Category Archives: Hotels

Sitharaman has raised our hopes when it comes to tourism in India, which bodes well not just for domestic but also inbound tourism, which has been suffering since Covid. Delivering to the states, she highlighted the development of ‘iconic’ tourism centres by the states who will be allowed long-term, interest-free loans for such long-term development. For domestic tourism, the FM announced projects for better port connectivity and more tourism infrastructure, that will be taken up on islands in India, including of course Lakshadweep! All in all, her Budget highlighted promoting investments into India, including its infrastructure projects. In positioning India as a global tourist destination, we’ll also create jobs, stimulate investments and unlock economic opportunities for other sectors. In addition to the measures outlined in the interim budget, I propose the following measures. Vishnupath temple at Gaya and Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar are of immense spiritual significance. Comprehensive development of Vishnupath temple corridor and Mahabodhi temple corridor will be supported, modeled on the successful Kashi Vishwana temple corridor to transform them into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations. Rajgir, Rajgir holds immense religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The 20th Tirthankara Muni Suvaratha temple in the Jain complex, Jain temple complex is ancient. The Sapta Rishi or the seven hot springs form a warm water Brahmkund that is sacred. A comprehensive development initiative for Rajgir will be undertaken. Our government will support the development of Nalanda as a tourist center besides reviving Nalanda University to its glorious stature. Odisha’s scenic beauty, temples, monuments, craftsmanship, wildlife sanctuaries, natural landscapes and pristine beaches make it an ultimate tourism destination. Our government will provide assistance for their development to Odisha …

A lot is riding on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s 7th Union Budget presentation, to be aired today. This makes her the first FM to present seven Union Budgets in a row! This Budget is an important one for ‘Amrit Kaal’ and will decide the direction for India’s economy for the next five years. It has the potential to build a strong foundation of our dream of Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister has said. As the industry braces itself for it, it does so with cautious hope – afraid of being let down yet again due to the absence of any mention of tourism, yet hopeful that perhaps this could be the moment when the sector begins to appear in the FM’s horizon. Watch this space for more updates and industry reactions on the Budget.

La Mamounia, the iconic exclusive resort in the heart of Marrakech, Morocco, is now exclusively represented by Indiva Marketing. This partnership marks a milestone as it expands its portfolio to include one of the world’s most prestigious and historically rich hospitality brands. La Mamounia, renowned for its opulent architecture, lush gardens, and unparalleled service, has been a symbol of Moroccan hospitality since its opening in 1923. The resort has consistently been a favourite among discerning travellers, including celebrities, royalty, and dignitaries from around the globe, for a memorable vacation and lavish celebrations. With this new collaboration, Indiva Marketing aims to introduce the unique charm and luxury of La Mamounia to Indian traveler. La Mamounia’s Pierre Jochem, General Manager, expressed his enthusiasm stating, “India is a rapidly growing market with a strong appetite for luxury travel, exclusive hotels, fine food and wine. We are confident that Indiva Marketing’s deep understanding and innovative approach will help us reach new heights in this vibrant region. We look forward to welcoming Indian guests to La Mamounia, to experience the magic of Marrakech like never before.” “We are delighted to represent La Mamounia in India to bring this exceptional resort to the forefront of Indian travellers who seek an unforgettable and enriching travel experience.” said Beate Mauder Kakkar, Managing Director at Indiva Marketing. “La Mamounia is a destination in itself, offering an immersive experience that combines Moroccan tradition with refined luxury. With extensive experience and expertise in the travel and tourism sector, Indiva Marketing is well-positioned to promote La Mamounia’s offerings to the Indian market. The partnership will focus on creating bespoke marketing strategies, enhancing brand awareness, and driving engagement through various channels, including digital marketing, …

Espire Hospitality Group, one of the fastest-growing hospitality groups in India, is excited to announce the signing of an iconic hotel in the historic city of Ayodhya. Set to open in Q4, 2024, this wide-spread property will feature 150 keys, with a mixed inventory of 50 keys offering the distinctive experience of the luxury boutique resort brand ZANA Luxury Resorts and the remaining 100 keys offering a premium experience of the mid-segment Country Inn Hotels and Resorts brand. This strategically located hotel will offer characterful stay experience in an expansive property that showcases the mood of the sacred destination. The hotel also provides easy access to notable landmarks such as Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi Temple, and Kanak Bhawan. Guests will have a choice of a delectable buffet or à la carte dining at the multi-cuisine restaurant, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for all. For a holistic experience, the hotel will feature a range of facilities designed for both relaxation and entertainment. These include a kid’s play area ‘Toddle Wobble’, a Gaming Arena, and a versatile event space spanning 3,000 sq. ft., perfect for hosting various events and gatherings. With a mix of two different hotel brands, guests can expect distinctive luxury, inspiring experiences, and personalized service at ZANA. On the other hand, the guests looking for a more economical choice can expect a delightful Country Inn experience, renowned for offering comfort, family-friendly stays and heartfelt hospitality. Akhil Arora, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Espire Hospitality Group said, “We are thrilled to bring our two brands, ‘ZANA Luxury Resorts’ and ‘Country Inn Hotels and Resorts’, to the city of epic Ramyana, Ayodhya.” This signing marks a significant milestone for us …

Cross Hotels & Resorts designated Andrew Hartley as the Vice President of Commercial. With a wealth of 20 years of experience in sales & marketing and commercial operations, Andrew has served in Thailand, Singapore, Australia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Oman within the luxury hotel industry. At Cross, he will be engaged in business growth in the commercial direction at the Bangkok Corporate Office. Before taking on Commercial, Cross Hotels & Resorts, Andrew was the Assistant VP – Strategic Sales & Marketing for Raffles Hotels and Resorts in Cambodia. His previous roles include esteemed positions at prominent hospitality establishments, including Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts in the Asia Pacific, Sofitel in Australia, New Zealand & Fiji, and Intercontinental in China.

The forthcoming budget offers a vital chance for the hospitality sector as we believe this is the Golden period for Indian Tourism Industry in case we are able to make the Best use of this opportunity. We request the government to announce industry status for hotels and lower the GST rate from 18% to 12%, bringing it in line with international standards for the tourism industry. This combined advantage will stimulate investments, enhance tourism, and generate job opportunities. The much needed industry status will enable much easier access to cheaper loans for expansion and development. There should be a provision for single window clearance for approvals, a long standing demand from the hotel industry. Government can also lease old properties such as Havelis and hotels for long term, to benefit tourism industry through Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.  Given the industry’s substantial contribution to India’s GDP and foreign exchange earnings, we believe these steps will drive economic growth and position India as a more competitive tourism destination.

Sitara Himalaya, a boutique hotel in Manali represented by Gaia Escapes, has recently earned a prestigious spot under the Relais & Châteaux banner. This exquisite 10-bedroom garden retreat captures the grandeur, beauty, and spirituality of the Himalayas. Perched at 8,200 feet, just 13 km from Manali on the road to the ancient Buddhist valleys of Lahaul and Spiti, Sitara Himalaya embodies the essence of Good Earth, the iconic lifestyle brand founded by Anita Lal. Surrounded by multiple tourist hotspots, it offers an idyllic escape from the hustle of metro cities, inviting guests to immerse themselves in Vedic tranquillity. Its inclusion under the Relais & Châteaux brand stands as a testament to its unparalleled services and serene ambiance.

Union government has revised the annual ground rent for land leased to several prominent five-star hotels in New Delhi from thousands/lakhs of rupees a year to crores each. In March 2024, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued notices for ₹177.29 crore for The Imperial and ₹69.37 crore for Claridges as revised ground rent from 2002 and 2006, respectively, until now.

Sofitel Mumbai BKC was delighted to commemorate the Sofitel brand’s Diamond Jubilee in June 2024, celebrating 60 years of the global hotel brand. The elegant hotel situated in the heart of BKC hosted a delightful Moulin Rouge-themed celebratory soiree. The event brought together loyal guests, prominent media figures, and leading influencers. In collaboration with Travel + Leisure India and Lifestyle Asia India, the evening welcomed notable personalities including Kritika Kamra, Kusha Kapila, Miss Malini, Gurfateh Pirzada, Pallavi Singh, and Tanuj Garg. Manish Dayya, General Manager, Sofitel Mumbai BKC commenced the evening with a heartfelt speech, acknowledging the brand’s 60-year milestone and reflecting on Sofitel’s presence in India through its flagship Mumbai hotel over the past 12 years. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Consul General of France in Mumbai, graced the event as the Chief Guest, adding to the evening’s significance. Rahul Gangwani, Editor, Lifestyle Asia, and Simon Clays, Editorial Director, Travel + Leisure, also shared their thoughts, highlighting the longstanding partnership between the publications and Sofitel Mumbai BKC. The intimate yet captivating event transformed Sofitel Mumbai BKC with vibrant red décor, adorned with pearls, feathers, and crystal accents, complemented by glamorous red lighting. Guests enjoyed live music by a violinist, saxophonist, and cello player performing instrumental renditions of popular tunes, along with captivating Cabaret dance performances evoking the true spirit of the Moulin Rouge. Enhancing the sensory experience, a perfume bar by Scentido offered guests a unique olfactory journey. The evening’s culinary highlight featured a selection of exquisite French cuisine, showcasing the culinary expertise of the Sofitel Mumbai BKC team. This spectacular celebration marks the conclusion of a successful first half of the year for Sofitel Mumbai BKC, with anticipation building for an …

KB Kachru, President, HAI, said, “The forthcoming Union Budget offers an opportunity to unleash the potential of India hospitality in its contribution to India Vision 2047. We request the government to make key policy shifts in the sector by giving infrastructure status to hotels rather than categorising them as luxury, elite or even ‘sin’ goods”.