Category Archives: Hotels

Sofitel Mumbai BKC won the ‘Best Luxury Business Hotel – West India’ at ITA 2024. Manish Dayya, GM said, “Our industry is all about innovation, creativity, and curating memorable experiences. It is a pleasure to see everyone learn from each other’s experiences, whether it is to do with stay, F&B or even sustainability practices.”

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, Goa-based leading boutique hospitality company, has unveiled its ambitious plans to expand its portfolio to 50 properties across India within the next five years. Known for delivering value-for-money vacation experiences, the group currently operates 16 boutique hotels and resorts and plans to add 5 to 6 properties annually. This growth strategy will encompass a mix of management contracts, lease agreements, and owned properties, catering to a wide spectrum of travellers while maintaining its hallmark of affordable luxury. The expansion strategy focuses on creating a balanced portfolio that appeals to both leisure and business travellers. For owned properties, Stone Wood is targeting serene, nature rich destinations such as Kabini, Coorg, Jawai, and Ranthambore, ideal for guests seeking tranquil escapes. Simultaneously, the group is establishing a presence in Tier 1 cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chandigarh through lease and revenue-sharing models to tap into urban demand. To cater to the diverse preferences of travellers, Stone Wood has also introduced a refreshed branding strategy with three distinct sub-categories: Stone Wood Hotels, Stone Wood Premier, and Stone Wood Comfort. This segmentation allows the group to tailor its offerings to various customer segments, ranging from premium travellers to those seeking mid-scale options. While Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts focuses on quality and comfort in leisure, business, pilgrimage, and wellness settings, Stone Wood Premier offers enhanced amenities such as spacious rooms, multiple F&B outlets, and upgraded facilities. Stone Wood Comfort, on the other hand, targets value-conscious travellers with affordable yet well-appointed accommodations. “Our vision is to redefine boutique hospitality by offering guests unique experiences that combine premium services with exceptional value,” said Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood …

Patanjali G. Keswani, Chairperson, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “We are all set to capitalise on rising demand in India, focusing on premium pricing. We plan to list our subsidiary, Fleur Hotels, within the next 24 months, and eyeing alliances with international hotel chains for co- branding or shared loyalty programmes in the next five years.”

Highlighting the crucial role of the private sector in India and globally as a driving force for tourism growth, MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General, HAI, urged the government to frame suitable structures for effective PPP. He said HAI’s two main demands—providing industry benefits and allowing infrastructure status—would bring in more revenue to the government, create millions of direct and indirect jobs, and promote inclusive growth.

Jungle Camps has set the stage for IPO, aims to raise ₹29.42 crores fund to be utilised for strategic expansion plans and upcoming four properties across India, namely Sanjay Dubri National Park, Sheopur Fort, Kukru Jungle Camp near Melghat Tiger Reserve, and 4-star hotel in Mathura. They are going to offer special schemes to travel agents bringing around 1000 room nights to the upcoming properties, while their current offerings include US$130-US$200 rates depending on rooms per night to inbound travel agents for their existing properties.

A select group was invited to experience the exceptional dining offerings at both Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal. The carefully curated itinerary showcased Atlantis as an exceptional culinary centre in Dubai, offering a diverse range of world-class dining experiences. Guests had the opportunity to explore the resort’s renowned culinary scene, with highlights including Ariana’s Persian Kitchen by Ariana Bundy, La Mar by Gastón Acurio, Nobu, and many other distinguished restaurants, each presenting unique flavours and unforgettable experiences. Atlantis, Dubai stands out as a global gastronomic hub, home to 35 extraordinary restaurants, including Michelin-starred venues like Ossiano, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, and Hakkasan, as well as celebrity chef-led dining experiences such as Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, Estiatorio Milos by Chef Costas Spiliadis, and Jaleo by José Andrés. These renowned restaurants cater to every taste, from cutting-edge culinary concepts to iconic international chefs, offering an unparalleled dining experience in Dubai. The familiarisation trip was a resounding success, introducing guests to a deeper understanding of the resort’s culinary excellence and reinforcing its position as a top-tier destination for food lovers from around the world. Since its pre-opening, Indiva Marketing has built a strong partnership with Atlantis, Dubai focusing on PR, marketing, and sales in the Indian market. The collaboration has contributed to the resort’s growing presence and success in attracting Indian visitors, and it has continued to go from strength to strength.  

Join an exclusive webinar of Impiana Private Villas, Seminyak, Bali on 28 November at 3 pm and get insights about its authentic Indian restaurant Frangipaani and Impiana Private Pool Villas, presented by a three-member team. For more information, contact Jaspreet Kaur at +91 9650196532 or jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com.

Pradeep Shetty, Vice President, FHRAI, said, “Delinking F&B rates from accommodation tariffs will empower the industry to adjust pricing based on market dynamics and customer demand, fostering growth across all segments. It will also streamline tax compliance, ensuring a win-win for both the industry and government revenues.”

Join an exclusive Impiana Private Villas, Seminyak, Bali webinar on 28 November at 3 pm and get insights about its authentic Indian restaurant Frangipaani and Impiana Private Pool Villas, presented by a three-member team. For more information, contact Jaspreet Kaur at +91 9650196532 or jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com.

Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C) for Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, GoI, inaugurated the prestigious VISA-THSC Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Project in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, on 19 November. The Minister, who endorsed the MoU signing between THSC and VISA, has been instrumental in championing this transformative initiative, which is set to recognize, certify, and upskill over 20,000 individuals across India’s tourism and hospitality sectors over the next three years. In his inaugural address, Chaudhary underscored the profound impact of this project, stating, “Through the RPL initiative, we are not merely certifying skills; we are acknowledging and validating the hard work, expertise, and experience of our people. This project is a powerful step toward recognizing and empowering the skilled workforce in Bharatpur and Rajasthan, especially in tourism and hospitality—sectors integral to India’s growth and cultural heritage. By certifying these skills, we are laying a strong foundation for economic upliftment and sustained job creation.” Targeting the certification of nearly 7,000 individuals in its first year alone across India, the project focuses on roles such as Tour Guide, Customer Service Executive, Food Server, Walk Tour Facilitator, and Paragliding Ground Crew Chief. Bharatpur’s Keoladeo National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site and major tourist attraction—offers an ideal setting for the project, enabling local residents to gain formal recognition and contribute as ambassadors of India’s heritage and hospitality. Rajan Bahadur, CEO of THSC, shared his vision for the VISA-THSC RPL Project, stating, “The Project aligns closely with THSC’s mission to bridge skill gaps in the tourism and hospitality sectors by providing individuals with industry-recognized certifications. This initiative will uplift livelihoods in Bharatpur and beyond, enhancing service quality across the industry. By raising service standards, …