Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

GRT Hotels & Resorts has been awarded the “Best Emerging Hotel Chain – India” at the prestigious PATWA International Travel Awards 2025 held at ITB Berlin. This recognition highlights the brand’s exceptional growth, innovative offerings, and unwavering commitment to hospitality excellence across South India. In addition to this esteemed accolade, Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, was honored with the “Best Professional Hospitality Growth – India” award. This award acknowledges his visionary leadership and remarkable contributions to the Indian hospitality industry, which have significantly propelled the brand’s expansion and success. Mr. T. Nataraajan, Deputy Managing Director of GRT Hotels & Resorts, remarked, “It is truly an honor to receive these awards on a global platform like ITB Berlin. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team at GRT Hotels & Resorts. We remain committed to delivering unparalleled experiences that reflect our brand’s promise of Excellence, Innovation and ‘The Promise of More’.” Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts said, “Our journey to ITB Berlin was driven by a vision—to showcase the essence of GRT Hotels & Resorts on a global platform. As we stepped into this prestigious event, we carried with us a legacy of blending tradition with innovation, sustainability with luxury, and hospitality with heart. Amidst the world’s most influential voices in travel and tourism, it was a moment of pride and inspiration to be recognized on this platform. This achievement is not just ours alone—it belongs to every member of the GRT family, every guest who has trusted us, and every partner who has supported our journey.” With a diverse portfolio of 22 properties …

The Singapore Airlines Group will commemorate Singapore’s 60th year of independence with a series of SG60-themed initiatives from April to December 2025, as part of its Celebrating with Singapore campaign. Customers can enjoy special SG60 fare deals for Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights, bonus miles accrual on Scoot flights, and additional discounts during KrisFlyer’s upcoming Spontaneous Escapes promotions. There will also be SG60 exclusives on Kris+, KrisShop, and Pelago. KrisWorld, SIA’s in-flight entertainment system, will feature content highlighting Singapore’s history, arts, and culture in its Celebrating Singapore category. The Airline will also showcase the country’s famous cuisine on selected flights and SilverKris lounges. The SIA Group also aims to raise $1.3 million in a SG60 fundraising campaign by rallying partners and staff to do good together. The Group will match the amount raised dollar-for-dollar, donating a total of $2.6 million to AWWA and Rainbow Centre, two Singapore-based agencies that support children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs. In addition, SIA will also host a special two-day edition of its SIA Cares Open House in July, welcoming more than 600 beneficiaries, including individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, youth at risk, and the differently abled, from various Singapore-based social service agencies for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of SIA’s training centre. Details of the community initiatives and promotions can be found in Annexe A. Mr. Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “As we celebrate Singapore’s 60-year nation-building journey, the SIA Group is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our customers and the Singapore public. Our story is intertwined with Singapore’s growth and progress as a country, and the Celebrating with Singapore campaign is our way of expressing gratitude, giving back to the community, and marking SG60 …

According to MMGY, Indian outbound travellers still rely heavily on traditional planning methods, especially for complex international trips. Despite increased digital savviness, travel agents remain crucial for curated, multi-destination itineraries and group tours

Accor and InterGlobe have strengthened their partnership to create India’s fastest-growing hospitality enterprise. The collaboration targets 300 hotels under Accor brands by 2030. They will jointly invest in Treebo, becoming its largest shareholder, and lead the development of Ibis and Mercure brands in India through a master license agreement. 

Signalling good times ahead for hospitality students, the hospitality placements at IHM Pusa Road have jumped from 20% to 49% this year. Principal Pant said, “Over the past four to five years, it was disheartening to observe that only about 20% of our students were entering core hospitality roles — in hotels, quick-service restaurants, and related sectors — while nearly 75% of the rest were moving towards retail, e-commerce, consulting, and other industries. This year, however, marks a turning point. Thanks to the industry’s commitment and the attractive opportunities being extended— 49% of our students are now stepping directly into core hospitality careers.”

Foreign exchange inflows from tourism in India hit a record $10.1 billion in Q3 2024-25, according to RBI. This marks a strong rebound from the pandemic slump, surpassing the pre-Covid high of $8.6 billion in Q3 2019-20. The rising trend highlights India’s growing appeal as a global travel destination and the sector’s contribution to the economy.

The Indian School of Hospitality brought together industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and future professionals for Blueprint Conclave 2025. The conclave was designed to spark conversations that would shape the next decade of India’s travel and tourism industry. Delving into the theme “Travel & Tourism 2035: Building India’s Next Decade,” the conclave focused on how the industry must evolve in response to changing consumer behavior, sustainability priorities, and digital transformation. Some of the distinguished industry stalwarts who graced the event with their esteemed presence included Mr. Sharad Vats, Founder, Director, Nature Safari India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Santosh Kumar, Country Head, Indian sub-continent & Indonesia, Booking.com, Mr. Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head, Thomas Cook India, Mr. Rajeev Kohli, Joint Managing Director, Creative Travel, India and beyond, Mr. Aviral Gupta, Chief Strategy Officer & HR Head, Zostel, and Ms. Dipti Mohan, Associate Vice President, Research HVS. Mr. Kunal Vasudeva, Managing Director of the Indian School of Hospitality, highlighted the purpose of Blueprint Conclave 2025, stating, “At ISH, we are built by the industry, for the industry. Our role is to create meaningful discussions that lead to action. Blueprint Conclave 2025 is a structured platform where industry leaders, policymakers, and academia come together to deliberate on what’s next. The conversations that happened here will be captured, analyzed, and recirculated back to the industry. They will reach decision-makers, shape perspectives, and contribute to the evolving landscape of travel and tourism. Our purpose is clear, we are the bridge between knowledge and impact, bringing together the voices that matter to influence the future of this sector.” Echoing his views, Dean Smeetha Guha, Indian School of Hospitality, emphasized the role of academia in shaping future industry …

Oman, a land of striking contrasts, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the vibrant capital of Muscat to the lush landscapes of Salalah and the cool mountain air of Jebel Akhdar, this diverse country promises a wealth of experiences for families, adventure seekers, honeymooners, and food lovers alike. Muscat: Where Tradition Meets Modernity Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is a perfect mix of old-world charm and contemporary luxury. Families can enjoy a visit to the Royal Opera House, where world-class performances take place, or explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a magnificent piece of architecture. For an educational and fun outing, the Oman Children’s Museum offers hands-on exhibits for kids. For adventure enthusiasts, Muscat is a gateway to several thrilling activities. The nearby Wadi Shab, a stunning canyon, offers a picturesque hike with hidden waterfalls and natural swimming pools. Alternatively, a boat trip to the Dolphin Watching Area gives you the chance to spot playful dolphins and enjoy Oman’s breathtaking coastline. Muscat is also a haven for honeymooners. A romantic sunset dhow cruise along the coastline, where you can soak in the views of the dramatic cliffs and the gentle waves, is an unforgettable experience. Alternatively, a stay at one of Muscat’s luxurious resorts, like Al Bustan Palace, provides the perfect setting for relaxation and intimate moments. Salalah: A Tropical Paradise Salalah, located in the Dhofar region, is often referred to as the ‘Garden City’ of Oman. Known for its unique monsoon season, Salalah offers a refreshing escape from the heat of the rest of the country. Families will enjoy exploring the lush greenery of Al Mughsail Beach and the cascading Wadi Darbat, where …

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 …