Category Archives: Hotels

Ventive Hospitality along with its Promoter Group Companies, announced the expansion of their strategic partnership with Marriott International, by signing management contracts for seven luxury, upper upscale and upscale hotels comprising of 1,548 rooms across India and Sri Lanka. This partnership marks multiple brand debuts in key locations including Sri Lanka, Varanasi, Mundra, Pune, and Navi Mumbai. Further, Ventive Hospitality also announced its plans to develop a hotel on its existing leasehold land in Mundra, India. Of the seven hotels, three hotels are being developed by Ventive Hospitality and its subsidiaries – the Ritz-Carlton Reserve (73 villas along with 80 branded residences for sale) at Pottuvil, near Yala East National Park in Sri Lanka; Varanasi Marriott Hotel (161 rooms) at Varanasi, India and Courtyard by Marriott (200 rooms) at Mundra, India. The remaining four hotels – the proposed JW Marriott Navi Mumbai (450 rooms), Moxy Navi Mumbai (200 rooms), Moxy Pune Wakad (264 rooms) and Moxy Pune Kharadi (200 rooms), are being developed by the Promoter Group companies on Right Of First Offer (ROFO) or alternative structure basis for the Ventive Hospitality and will be transferred to the Company under a suitable arrangement that maximizes value for all stakeholders equitably. This partnership, one of India’s largest in the luxury and upper-upscale hotel sector, leverages the strength of Ventive Hospitality’s project execution capabilities along with Marriott International’s renowned brands and hotel management expertise. Both companies are poised to unlock significant growth opportunities by capitalizing on a favorable demand-supply dynamics. This strategic partnership was formally announced by Atul Chordia, Chairman and Executive Director of Ventive Hospitality Ltd, and Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. Also present at the event were Ranju …

Maitland & Knox Heritage Hotels, the homegrown luxury boutique chain behind Galle Fort Hotel, Thotalagala, and The Warden’s House, has officially rebranded as Island Life – Sri Lanka. This is among the biggest rebranding exercises carried out by a Sri Lankan group in recent years. This new name and identity reflect a new, experience-led approach to homegrown hospitality. The specialised boutique hotel chain now pegs itself as ‘the custodians of the perfect Sri Lankan experience.’ The new brand logo of Island Life – Sri Lanka captures the soul of the island—where a wave echoes coastal calm and a peak evokes the wild highlands. Together, they reflect the rhythm of serenity and adventure, inviting guests to experience Sri Lanka’s story through every stay. With Island Life – Sri Lanka, the group begins a new chapter rooted in storytelling, sustainability, and soul. At its core is a promise: to our guests more than just a stay—an opportunity to feel Sri Lanka, move with its rhythm, embrace its culture, and connect with its people. Guided by a philosophy of fulfilment through action, every stay is thoughtfully designed to go beyond comfort — shaped in curated experiences, personalisation, and authentic connection. From cultural encounters and locally inspired design to meaningful moments through art, heritage and service, we ensure each guest feels fully immersed in the essence of the island. Island Life – Sri Lanka now includes three iconic properties Thotalagala (Haputale): A restored 19th-century tea planter’s bungalow nestled in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, offering heritage charm, quiet luxury, and meaningful interactions. Thotalagala features 7 suites complementing gourmet experiences, guided walks, an Insta-viral infinity pool and Sri Lanka’s best high tea. Galle Fort Hotel (Galle): …

Bintan Resorts, in partnership with Travstarz Global Group, held B2B workshops in Jaipur, Lucknow and Indore recently. Aimed at promoting Bintan among Indian travellers, the sessions showcased luxury resorts, wellness, and connectivity via Singapore. Over 35 key agents per city participated, targeting families, honeymooners, leisure travellers, and MICE groups.

India’s hospitality sector is likely to remain immune to the impact of artificial intelligence. In its latest projections, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) said that the Indian travel and tourism sector is expected to employ more than 63.9 million by 2035, up from 46.3 million in 2024. “This is the only industry which may be immune to the impact of AI,” said Julia Simpson, Chief Executive, WTTC.

The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI celebrated excellence at its 5th Empowering Hospitality Conclave & Awards on 26th June 2025 at Della Resorts & Adventures, Lonavala. Graced by Chief Guest Shri Mohamed Farouk – Regional Director (Western Region), India Tourism Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the event recognized pioneers reshaping Lonavala and Khandala’s hospitality and culinary identity through innovation, sustainability and leadership. Among the distinguished recipients was the Late Subhash Thakker, the pioneer behind Dukes Retreat, Khandala recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Maganlal & Sons, the iconic Lonavala Chikki brand founded in the 1880s at a railway cart, now a four-generation legacy of authentic taste and tradition, and Cooper’s Fudge & Chikkis, the family-run Lonavala institution since the 1950s were bestowed with Founder’s Excellence in Regional Cuisine. Jimmy Mistry (Della Group), the Creator of Sky Garden – India’s first levitating fine-dining experience 150 ft. above ground, was recognized with Innovation in Dining Award as well as with the Best Adventure Resorts Award for Della Adventure Park, which is India’s largest extreme adventure destination. Kishore Keswani MD & Founder of Kailash Parbat Hotel was recognized for his Outstanding Contribution in the hotels category. The award for the Best Iconic Hotel in Lonavala was bagged by the Fariyas Resort and The Fern – An Ecotel Hotel was awarded the Best Hotel in Lonavala. Rhythm Hospitality, the innovator of the ResiTel model was recognized as Best Boutique Resort in Lonavala while Mr Madhav Todi Director of Triose Boutique Hotel was awarded the Sustainable Hospitality Award for the championing of green practices including solar energy, zero plastic, rainwater harvesting and waste recycling. Ikshana Resort & Spa won the …

Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary for Tourism, Visakhapatnam, has called for positioning the city as a global-standard tourism destination. He urged officials to create awareness campaigns promoting adventure, water sports, and cruise tourism. Highlighting the potential to host major national and international events, he said that the city should have 10,000 star-rated hotels.

Cross Hotels & Resorts in Thailand invites the Indian travel trade for an exclusive webinar today at 3 pm IST, focusing on its latest offerings. Get insights to help create enriched itineraries for your corporate clients, showcasing the best of what the brand has to offer. For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Arjun Baljee, President Royal Orchid Hotels has said that Regenta Z – the everywhere budget hotel brand to explore every neighbourhood, is something he is excited about. “It’s fresh, vibrant, and designed for the new-age traveller. Today’s Gen Z and millennials don’t just want a place to stay—they want an experience. Regenta Z brings together style, tech, art, and social connection in a fun and affordable format. We’re creating spaces where people can work, chill, and share their journeys. It’s bold, it’s local, and we believe it will really connect with today’s digitally driven, experience-seeking crowd,” he says.

According to a new study from Marriott International, luxury travellers in Asia Pacific are approaching their journeys with both confidence and discernment, as 72% plan to increase their spending on high-end travel in the coming year. This growth is led by travelers in Australia (85%), Indonesia (81%), and Singapore (80%), who are showing the strongest intent to invest more in premium experiences. Among all travel types, family travel stands out as the top priority for spending, with 47% of affluent travelers most willing to splurge when journeying with their immediate families.

Cross Hotels & Resorts in Thailand invites the Indian travel trade for an exclusive webinar on 4 July at 3 pm IST, focusing on its latest offerings. Get insights to help create enriched itineraries for your corporate clients, showcasing the best of what the hotels has to offer. For more info, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.