Tag Archives: Hospitality

Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL, shared that the company’s strongest inbound markets — the US, UK, Europe, and the Middle East — have recorded double-digit growth. Rising interest from Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa reflects India’s growing appeal to global travellers seeking authentic, safe, and value-driven experiences, as well as its ability to cater to both leisure and business travellers.

Grand Metropolitan Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel management companies based in Zurich, today confirmed the strategic takeover of London-based Signature Hotels. The takeover gives Grand Metropolitan Hotels a significant footprint in the UK market. The commercial term of the deal remains undisclosed. Signature Hotels currently operates boutique and upper-midscale properties across London, with two additional properties set to open during the next twelve months. The group’s portfolio is characterised by a focus on individuality, local character, and human-centred hospitality- balancing sustainable performance with culture, wellbeing, and social responsibility. Through this takeover, Grand Metropolitan Hotels expands its reach within London’s upscale hotel segment while extending into one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality markets, India, where Signature has two properties under development. The partnership further aligns two family-led groups united by shared values, long-term vision, and a commitment to meaningful, people-focused hospitality. “Signature Hotels offers a powerful combination of local credibility and international ambition,” said Martin R. Smura, Founder and Chairman, Grand Metropolitan Hotels. “London remains one of the most competitive hospitality markets in the world, and Signature’s operational strength there, coupled with its ties to India, provides GMH with an immediate and meaningful platform for growth.” Ramesh Arora, current CEO, Signature Hotels group, will be retained as a Supervisory Board Member for the Grand Metropolitan Hotels. With over four decades of international experience across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, Arora has been recognised with numerous accolades, including Hotelier of the Year by PATA and the Lifetime Contribution to Hotels and Tourism award by Stardust. “This partnership brings together two family businesses with aligned values and a shared belief in hospitality as a force for good,” said Ramesh Arora. “By joining …

Aumentar Hospitality Alliance LLP, a boutique hospitality consulting firm, commenced operations in early 2025. Founded by Shaista Khan and Vinita Khar, the company works alongside hotels and travel brands to strengthen their market presence through a thoughtful mix of storytelling, positioning, sales, marketing, and business development strategies. The word “Aumentar” (Spanish for amplify) reflects the firm’s vision — to help destinations and hospitality brands share their stories more meaningfully by combining creativity with commercially effective solutions. With years of collective experience in hospitality, the co-founders bring complementary expertise: ●          Shaista Khan has held key leadership roles with The Park Hotels (Regional Sales Office), Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and later as Head of Outbound Sales for Cinnamon Hotels from India. Over her career, she has built strong and lasting relationships within the travel trade networks. ●          Vinita Khar brings a strong background in sales, distribution, and strategic marketing, equipping hotels with practical and sustainable tools for growth. She began her career with Taj Hotels, later worked with Hyatt Hotels Corporation across Mumbai, Goa, and Pune, and went on to become Director of Sales & Marketing at the pre-opening of Conrad Pune. Aumentar Hospitality Alliance is grateful to have already earned the trust of a diverse portfolio of partners across the luxury and lifestyle segments, including: ●          Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa, Switzerland (India market representation – luxury) ●          Tamara Hotels (West India representation – luxury) ●          Mövenpick Sukhumvit 15, Bangkok (lifestyle) ●          Saj Hotels Ltd. (strategy management) ●          Time Hotels, Media One, and Studio One, Dubai (India market distribution) Shaista Khan and Vinita Khar, Co-Founders of Aumentar Hospitality Alliance LLP said, “Hospitality today requires more than visibility — …

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Speaking at the second leg of the Minor Hotels India Roadshows in Delhi, Rohit Chopra, Area Commercial Director, India, Minor Hotels, said, “The brand is strengthening its India footprint with an ambitious plan to open 50 new hotels in the next 10 years. Following the phenomenal success of Anantara Jaipur, which hosted over 60 weddings and 10 conferences, we are witnessing exceptional growth in both inbound and outbound markets.”

CGH Earth sees domestic tourism outpacing international arrivals. The group expects 20% inbound growth this year, driven by the demand from the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, and Southeast Asia. “At the same time, short-stay domestic demand from Bangalore, Chennai, and Cochin has surged,” said Michael Dominic, MD, CGH Earth, stressing that the brand’s sustainability practices are value-driven and community-first. “To capture this market, we have intensified social media, PR, print, and influencer-led campaigns to ensure year-round visibility and occupancy.”

Summit Hotels & Resorts, Eastern India’s largest hospitality chain, announced its formal entry into the luxury hotel market with the launch of its flagship brand, The Summit, in Siliguri. Scheduled to open in May 2027, this landmark property signals a bold strategic expansion for the brand, long known for its mountain-based portfolio, into the high-end urban hospitality space. Located in the heart of Siliguri, the critical gateway to Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan, Rhe Summit is conceived as Eastern India’s first true urban luxury resort. The 100-room property, with each room featuring a private balcony, will offer an elevated combination of city convenience and resort indulgence. Designed by Vivek Singh Rathore, Partner at Salient and a Forbes India “Bold Club” honoree, the resort will integrate contemporary global design standards with Eastern India’s cultural and natural heritage, making it both an architectural landmark and the brand’s corporate headquarters. Setting a new benchmark for tier-II hospitality, The Summit will position Siliguri as a premier destination for luxury weddings, large-scale corporate events, and high-end leisure travel. The property will feature the largest banquet facilities in Eastern India, capable of hosting up to 2,000 guests and managing 10 simultaneous events. A complete wedding ecosystem, with multiple indoor and outdoor venues, accommodation for large parties, and dedicated planning services will meet the growing demand in the region’s lucrative ₹1 crore-plus wedding market, which draws families from Bihar and Bengal. In the MICE segment, state-of-the-art conference technology will cater to the increasing corporate presence in Siliguri, offering premium meeting and event solutions previously unavailable in the city. The lifestyle offering at The Summit will further differentiate it from existing hospitality options in the region. Guests will enjoy …

Summit Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality brands, has announced a key leadership appointment as the group expands its portfolio across Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. The company has appointed Mr. Prarit Aggarwal as Chief Resorts Officer. With over 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Aggarwal brings deep expertise in resort management, large-scale operations, and people-first leadership. He began his career with ITC Hotels during multiple pre-openings and went on to lead operations at Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd., where he managed 18 resorts across Uttarakhand, West Bengal, the North-East, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He later served as CEO of Manu Maharani Resorts & Spa Pvt. Ltd., spearheading their entry into Uttarakhand’s luxury segment. An alumnus of the University of Michigan’s Global Management Program and a Certified Hospitality Administrator, Mr. Aggarwal combines operational mastery with strategic vision. At Summit Hotels & Resorts, his leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in driving portfolio expansion, elevating guest experiences, and reinforcing the brand’s position in both regional and national hospitality. Commenting on the appointment, Sumit Mitruka, Founder & CEO of Summit Hotels & Resorts, said: “This leadership addition comes at a crucial time as Summit accelerates its expansion into new geographies. With Mr. Aggarwal’s proven expertise in resort management, we are confident of strengthening our hospitality ecosystem while staying true to our commitment of creating memorable experiences for every guest.”

The 55ᵗʰ FHRAI Annual Convention has kicked off in Bengaluru with Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, projecting India as a $30 trillion economy by 2047. Highlighting hospitality’s rising demand, he noted industry status for 50 iconic destinations and said 18 states had extended this recognition. He stressed investments today will power tourism and hospitality growth tomorrow.