Category Archives: Hotels

Refined brand architecture, experiential luxury expertise and a focus on branded residences drive continued expansion as group reveals latest global pipeline figures. Minor Hotels is stepping into 2025 on a strong growth trajectory, underpinned by a robust pipeline of almost 300 new hotels slated to open over the next three years. This expansion puts the international hotel owner and operator on track to pass a milestone of 850 properties by the end of 2027, positioning it among the world’s largest hospitality groups. With more than 560 properties and 81,000 keys already in operation worldwide, Minor’s latest figures show a three-year pipeline of over 285 new hotels and almost 47,000 keys, underscoring the group’s ambitious global strategy and revealing a focus on global market diversification. While more than 50 per cent of Minor’s existing portfolio is currently concentrated in Europe, the addition of more than 100 properties in Asia, more than 60 in the Middle East & Africa, and 40 in Australia and New Zealand will lead to a more balanced global portfolio distribution. Minor Hotels is also looking to expand its presence in several priority markets, especially in North America and North Asia. Markets such as Morocco, Egypt, and Turkey have also been identified as priority destinations for entry, while efforts continue to accelerate momentum in the priority market of India following the recent opening of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel. Leveraging global brand strength  Luxury and upscale remains a driving force in Minor Hotels’ expansion, with one-third of the three-year pipeline categorised in the Luxury segment, encompassing the Anantara, Tivoli, and Elewana Collection brands, and a further third in the Premium segment across NH Collection, Avani and nhow. The …

SOTC Travel expands its retail network with two new outlets: Vasant Kunj & East Delhi SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company, expands its franchise outlets in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj and East Delhi region. The new additions expand SOTC’s network strength to 10 in the NCR region, reiterating the company’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint in the region. The NCR region is an important source market for the Company’s holiday business within Delhi and its surrounding catchments witnessing strong demand. SOTC Travel’s new franchise outlets are strategically situated at prime locations to serve both leisure and business segments. The Vasant Kunj and East Delhi outlets offer end-to-end travel solutions with an array of services, including international and domestic holidays (group tours, personalised holidays, cruises, etc.), value-added services like travel insurance, etc. Rakesh Bawa – Senior Vice President & Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel said “With a legacy of over 75 years in pioneering group escorted tours, we at SOTC Travel continue to lead the way in understanding the evolving needs of the Indian traveller. We firmly believe that, No one understands the Indian traveller better than SOTC. Vasant Kunj and East Delhi are emerging as key source markets with strong demand. We are excited to open two new outlets, expanding our network to 10 locations. Centrally located, these stores will help us target key segments like families, millennials, business owners and Gen Z. Our holiday experts at Vasant Kunj and East Delhi extend a warm welcome to our customers and look forward to co-curate and plan a memorable holiday.”

Lords Hotels & Resorts is embarking on a significant expansion plan following the impressive success and growth achieved in 2024.  The group currently manages a portfolio of 70 hotels and is planning to add over 15 new properties by the end of 2025. It is actively expanding its presence in key regions, including Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, among others. Pushpendra Bansal, COO, expressed his enthusiasm stating “We are incredibly proud of the significant growth we achieved in 2024 and the enduring trust our partners and stakeholders have in our brand. Our iconic hotels, incredible food and beverage offerings, and unparalleled event venues reflect the commitment to delivering unmatched service and True Value Hospitality.” Vikas Suri, Vice President – Operations & Development added, “The demand for mid-segment upscale hotels is increasing and is expected to continue in the coming years, as travelers increasingly prioritize value for money. We aim to leverage this trend by expanding our operations further in Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities across India and internationally.”

Sharing his expectations from the Union Budget 2025 for the hospitality sector, Vishal Kamat, Chairman, CII Maharashtra Chapter, said, “Our hopes for the Union Budget 2025 revolve around meaningful policy reforms and strategic incentives to stimulate growth. While we applaud the government’s hefty investments in infrastructure, the hospitality sector needs more than just highways and airports.”

Targeting wider expansion, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, said, “Our strategy is to saturate the south. With resorts in Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Wayanad, Mamallapuram, and Puducherry seeing surging demand during peak holiday season, the company wants to ride the leisure boom with more properties in scenic locales, such as its upcoming ultra-luxury property in Pachalur.”

Outlining its expectations from the Budget 2025-26, FHRAI urges the government to introduce reforms that will address the critical challenges faced by the hospitality and tourism sector. It believes these reforms will increase investment, create employment, and support overall economic growth in the industry. FHRAI’s primary recommendation is to grant infrastructure status to hotel and convention center projects with costs starting from ₹10 crore.

Ahead of the Union budget, Rajesh Magow, Co-founder, MMT, said, “The travel & tourism sector is a vital pillar of India’s economy. Allowing GST credit for hotel construction & rationalising GST rates will help reduce the cost of accommodation while stimulating domestic tourism & positively impacting inbound tourism. He requested the FM to allocate resources for the global campaign under the Incredible India initiative.

K. Syama Raju, President of FHRAI, says it is keen to collaborate with the Andhra Pradesh govt to achieve its goals mentioned in its latest Tourism Policy which recognises tourism as an industry, combined with substantial incentives for private investors and a focus on thematic circuits. He says, “With its emphasis on sustainability and community empowerment, this policy has the potential to create significant economic and employment opportunities.”

India’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure is elevating travellers’ expectations, says Zubin Saxena, Senior VP, Hilton. “Customised itineraries and smooth, hassle-free online booking experience are becoming the norm, further driving domestic tourism growth,” he said while lauding use of technology in hospitality.

Sofitel Mumbai BKC, which was the first hotel in India to have been awarded Green Key Certification in 2024, has passed the annual audit which enables the property to renew its certification, which will now be valid through December 2025. Awarded by the National Jury Green Key India and the Center for Environment Education (CEE), this prestigious certification is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. A renewal of the certification indicates Sofitel Mumbai BKC’s commitment to continuing to adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education and highlights the establishments’ efforts to develop a sustainable and responsible business. Green Key certifications are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. For an establishment to maintain certification, it must show that it has improved its green performance each year. This includes reduced utilities consumption; increasing awareness campaigns; and upgrading facilities. Manish Dayya, General Manager said, “This certification has inspired us to adopt smarter resource management, minimise waste and integrate sustainable choices into every aspect of our operations. It is more than an accolade; it is our way of ensuring a greener future while delivering the exceptional service and elegance that Sofitel as a brand is known for. For our guests, it is a promise of a stay that aligns with their values, while offering luxury with a lighter footprint. Together, we’re making every visit a step towards a more sustainable world.”