Category Archives: Hotels

Hospitality giant Eraaya Lifespaces has announced a significant milestone in their acquisition of US-based Ebix Inc., reporting a payment of ₹101 crore. With the latest remittance of US$12 million (approximately ₹101 crore) in July 2024, Eraaya Lifespaces Limited is excited to share progress on the acquisition. So far, a total of US$21.75 million (around ₹181 crore) has been paid towards securing Ebix Inc. Moreover, a substantial payment of US$35 million (approximately ₹293 crore) is scheduled for completion by the end of July 2024. This acquisition entails the Consortium securing 100 per cent equity in Ebix, encompassing its assets and certain liabilities across its global subsidiaries, as detailed in a stock exchange filing. The bid submitted by the consortium led by Eraaya Lifespaces had been approved and accepted as the highest and best bid for Ebix and declared as the winner following the auction process overseen by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court at an ascribed enterprise value of US$361 Million (₹3,009 crores approximately). The acquisition will be effectuated through Ebix’s Plan of Reorganization proposed in its Chapter 11 proceedings, subject to ongoing negotiations among the consortium, Ebix, and Ebix’s creditors and other stakeholders. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court had allowed the Plan of Reorganization to be sent to creditors for voting and scheduled a hearing to consider approval of the plan.

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, proudly announces the grand opening of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives on 1st November 2024. The latest addition to Centara’s family-focused Mirage properties, this stunning new underwater world-themed paradise invites guests to experience its unique blend of fun and adventure with the exclusive “Me & Centara” introductory offer, where children stay, play, and dine for free, and guests enjoy up to 25% off the best available room rates along with a variety of exciting introductory perks. Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives boasts an array of family-centric activities and facilities designed to entertain guests of all ages. Families will delight in the expansive outdoor water complex, with a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, kids’ pool, a meandering lazy river, and a water playground. Little ones have their own Kids’ Club and Game Room, while parents have access to the fully-equipped fitness centre and rejuvenating SPA Cenvaree. The resort also serves a diverse selection of dining options, including international all-day dining at The Sailhouse, fresh seafood and Italian at Acqua, modern Thai cuisine at Suan Bua, and Mediterranean mezzes designed for sharing at the overwater Mirage Beach Bar. Refreshing drinks are available poolside at Dolphin Bar, while Scoops ice cream parlour has the perfect sweet treats to end the day. Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives offers 145 spacious beach and overwater villas, each with modern amenities, a dining table, plush beds, and a private outdoor bathtub, jacuzzi, or pool for the ultimate relaxation. Families will appreciate the convenience of bunk beds in all Family room types, while private terraces, connecting rooms and wheelchair-accessible options are also available To celebrate its grand opening, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is offering …

Atmosphere Core, a renowned leader in the hospitality industry, has entered into a prestigious Hotel Management Agreement with KEEMAYA RESORTS AND SPAS to develop OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, a luxury all-private pool villas resort set in the serene foothills of the Aravalli ranges in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Slated to open in Q2 2025, this inspiring destination reflects Atmosphere Core’s ambition to establish 25 properties in India by 2025, marking the company’s fourth venture under THE OZEN COLLECTION and its 11th signed property in the country. OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR will offer unparalleled luxury experiences with 181 one and two-bedroom villas, each boasting a private pool. This exclusive low-rise resort spans across 20 acres of verdant landscapes and is designed to cater to discerning travellers seeking a peaceful getaway, as well as for hosting refined meetings, elegant celebrations, and opulent Indian weddings. A 20,000 sq. ft. indoor event space along with a selection of sophisticated outdoor venues will enrich the experience. Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director of Atmosphere Core – India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, & Bhutan, shared his excitement “Jaipur, the Pink City, has always captivated travellers with its timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage. I am thrilled to announce our fourth property under THE OZEN COLLECTION and our 11th signed property in India, OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, which is poised to become a premier luxury destination”.

Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI, said that he was happy with Maharashtra’s Tourism Policy 2024, adding, “The annual financial allocation of INR 1,666 Cr for incentives and operational support underscores the Government’s commitment to enhancing tourism and hospitality infrastructure. This progressive framework, aimed at positioning Maharashtra as a global tourist destination, is a game-changer for our industry.”

“Tourism and hospitality play a crucial role in the growth of the Indian economy. However, there has been no policy announcement to facilitate the development of hotels and the promotion of inbound tourism”, says KB Kachru, President, HAI. The industry will continue to ask for a grant of infrastructure status for the hospitality sector, he said.

B2B travel platform TripJack is thrilled to announce the outstanding success of its Check-In Guarantee program, achieving a remarkable check-in rate of 99.60%. This milestone underscores TripJack’s commitment to providing seamless and reliable travel experiences. The Check-In Guarantee program was designed to address and mitigate potential check-in issues that travelers might face. By closely collaborating with hotel partners and suppliers, TripJack ensures that travel agents can offer their clients a hassle-free stay. In the rare instances where a check-in is denied, TripJack has developed a seamless resolution process. Travel agents can quickly address and resolve the issue, ensuring minimal inconvenience for travelers. Additionally, TripJack offers compensation to travelers if they experience any disruption due to check-in denial, reaffirming their dedication to customer satisfaction. Speaking about the Check-in Guarantee program Mayank Kapoor, a TripJack registered Travel Agent said. “As a travel agent, I am happy with TripJack’s Check-In Guarantee program. I had a customer who was denied check-in because hotel confirmation was not updated. I connected with Team TripJack and within 20 minutes my customer was given check-in. Really happy with this customer centric initiative.” Abdul Thingna, Vice President, Hotels & Holidays at TripJack said, “Our primary objective is to ensure that every traveler enjoys a seamless experience. We work tirelessly and collaborate closely with our hotel partners and suppliers to ensure exceptional service, and our Check-In Guarantee program is a testament to this commitment.” TripJack’s Check-In Guarantee program exemplifies the company’s innovative approach to enhancing the travel booking process for agents and their clients. With a focus on reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, TripJack continues to set new standards in the travel industry

Commenting on the Union Budget, KB Kachru, President, HAI, stated, “There is a continued focus on infrastructural development, fiscal prudence and consolidation whereas tourism continues to be accepted as an engine of growth for the economy. The emphasis has been given to spiritual tourism, however, there is no mention of any policy changes to expedite the growth.” He further said, “Tourism and hospitality play a crucial role in the growth of the Indian economy. The continued focus on government spending on infrastructure development augurs well for the sector. Improved infrastructure would translate into better connectivity which will be beneficial to the promotion of tourism. The development of the eastern region especially Odisha, temple corridors in Gaya and  Bodhgaya, Rajgir and the identification of Nalanda as a key tourism site continue to demonstrate the government’s intent to utilize the potential of tourism. Regrettably, however, there has been no policy announcement to facilitate the development of hotels and promotion of inbound tourism. The announcement of GST simplification, comprehensive review of the income tax Act provides some hope for the sector that has been seeking rationalisation of taxes. The benefits to individuals on taxation will augment the spending power. The focus on skilling and incentivising employers for creating jobs are other positives that will benefit all sectors.” Although not directly linked to this budget, the industry would continue pursuing its ask for grant of infrastructure status for the hospitality sector and industry-related benefits by all state governments, Kachru added.

Sharing his reaction to the Union Budget 2024, Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI, says, “The hospitality sector has been pinning high hopes on the Union Budget for 2024- 25 presented today, on the backdrop of the Government of India’s stated vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and the critical role tourism industry holds in achieving it. However, there is nothing spectacular in the budget to bring structural changes to address the fundamental challenges it faces in a competitive world order and to accelerate the growth of the sector to be a $ 3 trillion economy by 2047. Some key demands of tourism & hospitality to revitalise the sector such as GST rationalisation, granting of infrastructure status and bringing ease of doing business and policy reforms have not been considered in the budget once again, given the well accepted multiplier effect of tourism on employment and economy. The hospitality sector is disappointed but not dejected as the overall focus on infrastructure development, employment generation and skill development and development of religious tourism centres are the silver linings which will help the sector to tide over some of the critical challenges that it faces today. The focus of Budget 2024 on youth employment, skill development and job creation are welcome initiatives. The industry has been facing a shortage of skilled workforce,especially in the hospitality sector. It is also laudable that the Honourable Finance Minister’s Budget speech highlights the Governments’ commitment to make India a premier global travel destination through targeted investment and strategic initiatives. Development of iconic spiritual sites along with promotion of cruise and beach tourism can be helpful in attracting both domestic and international tourists.”

Rules for FDI and Overseas Investments to be simplified to increase FDI inflows and promote use of Indian Rupee as currency for overseas investments, said the FM in her Interim Budget speech. She also said that 1.5 lakh core provision for long-term interest-free loans will be made to support infrastructure investment by state governments. The states will also be incentivised to implement Business Reforms Action Plans and digitalisation to develop tourism. All in all, the Union Budget 2024 was not a total let-down as far as tourism is concerned. Perhaps it has sown the seeds for a better tourism experience in India. But that may be too far into the future. Moreover, there has been no change in taxation, which has disappointed the travel trade no end. Their main gripe was the extremely high GST rates and the procedures, as well as bearing the onus of determining the quantum of TCS.

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 …