Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has once again achieved a significant milestone. The board has been honoured with a prestigious award in the ‘Global Recognition to Historical Heritage’ category.  The accolade was presented at a distinguished event in New Delhi, recognizing the board’s unwavering efforts in preserving and promoting the state’s rich historical and cultural heritage. This achievement reaffirms Madhya Pradesh’s position as a global heritage destination and highlights its dedication to safeguarding the past for future generations. Expressing his delight over this remarkable achievement, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Tourism, Culture and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board stated, “This award is a proud moment for Madhya Pradesh and a testament to our relentless efforts in heritage conservation. Our state is home to some of the world’s most iconic historical landmarks, and this recognition will further strengthen their global presence, drawing travelers and history enthusiasts from across the world.” With this achievement, Madhya Pradesh continues to strengthen its position on the international tourism map. The award further cements the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board’s reputation at the global level, highlighting its commitment to showcasing the state’s historical landmarks and cultural heritage to the world. This prestigious honour was presented at World Travel and Tourism Festival Awards organized by TV9 Network and RedHat Communication.

Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism (FHT), Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida, in collaboration with International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA) and United Nations (Tourism) is organising a three-day International Conference on “Bridging the Gaps in Tourism Knowledge and practice: Sustainable Development, Regenerative Tourism, Digital Eco-Systems and Green Investments” from 6th to 8th February, 2025. Inaugurating the Conference, Chief Guest, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism & Minister of Culture, averred, “India’s cultural heritage has been the richest since ancient times and India was the focal point of knowledge, art, architecture, handicrafts, trade. Many people from various countries used to visit India to understand its rich cultural and traditional heritage. India is the mother of world tourism, and it has the potential to become the number one country in the tourism sector. Covid had a significant impact on the tourism industry but still we managed to bounce back. By the year 2040, India will become 6 trillion-dollar economy and tourism industry will contribute 10% to the economy. Under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister, 1,050 kms of roads, 157 airports and high-speed railway network have been created. Sustainability is a priority in the tourism industry and under “Paryatan Mitra” and “Paryatan Didi” initiatives, we aim to inculcate a sense of responsibility amongst the tourists to foster responsible and sustainable tourism. We also plan to give “Green Leaf Ratings” to the hotels for sustainability so that they comply with sustainable practices. Green investment, water conservation and green electricity will reduce the impact of climate change on the tourism sector.” Dr. Ashok Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education Group, stated, “We are extremely grateful to the hon’ble Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat ji for sparing his valuable …

Mr. Gaurav Shetty is a visionary leader at the helm of MRG Group, one of India’s foremost conglomerates in hospitality and real estate. With over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Gaurav has been instrumental in expanding the group’s portfolio, exploring new markets, and setting new benchmarks for excellence. An alumnus of the renowned Swiss Hotel Management School, Gaurav seamlessly blends international education with a deep understanding of the ever-evolving Indian hospitality landscape. His career began in prestigious hotels both domestically and internationally, where he gained invaluable hands-on experience in hotel operations and management. Motivated by his father, Dr. K. Prakash Shetty, the founder of MRG Group, Gaurav took the reins as Managing Director, carrying forward his family’s legacy with remarkable success. Under his stewardship, MRG Group has grown into an industry powerhouse, featuring luxury hotels and an array of fine-dining restaurants. Key properties include the Courtyard by Marriott Hebbal, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, and the Marriott Navi Mumbai. Gaurav’s vision extends to upcoming high-profile projects, including Goldfinch Goa, Marriott Resort & Spa in Chikkamagaluru, JW Marriott Resort, Spa & Residential in Sakleshpur, Tribute in Mangalore & Goldfinch Retreat in Mangalore and Westin Bangalore – each set to redefine the industry in the years ahead. Gaurav’s influence also extends into real estate, where he plays a pivotal role under MRG Group. His focus on land banking, residential development, and commercial projects underscores his commitment to shaping India’s skyline. An ambitious initiative under the MRG Group umbrella is Goldfinch City in Mangalore, which will become one of the largest mixed-use developments in the region, encompassing Mall, Hotel, Restaurants, IT Parks, International School, Luxury Residences, Convention Halls, Hospitals, Co-living, Sports …

As technological advancements continue to reshape industries, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2024 projects that 44% of core skills will require adaptation by 2028. This transformation highlights the increasing significance of continuous learning. According to LinkedIn Learning’s 2024 report, 79% of professionals now regard continuous learning as essential for career advancement—an increase from 64% in 2020. In the hospitality sector, a Sommet Education European survey revealed that 30% of young professionals prioritize personal growth, while 29% consider professional development to be a crucial factor in their careers. Addressing these trends, Sommet Education, a global leader in hospitality, luxury, gastronomic education and training, has launched Sommet Education Business Solutions. This initiative offers bespoke training and leadership development solutions, drawing on the expertise of world-renowned institutions such as Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches, École Ducasse, Indian School of Hospitality, and Invictus Education. These solutions are designed to unlock the potential of in-house talent, leveraging insights from over 300 educators, world-champion chefs, and seasoned industry leaders. Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education, emphasized: “Leveraging our world-class educational institutions to enhance corporate talent development models is a strategic evolution. By integrating foundational with lifelong learning, we provide a holistic solution that empowers businesses and their teams to thrive in an ever-evolving industry landscape.” Demonstrating the impact of this approach, luxury hospitality leader Mandarin Oriental has partnered with Sommet Education. Their collaboration focuses on enhancing student learning experiences, supporting underserved communities, and empowering employees through tailored training solutions. Laurent Kleitman, CEO of Mandarin Oriental, shared:“The next generation of talent is a vital force in shaping the future of luxury hospitality. They bring fresh perspectives, set new benchmarks, and contribute to the continued …

This February, the Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru unveils Mystical Moods, the latest instalment in its newly launched rotating exhibition series. Hosted at CUR8, the hotel’s elegant all-day dining destination, this month-long showcase will feature the evocative works of five of the city’s most celebrated contemporary artists, promising art connoisseurs an immersive exploration of the human experience. Mr. Biswajit Chakraborty General Manager said, “At the heart of this exhibition, hosted at CUR8—our dining venue that is now taking art beyond the confines of galleries—lies the Four Seasons ethos to inspire connection, foster kindness, and celebrate shared stories across cultures and generations. With each new showcase, we want to offer a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving artistic landscape of the city, appealing to both seasoned art lovers and casual observers alike.” The exhibition presents a range of pieces from renowned artists, including the late Yusuf Arakkal, Meena Das Narayan, Ganesh Doddamani, Prabhu Harsoor, and C.F. John, each contributing a unique artistic voice to the on-going dialogue of human connection and spiritual experience. Rich in emotion and symbolism, the display invites guests and casual observers to embark on a journey that transcends the ordinary. Each piece explores powerful themes such as spirituality, identity, and searching for meaning in an often chaotic and uncertain world. The showcase brings Ganesh Doddamani’s artistic vision to the forefront, where he draws inspiration from personal memories and folklore, creating familiar and ethereal landscapes. It also celebrates the work of the late Yusuf Arakkal, whose signature style, characterised by its brooding figures and melancholic hues, explores themes of isolation and longing. Meanwhile, Meena Das Narayan, a master of capturing the nuances of human expression, adds vibrancy to the artistic …

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 …