Category Archives: Hotels

Emphasising on bridging the gap between Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and the hospitality sector during HRANI’s  11th Conclave in New Delhi, Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, President, HRANI, said, “The direct linkage between hotels, restaurants, and FPOs is a game-changer for both sectors. This model not only ensures high-quality farm-fresh produce for the hotel industry but also enhances farmers’ income.”

Novotel Group opens its 124-key Novotel Delhi City Centre in New Delhi, offering exceptional connectivity and convenience. The hotel caters to travellers seeking a seamless blend of comfort & eco-conscious design. Garth Simmons, COO, Accor Asia, said, “The opening marks another significant step in Accor’s expansion in India. It underscores our commitment to offering world-class amenities and sustainable practices, delivering exceptional experiences for both business and leisure travelers.”

IHCL has announced the signing of the Palitana Palace under the Taj brand in Palitana, Gujarat. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “Taj has been redefining luxury for over 121 years and its recognition as World’s Strongest Hotel Brand and India’s Strongest Brand is testament to it. We are honoured to partner with His Highness Thakore Saheb Mandhatasinhji Jadeja of Rajkot to bring the Palitana Palace under the Taj brand. This addition reinforces our commitment to preserving India’s rich heritage and expanding our portfolio of Palaces, Havelis and Forts.” “As one of Gujarat’s revered destinations, Palitana holds immense potential for spiritual tourism. This also presents an opportunity for us to build the social and weddings segment in the region,” he added. Further to extensive restoration, the 65-key Taj Palitana will feature luxurious rooms and suites, offering a perfect blend of historical charm and modern luxury. The hotel will include an all-day diner, a specialty restaurant, a lounge, and state-of-the-art facilities such as a gym, pool, and spa. Catering to the growing demand for social and wedding events, the Palitana Palace will house a 3,000 sq. ft. ballroom, flexible meeting spaces, and outdoor lawns. In addition to restoring the Palace to its original grandeur, a collection of royal art and historical artifacts will be displayed within the property.

Andrew Hartley, VP Commercial, Cross Hotels & Resorts, said, “India is a key market for us, and we are strengthening our brand awareness for Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Cross Collection, Lumen and Kaura. Our goal is to increase the number of Indian guests by 40% by this year’s end and we are achieving this through direct channels, forming strategic business partnership.”

Speaking about the company’s plans for the India market, Dillip Rajakarier, Chief Executive Officer, Minor Hotels, has revealed that they will launch a master brand soon. “Now that we have gone global, we want to put all our brands together under a master brand. Also, we will launch two new brands in India which we will announce soon,” he announced.

InterGlobe Hotels and Accor welcome their latest address in Mumbai with the opening of ibis Mumbai BKC. The property embodies ibis’ vision of making travel more open and inclusive through smart design, seamless convenience, and a lively social environment. Strategically located in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), one of Mumbai’s most prominent business districts, the hotel provides seamless connectivity to key business hubs and the airport, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a vibrant, multifunctional lobby that seamlessly integrates the lounge and bar areas, creating an inviting space to work, relax, or socialise. Reflecting the vibrancy of Mumbai, the hotel showcases curated contemporary art inspired by the city’s dynamic culture, displayed throughout public areas and guestrooms. The 206 guestrooms are designed for comfort, convenience, and functionality. Each room features the signature ‘Sweet Bed’ for a restful sleep, along with sleek furnishings, spacious wardrobes, and functional workspaces. Integrated technology, including digital menus and access to over-the-top (OTT) entertainment channels, further enhances the stay. For all-day dining, Spice It, the hotel’s signature multi-cuisine restaurant, serves a variety of local flavours and international favourites, complemented by a curated selection of beverages and bar bites. Fitness enthusiasts can make use of the state-of-the-art gym, while a dedicated indoor games area adds a lively touch for recreation. JB Singh, President & CEO, InterGlobe Hotels, commented, “We are delighted to announce the opening of ibis Mumbai BKC, marking another milestone in our growing portfolio in India. From thoughtfully designed public spaces to well-appointed rooms and curated dining, every aspect has been carefully crafted to enhance the guest experience. Designed to match the lifestyle needs and aspirations …

The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India is all geared up to organise its second edition of Tourism Sustainability Summit 2025 on 26 March in New Delhi. The platform is focused on advancing sustainability into mainstream tourism and hospitality. The day-long event will see Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as the Chief Guest. It will also have panel discussions focusing on key topics.

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has said, “The Ministry of Tourism had earlier been working towards formulating a draft National Tourism Policy with a view to keep the sector updated with the latest developments. However, in due course of time, elements and action areas highlighted in the draft policy document have been suitably incorporated in all the schemes and guidelines and Ministry is open to continuous engagement with all stakeholders. In view of this, a separate tourism policy is not envisaged at this point in time.”

The Oberoi Group proudly announces the opening of The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh — a luxurious sanctuary just a few minutes’ drive from The Bandhavgarh National Park, one of India’s most renowned wildlife destinations, celebrated for its thriving population of Royal Bengal Tigers. Set across a lush 21-acre forested expanse, The Oberoi Vindhyavilas features 19 luxury tents and two luxury villas with private pools, offering guests privacy and a deep connection with nature. The interiors of the luxury tents are accentuated with tribal-inspired details and the tented canopies adorned with intricate motifs, evoking the rustic elegance of the land, brought to life through Oberoi’s signature lens of understated luxury. Thoughtfully curated design touches root the experience in place, from vivid Gond art murals in the bath area to lifelike interpretations of local wildlife, hand-painted by renowned Bandhavgarh artist Rakesh Prajapati. Sliding doors open onto a private floating deck and expansive private garden, where fountain grass and frangipani bloom under a flowering kachnar tree, creating the perfect setting to savour a morning cup of tea accompanied by the gentle symphony of birdsongs.  

Travel and tourism start-ups have grown exponentially in Kerala in recent years, fostering innovation and generating jobs. According to the state’s Tourism department, 156 start-ups have been operating in the hospitality sector. Of these, 102 started operations in the past three years. Anoop Ambika, CEO, Kerala Startup Mission, said, “79 start-ups in the tourism sector were registered with us.”