Two hospitality companies have aligned forces, creating one powerhouse organization strategically positioned for the future of the Indian hospitality industry: LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts that owns and operates hotels with a portfolio of 8 properties across India and AM Hotel Kollection that manages experiential boutique hotels with 18 properties have a combined annual operating revenue of more than INR 100 Crore with 26 operational units comprising 950 keys and another 6 hotels with 120 keys on the anvil. In its new avatar, the new company under the brand LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts captures the passions and unique strengths of AM Hotel Kollection, an established operator managing independent and lifestyle properties, and LaRiSa Hotels, known for its owned and operated hotels, as well as curated and experiential hospitality. This merger will drive greater success and provide the necessary momentum for accelerated growth – giving the company an opportunity to participate in Branded and Co-branded ownership and management space. Their combined centers of excellence will make it the property manager and employer of choice as it delivers improved and accelerated results focused on service to owners and hotel guests. Over the next few years, the merged entity expects a 20-25% growth from the existing and also hopes to enhance the revenue through new acquisitions and management contracts. Hospitality innovators join forces Leading the new company are Ms. Priya Thakur – Owner and Director of Larisa Hotels and Mr. Randhir Narayan—Founder and CEO of AM Hotel Kollection. This transformative partnership merges Larisa’s signature collection with AM Hotel Kollection’s unique hotels across India and beyond, creating a collective portfolio of 32 diverse hotels, resorts and villas. This landmark merger cements Larisa’s position as a …

TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts, a leading hospitality chain owned by Karma Hospitality, is excited to announce the launch of its new brand, “Nest by TreeHouse”, aimed at providing young domestic travelers with Clean-Comfort accommodation at a great price. The first property set to open will be in Bhiwadi and next one in Panjim, strategically located to cater to both business and leisure travelers. Nest by TreeHouse will offer a vibrant environment with music in the lobby, pool tables in the cafe, great wi-fi, Fresh Start Hot Breakfast,  family room with bunk beds at leisure locations are  just some of the facilities along with TreeHouse Comfort Beds. Hotel will have spaces that allow for socializing with a self-service Nest Market where you can buy basic necessities at MRP! Jayant Singh, Managing Partner of TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts, expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture: “Nest by TreeHouse” is not just about providing a place to stay; it’s about creating an environment where young travelers get quality services at value prices. We are committed to meeting the needs of our guests without compromising on comfort.” Ajay Mehtani, Partner at TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts, added: “With Nest by TreeHouse, we aim to redefine economy accommodation in India. Our focus is on delivering Clean-Comfort that resonates with the values of our brand ‘Quality meets Value’. We are thrilled to bring this concept to Bhiwadi & later in Panjim and look forward to welcoming our first guests.” The opening of Nest by TreeHouse marks an important milestone for TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts as it continues to expand its footprint across India. With a strong emphasis on technology and operations, the company is well-positioned to cater …

SAMHI Hotels Limited is delighted to announce its collaboration with the Indian School of Hospitality, a renowned institution specializing in management and leadership development, to introduce an exclusive Management Development Programme for senior leaders. This initiative aims to foster innovation, strategic thinking, and leadership excellence within the hospitality sector. The program is tailored for senior executives at the various hotels under the umbrella of SAMHI Hotels Limited to equip them with cutting-edge skills in leadership, operational finance, and business strategy. Participants will engage in a curriculum designed by the Indian School of Hospitality, known for its expertise in Hospitality Management, Finance, Leadership, and Strategy. The program has been designed and contextualised as per the needs of hospitality leaders of today and would include experiential workshops, case studies, mentorship, and hands-on action learning projects, ensuring participants gain practical insights and tools to address the challenges of a dynamic global market. “We are very excited to partner with the Indian School of Hospitality to create a bespoke program for emerging leaders across our hotel portfolio,” said Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, MD & CEO of SAMHI Hotels. “As we invest capital to grow our hotel portfolio, we also remain committed to investing in developing talent. What makes this unique is that the program is available to leaders across different brands that our hotels operate under and therefore the cohort itself brings phenomenal experience to the classroom”, he added. Indian School of Hospitality is delighted to partner with SAMHI Hotels Limited to deliver this bespoke leadership program,” said Mr. Dilip Puri, Founder and Executive Chairman, of Indian School of Hospitality. “Our goal is to empower leaders with the knowledge and skills to drive organizational success and adapt to the evolving demands of the hospitality sector”, he added. …

In a strategic initiative to boost travel to Georgia from the high-potential India market, Thomas Cook Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, has signed an MOU with Georgia National Tourism Administration. This powerful collaboration focuses on building awareness and inspiring demand towards driving increased visitations to Georgia. Thomas Cook India’s internal data reveals strong travel appetite from Indian consumers for fresh, new destinations and easy visa regimes. This partnership aims to showcase Georgia along three key axes: attractiveness, accessibility and affordability. To inspire Indian travellers and catalyze demand, Thomas Cook India’s partnership with GNTA will focus on key objectives, including – Creating strong awareness for Georgia in the India market Building inspirational content for the destination Promoting MICE to Georgia Joint marketing collaboration to promote Georgia in the India market Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “From the charming streets of Tbilisi, rich in history and culture, the majestic landscapes of the Caucasus mountains, the ancient cave cities of Uplistsikhe, and globally renowned wine culture with its neolithic grape wine cultivation dating back to almost 8000 years, Georgia offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences, and at great value for the discerning Indian traveller. We are delighted to collaborate with the Georgia National Tourism Administration to jointly promote Georgia as a go-to destination across our customer segments. To inspire demand, our strategic intent will focus on education and training, familiarization trips and joint marketing collaborations to target India’s high-potential segments including millennials/young working professionals, families, couples, solo travellers, B-Leisure and corporate MICE groups. Our efforts will focus on key markets across India’s metros, mini-metros, as well as Tier 2 & 3 …

H.E. Mr. Firat Sunel, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to India, hosted an exclusive reception at his residence on 5th February, on the occasion of the 52nd edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair. The event brought together esteemed authors, media representatives, and other diplomatic delegates, celebrating the rich literary and cultural ties between Türkiye and India. The evening witnessed the presence of over 150 distinguished guests, including prominent writers, publishers, and literary enthusiasts. Attendees engaged in insightful discussions about Türkiye’s vibrant literary heritage and its growing engagement with the Indian landscape. Selected delicacies of Turkish Cuisine, Turkish tea, and Turkish coffee have been served to esteemed guests. Ambassador Sunel personally greeted all the guests in attendance at this reception. Commenting on the event, he said, “Türkiye’s literary heritage is a testament to our deep-rooted culture and storytelling traditions. Events like these enable us to build bridges between Türkiye and India, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of each other’s narratives”. He also emphasised the importance of continued cultural exchanges through literature. Türkiye’s participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair underscores its dedication to sharing its literary treasures with a global audience. Within the cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Türkiye made a great presence with 6 Publishing Houses. Moreover, The New Delhi Book Fair is a key platform for promoting the TEDA Project supporting the translation and publication of Turkish literary works into foreign languages. In India, the TEDA Program has supported 31 publishing houses to translate 153 works by 70 Turkish authors into 8 Indian languages, including Bengali, Hindi, English, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, and Urdu. The reception marked …

In 2025, Kissimmee brings a range of new attractions, experiences and accommodations to enjoy. Start the year off right by exploring all the exciting new attractions and experiences the city has to offer. ATTRACTIONS SeaWorld Orlando Unveils Groundbreaking Arctic Flying Theater – Spring 2025 SeaWorld Orlando, renowned as the Coaster Capital of Orlando for its thrilling and unique rides, has announced its latest attraction set to open in Spring 2025: the world’s first Arctic flying theater. This innovative experience invites families to soar over icy landscapes, dive beneath frozen waters and come face-to-face with magnificent creatures like beluga whales, orcas and walruses. The indoor attraction ensures a cool, thrilling escape for the entire family, rain or shine, all year round. Discover SEA LIFE Florida: Opening Spring 2025 SEA LIFE Florida, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s first aquarium, opens in spring 2025. Designed for kids ages two to 12, it blends theme park excitement with marine life beauty, focusing on conservation and education. Unique features include underwater scenes with sea animals around castle-like coral and Ferris wheels. With 25 exhibits and 3,000 animals, SEA LIFE Florida will showcase diverse marine life. Recently Opened – Crush Yard: Kissimmee’s New Social Hub in 2025 Crush Yard is bringing its dynamic energy and upscale atmosphere to Kissimmee in 2025. This 50,000 sq. ft. social hub combines sports, dining and entertainment for an unparalleled experience. Enjoy a sports bar with signature cocktails, a wide selection of beers and plenty of TVs for game-day viewing. Relax in the “yard” with ping pong, cornhole, darts, arcade games and more—no reservations needed. The location will feature ten indoor pickleball courts, offering rentals, classes, private lessons and leagues, along with special …

Sabah Tourism Board is delighted to announce its participation in the highly anticipated Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2025, which will take place in Mumbai, India, from January 30 to February 1, 2025. Recognized as India’s leading outbound travel market, OTM provides a premier platform to connect global travel and tourism professionals with key stakeholders and audiences from India. Sabah’s tourism industry has seen significant growth, with 3.147 million tourist arrivals recorded in 2024—a 20.4% increase from 2023’s 2.613 million. The India market, in particular, has demonstrated strong growth, with 9,316 Indian visitors in 2024, marking a 58.3% increase compared to 5,885 arrivals in 2023. As part of its commitment to promoting Sabah as a premier travel destination, STB will showcase its diverse range of attractions, experiences, and services tailored to meet the evolving preferences of Indian travellers. Through its participation in OTM Mumbai 2025, STB aims to strengthen relationships with travel trade partners and highlight Sabah’s unique offerings to this dynamic audience. Visitors to the STB pavilion at OTM Mumbai 2025 will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from three prominent Sabah-based travel agencies—Borneo Sandakan Tours, Borneo Nature Tours, and Borneo Trails & Tours. These agents will present customized travel packages, immersive experiences, sustainable tourism initiatives, and special offers designed specifically for Indian travellers. STB’s participation underscores its strategic focus on expanding its footprint in India and fostering long-term collaborations with industry partners. “We are thrilled to be part of OTM Mumbai 2025, which provides an excellent platform to connect with Indian travellers and partners,” said Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board. “Our goal is to showcase the unparalleled beauty of Sabah and inspire more Indian tourists …

Ecole Ducasse is preparing to celebrate Easter with a one-of-a-kind collection. Highlighting the olive tree—an emblem of peace, hope, and resilience—this initiative is both a gourmet delight and a bearer of profound symbolism. This sensory and cultural journey invites chocolate lovers and connoisseurs of exceptional craftsmanship to discover creations that transcend borders. A Collection that Travels the World For Easter 2025, École Ducasse pays tribute to the olive tree, a universal symbol carrying a positive message across the globe. This year, its Easter creations invite people of all ages on an extraordinary journey where local traditions and universal symbols converge. From Paris to Bangkok, Abu Dhabi to Yssingeaux, each school within the group embraces this powerful theme, delivering a message of unity across continents—through chocolate recipes, artistic creations, and both sweet and savory delicacies. To mark this occasion, the experts at École Ducasse have designed a collection that blends exceptional craftsmanship with timeless values. The olive tree serves as the central theme of these creations—a powerful and inspiring symbol that bridges cultures in celebration of life and renewal. A Unique Artistic Piece and Gourmet Creations Inspired by the Olive Tree At the heart of this exclusive collection is a singular artistic masterpiece, which will be unveiled at the ENSP campus in Yssingeaux. This exceptional chocolate egg, a true work of art, poetically represents the olive tree. The experts at École Ducasse have meticulously sculpted a majestic olive tree sheltering a refined egg, adorned with delicate leaves from the same tree. Crafted with precision by the institution’s chefs, this creation combines elegance, technical mastery, and a tribute to the virtues of this iconic tree. In addition to this unique piece, École …

Dr. Subhash Goyal, Chairman Aviation & Tourism Committee of Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is also a veteran in the tourism industry thanked the Hon’ble Finance Minister for acknowledging the tourism sector’s significant contribution to the nation’s economic growth and job creation. He also thanked the Minister for the initiative to develop 50 tourist destinations in collaboration with state governments, with the focus on enhancing India’s global image as a premier travel destination. The effort will be on improving the infrastructure development and accessibility to the monuments and sites to attract more tourist visitors. At the same time, Dr. Goyal also expressed his disappointment on the Budget passed by the Hon’ble Finance Minister as the allocation of only Rs. 3 crores given to the Ministry of Tourism is shocking. Earlier the allocation was Rs.400 Crore when we had a very successful Incredible India campaign, which was drastically reduced to Rs.33 crores and now to Rs.3 crore is absolutely meaningless. By this publicity to the global consumer for tourism has come to an end and the little efforts will be made on a B2B level through trade fairs will also be further curtailed apart from the fact that the consumer’s demand for India has gone down. The image of India will take a hit when we will not be able to participate in any international trade fairs; and small countries like Srilanka, Maldives, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam will have huge pavilions to attract international tourists. Dr. Goyal said, the greatest need of this country is employment generation and poverty eradication. With the coming of AI (Artificial Intelligence) lot of jobs will be drastically cut and reduced, not only in the manufacturing …

GRT Hotels & Resorts is delighted to unveil its exclusive summer meeting offers across four of its distinguished Radisson properties—Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai, Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram, Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay, and Radisson Bengaluru City Centre. These offers are designed to provide meeting planners with seamless event experiences at some of the most sought-after destinations in South India. With a mix of urban city-center hotels and scenic beach resorts, these properties offer versatile meeting spaces, state-of-the-art facilities, and curated dining experiences that cater to corporate events, conferences, and incentive groups. Each venue provides a unique blend of business-friendly amenities and leisure opportunities, ensuring an inspiring environment for productive gatherings. Exciting Benefits for Meeting Planners: All-inclusive meeting packages tailored for corporate gatherings World-class cuisine with customizable menus and themed dining options Unique venues, from boardrooms and banquet halls to beachfront lawns and poolside settings Radisson Rewards benefits for meeting planners and corporate bookers Seamless planning support from our dedicated events team Jit Bose, Vice President – Commercial, GRT Hotels & Resorts, emphasized the significance of these offers: “We are thrilled to launch these exclusive meeting offers, strategically designed to provide corporate planners with diverse venue options, outstanding hospitality, and exceptional value. By introducing these packages well in advance, we aim to give businesses and event organizers ample time to plan and customize their events with us.” With its signature blend of luxury, hospitality, and world-class service, GRT Hotels continues to be a trusted choice for corporate events and MICE in South India. For inquiries and bookings, reach out to our team today and let us help you craft the perfect meeting experience. 08062210101.