Category Archives: Hotels

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, …

Gokulam Grand Hotel & Spa, Bengaluru secured the ‘Best Wedding and MICE Hotel Karnataka’ award at the India Travel Awards. Shafee Ahmed, GM and KS Sachin, Director, Sales & Marketing accepted the award. The property’s MICE facilities can host events catering from 10 to 1,000 guests.

Apart from a slight decrease in the average daily rate (ADR) of Delhi and Goa, all other major markets like Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai showed considerable growth in ADR and revenue per available room figures, with Hyderabad leading the list. The city recorded the highest RevPAR growth of 23.6% in Q3 2024 as compared to Q3 2023. Although occupancy levels remained relatively stable across the board in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, ADR levels improved, leading to an increase in RevPAR across all major markets.

Hilton has announced the signing of a strategic licensing agreement (SLA) with Olive by Embassy to open 150 Spark by Hilton hotels across India, marking the brand’s debut in Asia Pacific. The agreement comes as a result of Hilton’s long-standing partnership with The Embassy Group, owners of Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park. This agreement reinforces Hilton’s ambitious growth in South Asia and brings a new premium economy brand to the dynamic Indian market. The first Spark by Hilton hotels will open in Southern India with a focus on Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. “This landmark signing with Olive by Embassy underscores Hilton’s bold ambition in and long-term commitment to South Asia,” said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific at Hilton. “Spark by Hilton will address a gap in the Indian market, offering affordable stays without compromise, and capturing unmet demand for value and consistency across major and smaller cities. Not only will this partnership set the stage for record-breaking growth, but it also positions Hilton to achieve a commanding presence in one of the world’s largest lodging markets.” Launched in 2023, with 100 hotels at various stages of development, Spark by Hilton is the fastest launch-to-open brand in Hilton’s history. The conversion-friendly, premium economy brand is aimed at the aspirational and value-seeking traveler and is renowned for delivering reliable essentials and friendly service for every guest at an accessible price point. Spark by Hilton hotels in India will be characterized by thoughtful simplicity and reliable service. The public spaces will feature multi-functional seating from communal tables to rocking chairs, offering plenty of options for guests to enjoy …

IHG has signed a management agreement with Aaraki Hotels & Resorts to develop Holiday Inn Resort Dharamshala. The latest signing underscores IHG’s commitment to expand its footprint across key leisure destinations in India. Scheduled to open in Q3 2027, the new hotel will add 150 keys to IHG’s growing presence in the region. Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Aaraki Hotels & Resorts to bring the iconic Holiday Inn brand to Dharamshala, which perfectly aligns with our growth strategy in India’s high-demand leisure markets. As travel preferences shift toward unique and experiential getaways, destinations like Dharamshala are emerging as top choices for both domestic and international travelers, drawn by its spiritual depth, natural beauty, and year-round appeal. The signing of this hotel underscores our commitment to expanding IHG’s presence in key leisure destinations, offering travelers globally recognized brands and memorable experiences.” He further added, “We are certain that Holiday Inn Resort Dharamshala will set a new benchmark in the region, providing guests with a perfect blend of the brand’s timeless appeal and modern innovations tailored to today’s travelers. By introducing our Open Lobby concept, alongside thoughtfully designed accommodations and dining experiences, we aim to deliver an elevated stay that resonates with both domestic and international tourists.”

Mamaka by Ovolo welcomes its newest culinary rockstar, Chef Anuj Kumar Ray. Hailing from the heart of India, Jabalpur, where the Narmada River flows and riverside cooking was his teenage playground, Chef Anuj has arrived and making waves with a bold mission; to take Indian cuisine to the next level without forgetting the true essence and heritage of Indian food. Chef Anuj is bringing his fiery passion, innovative flair, and mouthwatering flavours to the vibrant culinary scene at Mamaka by Ovolo. Chef Anuj’s culinary journey began as a teen with chulha-style (brick stove) riverside feasts, whipping up smoky curries and kebabs against stunning scenic backdrops. What started as fun weekends with friends soon turned into a full-blown obsession with the art of cooking. Mamaka and Chef Anuj’s specialty will be crafting all of our spice blends in-house, from garam masala and chaat masala to chai masala. “After a decade of honing my craft, I am ready to elevate Indian cuisine in Bali and redefine what it means to experience authentic Indian flavours. Get ready to be amazed as I bring the heat to Kuta’s vibrant culinary scene,” said Chef Anuj Kumar Ray. The resort’s signature makhani masala, which is featured in dishes like butter chicken and dal makhani, is inspired by the rich flavours of North India, and the dal makhani is traditionally slow cooked for 24 hours, ensuring deep, authentic taste. Snacks, like street-style aloo chaat, draw inspiration from the bustling streets of Jaipur, while our samosas reflect flavours from central India. Poha, one of the most popular Indian breakfast items, originates from Indore city in central India, and it is a personal favourite of mine, along with the …