have also indicated a rapidly growing mid-market segment which is about quality stays and value-driven offerings. Priya Thakur, Founder and CEO LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts, commenting on the launch of the new mid market brand said: “8fold by LaRiSa is not just about boutique stays—it’s about reimagining hospitality through a lens of mindfulness, integrity, and guest-first service. Welcome to a hotel experience that values authenticity as much as guest comfort”. As innovators in the hospitality business, the company has been successful in operating luxury and boutique hotels. By the end of 2025 it hopes to have at least 50 hotels across …

Pioneering Educational Video Content for the Hospitality Industry in India GRT Hotels & Resorts has launched The GReaT Patashala, a virtual learning YouTube channel aimed at enhancing hospitality training through bespoke Standard Operating Procedure videos. GRT Hotels initially developed the SOP videos for internal training, the initiative has now been expanded to benefit hotel management students, industry professionals, and aspiring hospitality talent. This initiative marks a significant milestone, as GRT Hotels becomes one of the first hotel chains in India to offer such comprehensive educational content to the industry. The launch event at Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels featured esteemed guests, including Mr. Venkatesan Dhattareyan, Regional Director of India tourism, who presided over the ceremony. The event also featured a panel discussion on “Basics and Emerging Trends of Hospitality Training,” with notable participants such as Dr. Sobhana Devi, Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism Studies at Madras Christian College; Dr. Jaisree Anand, Dean of Hotel Management at Vels University; and Mr. Prabu, Joint Registrar at Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University. Their insights contributed to a rich dialogue on the future of hospitality training. In a move to further its commitment to inclusivity, GRT Hotels & Resorts signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with V-Sesh, a Chennai-based organization dedicated to connecting differently-abled individuals with suitable employment opportunities. This collaboration aims to utilize ‘The GReaT Patashala’ channel to provide skill development and training, empowering individuals to achieve professional independence. Mr. T. Nataraajan, Deputy Managing Director of GRT Hotels & Resorts, remarked, “I commend our Learning and Development team for their impactful initiative. I encourage them to continue curating relevant videos to enhance professional acumen within the hospitality industry. Additionally, I invite …