Category Archives: Hotels

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) announced it is acquiring Oakwood Worldwide (Oakwood), a premier global serviced apartment provider, from Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd. The acquisition increases Ascott’s global portfolio by 81 properties and about 15,000 units. Oakwood’s approximately 8,500 operational units are expected to immediately contribute to Ascott’s recurring fee income streams upon completion of the transaction slated in 3Q 2022. Ascott’s acquisition of Oakwood will leapfrog Ascott’s global presence to more than 150,000 units in about 900 properties across over 200 cities in 39 countries. It will add new markets which include Cheongju in South Korea; Zhangjiakou and Qingdao in China; Dhaka in Bangladesh as well as Washington D.C. in the United States of America (USA). Recently named the ‘Best Serviced Residence Brand’ in DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2022, Oakwood’s award-winning portfolio includes flagship properties Oakwood Premier Tokyo and Oakwood Premier Coex Center Seoul which were ranked top 10 properties in their respective countries in the DestinAsian awards. New properties such as Oakwood Premier Melbourne and Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto, will also add to the group’s destination highlights. Mr Kevin Goh, CLI’s Chief Executive Officer for Lodging, said: “This acquisition of Oakwood is part of Ascott’s roadmap to playing a bigger role in the lodging market. There are significant synergies between Ascott and Oakwood, given our complementary footprint and product offerings. We intend to build on the strong reputation and heritage of the Oakwood brand, especially in markets across Southeast Asia, North Asia and North America. Oakwood will continue to grow alongside Ascott’s current portfolio of global brands as we continue to build growth momentum for our lodging business. We will be able to leverage Ascott’s extensive expertise as a …

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts has appointed Tekla Maira as the Regional Director of Sales – India for its five key hotels and resorts in Thailand, namely Banyan Tree Bangkok, Banyan Tree Phuket, Angsana Laguna Phuket, Cassia Phuket and Homm Bliss Southbeach Patong. “We are pleased to have Tekla, a well-known industry professional joined our team as Regional Director of Sales. Having created successes for different hotel brands in the luxury and premium space, Tekla’s expertise and rich experience will see her implementing innovative sales and marketing strategies for our Thailand hotels post-COVID and create greater awareness for the global multi-brand ecosystem of Banyan Tree Group in India.” said Benjawan Meksakul, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing – Thailand & Laos of Banyan Tree Group Currently, with direct flights operating to both Bangkok and Phuket and relaxed entry guidelines, these five distinctive hotels will be very attractive to the Indian travelers seeking purposeful travel – by catering personalised experiences to the wedding, meeting and leisure market segments alike.

FHRAI has submitted a representation to Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, highlighting problems faced by inbound tourists with filling the online Air Suvidha form and has requested for its immediate withdrawal. With several passengers having missed their flights to India, the Association has appealed for the Ministry to at least provision physical forms as an alternate to the online forms.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has decided to remove a host of tax exemptions and hike rates for an even larger number of mass-consumption items. It approved a proposal to impose a 12% tax on hotel rooms costing below Rs 1,000 per day. So far, only hotels above the threshold were charged 12% GST. The two-day GST Council meeting in Chandigarh, is being chaired by the FM.

Radisson Hotel Group has announced its APAC Expansion Plan – a major initiative that will unleash the power of its diverse brands and partnerships to drive 400% growth across the Asia Pacific region by 2025. The APAC Expansion Plan will enable Radisson Hotel Group to increase its regional footprint in the Asia Pacific. By 2025, it will add 1,700 hotels and resorts to its current portfolio of over 400 properties. It will aim to achieve this through a combination of organic growth, mergers and acquisitions, master license agreements, and leases in key locations.

The swiftly emerging hospitality company, Espire Hospitality Group has signed an agreement with Ranjana Overseas Private Limited to introduce Country Inn Tarika Goa, Varca Beach, located just 200 meters away from the Varca Beach. This resort featuring 48 keys will be launched in September this year. Espire Hospitality Group currently has three resorts under its Country Inn Hotels & Resorts brand and this signing will strengthen the important mid-segment portfolio of the company. Located in the most scenic part of this popular leisure destination, South Goa, the resort is at a walking distance from Varca Beach and in close proximity to other beaches such as Colva Beach and Marjoda Beach. Country Inn Tarika Goa, Varca Beach will feature well-designed cottages for a leisurely stay, a poolside bar, a multi-cuisine all-day dining restaurant, fitness centre and a ballroom. Commenting on this important signing, Akhil Arora, Chief Operating Officer, Espire Hospitality Group said “We are thrilled to take the first step towards our expansion plan of having 20 resorts in our portfolio by 2023. Goa has latterly started attracting travellers throughout the year and is an extremely important market for us. We are already planning to add more resorts in Goa, in the near future.” He further added: Our Country Inn Hotels & Resorts brand has always been successful, for the consistent warm hospitality and for creating inspirational family experiences. We will continue to expand this brand exponentially, making it a leading mid-market resort brand in the country. Mr. Girish Batra, Director, Ranjana Overseas Private Limited, added: “We have decided to work with the Espire Hospitality Group as we recognize them as a trusted partner for creating a success story. Our resort’s …

With the signing up of an almost century-old heritage Luxury resort, Leisure Hotels Group (LHG), an experiential luxury resort chain with a bouquet of 29 properties spanning North India, has announced its entry into ‘Queen of Hills’ Mussoorie, a nature lover’s delight with stunning views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, shining views of Doon Valley and magnificent views of Shivalik Mountain. The signing up also means that the group will now have 20 operational properties effectively consolidating the experiential resort chain’s position as the largest & most well preferred hospitality company in Uttarakhand. Vibhas Prasad, Director, Leisure Hotels Group said “Mussoorie as a city never loses its charm. It offers the right blend of experiences for all kind of visitors. This new property in Mussoorie is under our management contract. It is currently under restoration and is expected to open by early next year.” Once restored, the project will have 25 exquisite rooms, three restaurants, a bar and an open-air “Cafe on the Deck” with panoramic views of spectacular landscapes with valley vistas and snow-capped mountains. A conservatory is also being conceptualized as a part of an exquisite dining experience. An independent outdoor venue amidst nature is being planned for Yoga & Meditation enthusiasts with our in-house experts. The almost century-old heritage resort will offer a magnificent blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, and promises to provide guests with unforgettable experiences. Be it an official meeting, social gathering, or a wedding, the Resort will offer the perfect venue for  once in a lifetime experience. “Once a private residence of a well-known business family, this heritage resort will serve to a discerning clientele looking to relive the life of a …

Compared to May 2021, India’s bookings have grown by 178 per cent even though the country witnesses high cost of travel, revealed RateGain Travel Technologies in their monthly PULSE survey of May 2022, which show Travel Demand has no impact of global inflation.

Choice Hotels International is closing down its operations of its wholly owned subsidiary, Choice Hotels India, which is now being taken over as master franchise by Suba Group of Hotels, based out of Mumbai. Suba Group of Hotels has properties across the country and also includes brands like Click and 1589.

Spree Hospitality launches its bold and unconventional brand with the opening of Zip by Spree Hotels Mangala Towers in Thrissur, Kerala. This 4-star property is located near Thrissur business centers and is one of the top business hotels, fully equipped to meet corporate and business needs.