Category Archives: Hotels

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.”

Addressing the HRAWI conclave in Nashik recently, Dr Sagnik Chowdhury, Regional Director, India Tourism, Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism, said, “The hospitality industry stands at a transformative crossroads, driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving consumer expectations, and a renewed focus on sustainability. Collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and policymakers will be crucial in shaping a globally competitive hospitality sector. This conclave serves as a vital platform to exchange ideas, drive innovation and collectively work towards strengthening India’s position as a leading tourism destination.”

A franchise agreement has been signed between hospitality entrepreneur Atul Sisodiya and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to introduce the Ramada Encore by Wyndham brand in the spiritual city of Vrindavan. This partnership reflects the growing demand for high-quality, branded accommodations in the area, offering an enhanced hospitality experience for visitors at an ideal location in the heart of the city. Atul Sisodiya, Proprietor, commented, “Partnering with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to bring the Ramada Encore by Wyndham brand to Vrindavan is an exciting milestone. As Vrindavan continues to grow as a major spiritual destination, this collaboration will provide visitors with exceptional hospitality that complements the city’s evolving landscape and its increasing appeal.” The Ramada Encore by Wyndham hotel will be located in Rukmani Vihar, Vrindavan, and will feature 50 rooms, All-Day Dining, a Banquet Hall, Fitness Centre, Swimming Pool, and more. The brownfield property is expected to open by the end of 2026 and will be ideally situated near the city’s most significant cultural and religious attractions. Vrindavan is home to more than 5,500 temples, most notably dedicated to the worship of Radhakrishna, and is an essential part of India’s growing “Krishna Pilgrimage Circuit,” currently under development by the Ministry of Tourism. The hotel site is just 4 km from the Shri Radha Madan Mohan Ji Temple, one of Vrindavan’s oldest and most revered temples. “We are pleased to partner with Mr. Atul Sisodiya to bring the Ramada Encore brand to Vrindavan, a city with increasing demand for quality accommodation. This second signing in the city further strengthens our presence and aligns with the Ramada Encore brand’s promise of delivering a seamless and refreshing stay experience for travelers,” said Rahool …

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, Govt of India has said that including hospitality infrastructure investment for tourism in the infrastructure master list would increase the payback period manifold. The old notification, which says that investment for 3-star hotels in areas with less than 1 million population, will automatically come in the list, he added.

Federico J. Gonzalez, Executive Vice Chairman, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “India has the potential to be the number one hospitality market globally for Radisson Hotel Group.” The economic growth in India is significant. But, besides the economic growth and the growth in population and infrastructure, the ambition and dynamism of Indians is one of a kind. The hotel chain should aim to have 500 hotels in the country by 2030, he added.

As per HVS Anarock’s recent report, the nationwide ARR of hotels has seen a growth of 10 to 12% while the ARRs remained in the range of ₹9,100 to ₹9,300. This growth in ARRs reflected positively on the RevPARs of hotels resulting in a growth of 15 to 17%. The RevPAR of hotels crossed the ₹6,000 threshold whereas the RevPAR of hotels in January 2025 was in the range of ₹6006 and ₹6,324.

By 2026, any hotel that hopes to attract travellers from the EU or to do business with EU-based tour operators and OTAs such as Bookings.com or Agoda, has to obtain recognised sustainability certifications. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President, THA, said, “By 2026, the GSTC will ban non-sustainable tourism businesses. Online platforms will only feature certified hotels.”

Sabi Sabi Collection is pleased to announce the appointment of Ace Connect, led by Alpa Jani, to represent us in the Indian market. This partnership reinforces Sabi Sabi’s commitment to expanding its presence in a dynamic and rapidly growing luxury travel market. “We have always considered India of vital importance in our global strategy”, said Jacques Smit, Marketing Director of Sabi Sabi Collection. “With the appointment of Ace Connect, we aim to strengthen our relationships and enhance our brand in this exciting country. India has immense potential for exponential growth and this collaboration aligns perfectly with our future vision”. Ace Connect, a specialist consulting firm catering to niche luxury travel and hospitality brands, brings extensive expertise and a well-established network across the Indian travel and media industry. The aim is to build extensive relationships that are mutually beneficial ensuring a long standing presence in this key market. Sabi Sabi Collection is a highly respected luxury safari brand with over 45 years of expertise. We look forward to sharing our world and immersive experiences through Alpa’s indepth knowledge of the Indian market.

HRAWI is gearing up to host its flagship ‘Empowering Hospitality’ conclave and awards ceremony in Nashik on 28 February. The event aims to promote industry collaboration and recognise hospitality leaders for their contributions to the sector. “The conclave is aimed at promoting knowledge-sharing and equipping professionals with tools to navigate today’s dynamic market,” said Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI.