At the 12th Travel MICE and Corporate Show, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, emphasised that sustainability in hospitality boosts satisfaction, attracts ESG-focused investors, and drives higher bookings. Eco-certifications, now favoured by OTAs, enhance revenue and brand loyalty, making sustainability not a cost, but a smart, long-term investment for hotels.

Speaking at the ASEAN-India Forum in Bangkok, Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, Dy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, TAT, said, “Within the ASEAN-India cooperation framework, tourism has long been a pillar of mutual growth. Thailand sees tremendous potential in strengthening two-way travel between India and ASEAN—delivering shared benefits across the region.”

IHCL join hands with Ambuja Neotia group to open 15 new hotels, expanding its presence in emerging destinations across East and North East India. This significant expansion, based on a capital-light model, will push the number of collaborative projects between IHCL and Ambuja Neotia to more than 40 hotels.

In a move aimed at enhancing the quality and outreach of hospitality training in India, THSC signed an MoU with The Lalit Suri Hospitality School in Delhi. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering India’s youth through structured, industry-aligned skilling programs, with a focus on inclusivity, employability, and excellence in hospitality education.

In a move that could transform Arunachal Pradesh into a sought-after eco-cultural destination, the state government has proposed branding it as the Orchid Capital of India. Home to more than 600 species of orchids, the state boasts the highest diversity of these flowers in India. If rebranded as the Orchid Capital of the country, the state could attract tourists, nature lovers, and botanists to its pristine landscapes, giving a major boost to its tourism industry.

The latest GBTA Business Travel Index forecasts global business travel spending to reach $1.57 trillion in 2025, with a 6.6% year-over-year growth. A stronger 8.1% rebound is expected in 2026. Notably, India ranks among the fastest-growing markets in the top 15, highlighting its expanding role in global corporate travel.

GRT Hotels & Resorts is set to launch the GRT Agents Circle, a relationship-driven program for travel agents. Going beyond rewards, it offers exclusive rates, priority support, complimentary upgrades, and surprise perks for clients. “Our agents are an extension of our brand family,” said Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts.

Rohan A. Khaunte, Tourism Minister, Goa, urged the Centre to extend the visa-on-arrival facilities at both Dabolim and Manohar International Airports, highlighting the state’s rising status as a global tourism hotspot. Speaking at the Legislative Assembly, he said the issue has been raised with the Union Civil Aviation Minister and will soon be taken up with the Home Minister.

Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, said, “We are set to launch new clubs in Srinagar, Guwahati, Andaman & Nicobar, Calicut, and Pondicherry before the Skål India Congress, slated to happen from 12–14 September in Mumbai. He said the larger goal of expanding to 25 clubs and 2,500 members by 2026, reflecting Skål’s growing influence in India’s tourism network.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to develop a new upscale hotel, the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Ayodhya Masodha. This greenfield development will feature 120 guest rooms and offer a comprehensive range of amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, expansive banquet and meeting spaces, a spa, swimming pool, and other premium facilities. Currently in the advanced planning stage, the property is expected to open in 2028.