Echor Samara in Morjim, Goa and Echor Baris Resort in Mussoorie add over 60 keys to the group’s portfolio, strengthening its presence in sought-after destinations. Echor Hotels, a leader in boutique hospitality, has announced the addition of two new properties to its growing portfolio: Echor Samara in Morjim, Goa, and Echor Baris Resort in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. This launch marks Echor’s debut in Uttarakhand and Goa, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to providing luxury stays in both offbeat and iconic destinations. With the addition of these two properties, Echor now manages over 400 keys across India and continues its march toward its ambitious revenue target of ₹100 crore by FY 2027. About the Properties Echor Samara, Morjim, Goa Located just a short walk from the serene Morjim Beach, Echor Samara offers 29 well-appointed rooms, including suites and pool-view accommodations. The property features a sea-view restaurant serving gourmet cuisine, a refreshing swimming pool, and a tranquil spa. Perfect for romantic getaways and family vacations, this boutique haven combines the vibrant energy of Goa with the luxury of a premium retreat. Echor Baris Resort, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand Situated amidst the scenic greenery of Mussoorie, Echor Baris Resort introduces 34 luxury rooms offering breathtaking jungle and Doon Valley views. The resort features private sit-out areas, a family-friendly children’s play zone, and a charming lawn for picnics and outdoor activities. Guests can savour diverse culinary experiences at the in-house restaurant, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. “We are thrilled to announce the addition of two incredible properties to the Echor Group – Echor Baris Resort in Mussoorie, our first property in Uttarakhand, and Echor Samara in Morjim, our debut in the Goa market,” said …

HRAWI advises members on responsible festive season practices The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI has issued a comprehensive advisory for its members to ensure smooth and lawful operations during the upcoming festive season. The guidelines, aimed at maintaining safety, compliance and guest satisfaction, encompass specifics including operational timings, promoting responsible bar tending and drinking, staff contribution transparency and adherence to noise and music regulations. Members are reminded to comply with locally permitted hours and secure necessary licenses for special events; strict age restrictions for alcohol consumption through display of appropriate signage and initiatives like valet and ride-hailing services to deter drink-and-drive incidents. The advisory also instructs F&B establishments to adhere to permissible decibel levels and enforce music cut-off times and to obtain permissions for live events in advance. HRAWI thanks the Maharashtra Government for allowing hotel and restaurant establishments in the State to operate till 5 am on the 31st of December 2024. “Our goal is to ensure a festive season that is enjoyable for patrons while being compliant with local laws. Adhering to these guidelines will promote goodwill and maintain the integrity of the hospitality industry. Collaboration with local authorities is essential to preventing incidents and promoting safety during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. We urge our members to proactively support initiatives like responsible bar tending and drinking including the right to refusal; provision of valet services and, following music and noise regulations,” says Pradeep Shetty, Spokesperson, HRAWI. HRAWI has further advised members to ensure service charges to be capped at 10 per cent, transparently communicated and fairly distributed among staff. The measure aims to safeguard customer trust and prevent any disputes. The advisory also highlights …

GRNconnect, in collaboration with DTORR, successfully conducted several student training sessions in November and December 2025, aimed at empowering students pursuing careers in travel and hospitality. These sessions, trained over 100 students and were held across esteemed educational institutions, are a testament to GRNconnect’s commitment to fostering the next generation of travel specialists, entrepreneurs, and influencers. Training Details: ITM University, Raipur Dates: 21st & 22nd November 2025 Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Amarkantak Dates: 26th & 27th November 2025 Department of Travel & Tourism, Government Polytechnic Nagpur, Maharashtra Dates: 21st & 23rd December 2025 These training programmes focused on providing practical knowledge and industry insights, ensuring students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the competitive travel and hospitality industry. Deepak Narula, Managing Director, GRNconnect said, “At GRNconnect, we firmly believe in the power of education and hands-on training to shape the future of the travel industry. By collaborating with DTORR, we aim to inspire and equip students with the tools they need to succeed as professionals and entrepreneurs. This initiative is our way of giving back to the travel fraternity and nurturing talent for a brighter tomorrow.” Vikas Tembhare, Director, DTORR said, “DTORR specialises in making students job-ready by providing practical and impactful training. Partnering with GRNconnect has been a remarkable experience, and together, we are bridging the gap between academia and the dynamic demands of the travel industry. These training programmes are a significant step towards preparing students for successful careers.” This collaboration underscores the shared vision of GRNconnect and DTORR to invest in the future of the travel and hospitality sectors by fostering a culture of learning and innovation among aspiring professionals. Together, they …

Sarovar Hotels & Ishaan Group announced the opening of Ishaan Sarovar Portico, Deoghar, an inviting retreat that caters to pilgrims, leisure travellers, and business guests alike. Strategically located in the sacred city of Deoghar, the hotel seamlessly blends modern hospitality with the serene and spiritual ambiance of the region, offering an enriching experience to every guest. This exciting addition to the Sarovar portfolio sets a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the region, offering modern amenities, exceptional service, and an unforgettable stay for both business and leisure travellers. With 52 elegantly designed rooms and suites across Deluxe & Premium Rooms and Executive Suites, Ishaan Sarovar Portico sets a new standard of comfort and sophistication in Deoghar. Each room features contemporary aesthetics, plush furnishings, and modern amenities, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hotel has diverse dining and leisure options, including Punita, a multi-cuisine all-day dining restaurant serving expertly crafted Indian, international, and local delicacies, and Fursat, a chic lounge bar offering handcrafted cocktails and premium spirits in a vibrant setting. Guests can also unwind at Sukoon, the in-house spa offering signature treatments and therapeutic massages, and Kasrat a fully equipped fitness centre. For weddings, social gatherings, and corporate events, the hotel provides three versatile banqueting and conferencing facilities that can accommodate up to 450 guests, making it a preferred choice for hosting memorable occasions in Deoghar. Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels & Director, Louvre Hotels India, expressed his excitement about the launch, stating: “We are delighted to open Ishaan Sarovar Portico in Deoghar, a city that holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. This hotel reflects our vision of creating unique experiences that blend modern hospitality …

The Kargil Campus of the University of Ladakh hosted a remarkable programme to commemorate International Mountain Day on 11 December 2024. The event, themed around sustainability and the preservation of Ladakh’s unique mountain ecosystems, featured renowned filmmaker and environmental advocate, Stanzin Dorjai (Gya), Founder and Director of the Himalayan Film House, as the special guest and keynote speaker. Organised collaboratively by Department of Environmental Science, Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh and Department of Travel and Tourism Management, Government Degree College, Kargil, Ladakh, the event commenced with a warm welcome and traditional Ladakhi khatak presentation, followed by the national anthem setting an auspicious tone. Dr Mohd Salim, Coordinator, Biodiversity Research Centre, opened the event with a compelling welcome address. He underscored the urgent need for collective action to safeguard Ladakh’s mountains and glaciers, given their unparalleled beauty and vulnerability to climate change. Prof. Disket Angmo, Principal, GDC, Kargil, UT Ladakh was not present at the event due to prior engagements. She displayed her appreciation and gratitude for the invitation virtually. A major highlight of the programme was the screening of the award-winning documentary “Jungwa: The Broken Balance”, directed by Dorjai. This powerful film, previously showcased at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris, captivated the audience with its exploration of the delicate balance between human life and nature in Ladakh. Following the screening, Dorjai provided an insightful commentary on the documentary, eloquently connecting its themes to Ladakh’s traditional culture and the profound interdependence of its people and the environment. During an interactive session, Dorjai reflected on the serenity of the Himalayas and shared the philosophical undertones of his work, including the concept of karma. His address left a …

Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism & Culture, Govt of Andhra Pradesh unveiled the state’s Tourism Policy 2024-2029. He said, “Main objective is to attract investments worth ₹25,000 crore under PPP model. The policy offers opportunities across various sectors including temple, eco, village, wellness & agricultural tourism.”

Puneet Chhatwal, Chairman, CII National Committee on Tourism and Hospitality, and MD & CEO, IHCL, says, “Tourism is not just about economic value and job creation, but also about cultural diplomacy, fostering deeper global connections. India is at an inflection point, moving from ‘Incredible India’ to ‘Inevitable India.'”

During the 18th CII Annual Tourism Summit, Mugdha Sinha, DG, Ministry of Tourism, GoI, said that infrastructure is the scaffold that holds the tourism sector together. “But it is actually how we position ourselves. So, I think the framing of the idea of Incredible India as a tourism product needs to get better,” she added.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism, urges the tourism industry to create a document on reinstating the Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) in a new format. During Cll Tourism Summit he said, “I will discuss with the Finance Minister and PM on reinstating the incentive given on Forex earned by tour operators.”

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrated a significant milestone with the arrival of this year’s 2,000,000th Indian tourist at Suvarnabhumi Airport on 16 December. This achievement underscores India’s vital role as a key source market for Thailand’s thriving tourism industry. The grand welcome ceremony was attended by Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports; H.E. Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to Thailand; Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific; and executives from Suvarnabhumi Airport and Thai Airways International (THAI). 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠, Minister of Tourism and Sports remarked, “It is with immense pleasure that we welcome the 2,000,000th Indian tourist to Thailand this year. This milestone highlights the growing popularity of Thailand among Indian travellers.”