Category Archives: Hotels

Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bangtao invites Indian travel trade partners to a webinar on 5 September at 3 pm to discover its offerings. Highlights include special Diwali packages with value adds, an engaging quiz and interactive Q&A with experts and exciting rewards. For more info, contact amrita.bhatia@buzztravelmarketing.com or call 9987552213.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Hishan Singhawansa as its new Chief Executive Officer, outlining a vision that places India at the heart of Sri Lanka’s tourism growth story. With over 17 years at the John Keells Group (JKH), Singhawansa steps into leadership at a time when Sri Lanka’s arrivals from India have surged by more than 30% in the first half of 2025, reaffirming India as the country’s largest source market. “Sri Lanka is one of the most accessible and exciting destinations for Indian travellers, just 90 minutes away from Chennai and Bengaluru, and under four hours from Delhi and Mumbai,” said Singhawansa. “With scale, innovation, and consistency, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is ready to elevate these connections, offering luxury, lifestyle, and authentic experiences that resonate deeply with Indian leisure, MICE, and wedding segments.” Cinnamon’s flagship development, Cinnamon Life Colombo, represents a US$1.2 billion integrated resort the largest of its kind in South Asia. With 687 rooms and 160,000 sq. ft. of MICE facilities for up to 5,000 guests, it is designed to position Colombo alongside Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai as a regional powerhouse for Indian weddings, corporate events, and large-scale conferences. Beyond infrastructure, the group is investing in people and purpose. The Cinnamon Hospitality Academy is equipping Sri Lanka’s workforce to meet world-class standards, while initiatives such as EmpowHer target a 30% increase in women’s participation within three years, creating safer, more inclusive hospitality workplaces. Meanwhile, Cinnamon Nature Trails, the brand’s conservation-led tourism arm, continues to offer experiential journeys from whale watching to wildlife safaris that appeal to India’s rapidly growing interest in sustainable travel. “Tourism is about economic transformation and community empowerment,” added Singhawansa. “Our …

Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Geonet Developments International for ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection, a high-style beachfront destination set to open in 2028 in the heart of Seminyak, Bali. This bold signing marks another key milestone in Cross Hotels & Resorts’ mission to become APAC’s Leading Alternative to Global Hotel Operators, while spotlighting the brand’s growing expertise in managing lifestyle experiences. Located along Seminyak’s legendary coastline, ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection is poised to deliver a refined yet vibrant stay, blending the sophistication of the ELLE brand with Bali’s iconic beach energy. The resort will feature 170 ultra-luxury hotel rooms & suites, each designed to reflect a modern, effortless glamour. At its heart, the signature beach club will serve as a cultural and social anchor, offering music, fashion, mixology, and cuisine in a setting that invites day-to-night celebration. Chad Egan, CEO & Founder, Geonet, added “We are so excited to bring ELLE into this collaboration. It marks our first project together with the globally iconic brand. This is also our second collaboration with Cross Hotels & Resorts, which reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality assets. Backed by the global reach of Flight Centre Travel Group, Cross brings the operational focus and brand energy we were looking for. Together, we are creating a bold new beachfront destination that speaks to style, connection, and commercial performance.” Evan Burns, Country Manager, Indonesia, Cross Hotels & Resorts, added “ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection is a fresh, magnetic addition to Seminyak, delivering the vibrancy of a modern beach club lifestyle with …

Cross Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the opening of Away Bangkok Sukhumvit, strategically positioned as an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers seeking accommodation solutions in Bangkok’s bustling Central Business District. Conveniently situated in the vibrant Sukhumvit area, Away Bangkok Sukhumvit offers unparalleled access to Bangkok’s key transportation links, including BTS Asok, BTS Phrom Phong, and MRT Sukhumvit stations. The hotel is easily accessible from both Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), ensuring seamless connectivity for international travellers. Guests will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to significant business and leisure landmarks, including the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Benjakitti Park, Benjasiri Park, Terminal 21, and The EM District, comprising Emporium, EmQuartier, and the new Emsphere. This location provides guests the advantage of exploring business hubs, shopping destinations, restaurants, and entertainment venues with ease. Away Bangkok Sukhumvit, introducing itself as an “Urban Sanctuary,” features 75 well-appointed guestrooms catering to various preferences. Guests can enjoy diverse culinary experiences at Twenty / 22 Bar & Restaurant. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant offers an array of Thai and international options, from classic Pad Thai to juicy burgers and refreshing drinks. Additional facilities include a rooftop outdoor swimming pool and a modern gym, providing guests with leisure activities that complement the hotel’s ethos of “Escape Everyday Life.” Opportunity for Travel Agents Away Bangkok Sukhumvit presents travel agents with a compelling proposition: a lifestyle hotel offering a blend of strategic location, varied room categories, and comprehensive amenities that meet both business and leisure expectations. It is crafted to deliver an elevated guest experience in a prime Bangkok setting.

West Bengal’s tourism sector attracted private investment worth ₹5,710 crore last year, driven by new luxury hotels, homestays and festival-driven growth, said Nandini Chakravorty, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism), GoI. In the same period, 42 new luxury hotels have opened in the state. She also added that Bengal ranked first in homestay registrations with 5,322 operational units and 3,755 more in the pipeline.

Summit Hotels & Resorts, one of Eastern India’s leading hospitality brands, has announced the opening of Summit Enigma Resort & Spa in Lamahata, a luxury mountain retreat set to redefine high-altitude hospitality. Strategically located just 22 kilometres from Darjeeling town and within easy reach of Tiger Hill and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the resort offers a rare combination of accessibility and tranquillity, making it West Bengal’s newest destination for discerning travellers. Summit Enigma Resort & Spa sets itself apart with unobstructed views of the entire Kanchenjunga range, a privilege often reserved for sunrise treks to Tiger Hill but now available from the privacy of a guest’s balcony. The property features 16 elegant rooms designed to showcase nature’s grandeur, including intimate Premium Rooms and spacious Balcony Rooms that invite guests to experience the ever-changing Himalayan skies. The resort emphasises wellness and sustainability as cornerstones of its philosophy. The signature Meta Spa introduces therapies inspired by the region, complemented by steam and sauna facilities, and a Kanchenjunga-facing Jacuzzi that blends luxury with natural immersion. Dining at the in-house CloudSong Restaurant celebrates the bounty of the mountains with farm-to-table menus, locally sourced produce, and delicacies such as the much-talked-about Desi Kukkad Curry. Beyond luxury, Summit Enigma promises an immersive cultural connection. Guests can walk to nearby farms, experience sustainable mountain agriculture, and interact with local communities where traditions continue in harmony with nature. Wildlife too plays a role in the experience, with deer sightings on the property underscoring the seamless coexistence of wilderness and hospitality. The resort’s strategic location enhances its appeal. While Darjeeling offers the bustle of a celebrated hill station, Lamahata provides a peaceful alternative, close enough to access iconic attractions …

Indian hospitality sector witnessed a 12.9% year-or-year growth in RevPAR during April-June quarter of this year, according to JLL’s Hotel Momentum India report. The growth accompanied 10% sequential acceleration, demonstrating strong recovery and expansion of the sector. Bengaluru stood out as a market leader, with a RevPAR growth of 29.4% in the same period.

Cross Hotels & Resorts participated in a three-city roadshow organised by TravelBullz from 18 to 22 August, covering Kolkata. Ludhiana and New Delhi. “This roadshow gave us the perfect platform to connect with key agents, showcase our Thailand portfolio and launch Away Bangkok Sukhumvit,” said Sandeep Raghav, Director, Business Development – India, Cross Hotels & Resorts.

Speaking at the 40th IATO Convention in Odisha’s Puri, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said, “India needs three times the current number of hotel rooms to meet future demand. Unless we are able to unlock that and push the needle, it is going to be a challenge.”

TravelBullz’ three-city Great India Roadshow concluded in Delhi, spotlighting Singapore and Thailand alongside a grand launch for Destination Dubai. KD Singh, Founder, TravelBullz, said, “Our overall global hotel business has grown 400% over the last three years.” He projected global hotel sales of ₹475 crore ($55 million) this year.