Sarova Hotels is a brand woven into the very fabric of the nation’s tourism industry and Kenya’s vibrant heart beats anew in celebration, as this beacon of homegrown hospitality commemorated its 50th anniversary in April 2024. More than just a milestone, this golden jubilee is a testament to a rich legacy of service and deep values that have shaped the journey. The vision for this indigenous hotel brand was born in 1974 when its founding patriarchs, G.S. Vohra, Mohinder Singh Vohra and John Ngata Kariuki demonstrated their love for family in an interesting yet befitting act. The name SAROVA was coined, an acronym derived from their wives’ first names; SA- Swaran Vohra (Mohinder’s wife) RO- Rose Kariuki (John’s wife) VA- Varsha Vohra (G.S’s wife) Soon after, their first venture in the hotel industry took place with the acquisition of the Ambassadeur Hotel on Moi Avenue, owned by the family until 1998. Leisurely Delights, Each Location an Experience Over the years through bold and spontaneous moves, Sarova has expanded its footprint across Kenya with a portfolio of 9 properties, each proof of a firm commitment to quality and innovation. These properties include Sarova Stanley & Sarova Panafric in Nairobi, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa, Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa and Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in Nakuru, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in Samburu, Sarova Mara Game Camp in Masai Mara, Sarova Imperial Hotel in Kisumu and Sarova Maiyan in Nanyuki. This evolution has continued with the launch of the first standalone speciality restaurant, Thai Chi by Sarova launched in 2023 in Nairobi, an extension of Thai Chi Restaurant at Sarova Stanley. Each hotel is a microcosm of Kenyan …

Domestic airfares in India have surged up to 40% in key routes due to higher traffic and capacity constraints in the last six quarters. The fares on top 20 domestic routes had not moved significantly during the last two decades, says CAPA India. India is now one of the world’s fastest-growing civil aviation markets, with an average of 4.5 lakh passengers daily, it stated. 

Supported by strong demand, enhanced air connectivity, and continued recovery of Asian markets, International tourism rebounded strongly in the first quarter of 2024, reaching 97% of pre-pandemic levels, with over 285 million travellers making foreign trips between January and March. This marked a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023, stated UN Report.

Immigration authorities in the UAE have intensified inspection and screening at the country’s airports to detect individuals arriving on a visit visa to seek employment. Now, all passengers arriving on visit or tourist visas will undergo strict profiling, including verification of funds and other information. Visitors engaging in tourist activities should provide information on their hotel accommodations, return tickets, and available funds.

KB Kachru, President, Hotel Association of India, said, “To beat the heat, residents of the Northern region seek refuge in the hills. Industry insiders estimate a 30 to 40% rise in summer travel compared to last year.” While Goa remains the top beach destination of choice, mountain destinations like Nainital, Rishikesh, Manali, Mussoorie, and Darjeeling are gaining traction for June trips, signalling a shift in traveller preferences towards serene mountain environments.

Breaking Boundaries, Indian travellers have reached a new peak in overseas spending. According to data from India’s central bank, Indians spent $31.7 billion overseas under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, in fiscal 2024. More than half of that- 54% was on international travel $17 billion, a 25% increase from the previous year.

Based on a survey on Indian travellers, FINN’s Future of Travel report revealed that 65% of young Indian travellers manage their finances carefully by balancing travel with other financial responsibilities indicating a market for value-for-money travel options that do not compromise on quality while 31% are willing to stretch their budget for travel.

Bengaluru Airport City unveils investment plans for a 2 million sq. ft. business park and a 775 keys hotel. Rao Munukkutla, CEO, BACL, said, “This investment will propel our vision of transforming the airport city into a bustling hub for businesses, knowledge-intensive zones, R&D centres and Global Capability Centres.”

The Network of Indian MICE Agents completing its landmark 10th anniversary on 25 May, plans to go global to expand its membership. “Over the last decade, NIMA has achieved umpteen accolades and significant milestones and is a true representative of Indian M!CE operators,” said, Gajesh Girdhar, Founder, NIMA.

Atlantis Dubai will join forces with acclaimed luxury hospitality brand Major Food Group, to bring the legendary restaurant CARBONE to Atlantis The Royal in Q1, 2025. Described as ‘the most celebrity-studded restaurant on earth’ by Vanity Fair, the global phenomenon will introduce its world-class, New York-style Italian cuisine to the city of Dubai for the first time in its illustrious history. When the original location of CARBONE debuted just over a decade ago in downtown Manhattan, it was hailed as an instant classic that brought a much-needed jolt of energy and soul to the highest echelons of dining. The New Yorker called the restaurant’s food “absolutely perfect”, and the New York Times described the concept as “a fancy red-sauce joint as directed by Quentin Tarantino, possessing a technical prowess that can make you giddy and an instinct for sheer entertainment that makes a lot of other restaurants seem like earnest, unimaginative drones.” In short order, the brand would expand around the world along a meteoric rise which has cemented its reputation as one of the most influential contemporary restaurants in the entire globe. The cuisine at CARBONE pays homage to the storied legacy of the mid-century, New York-style Italian restaurant, but draws on the highest calibre of technique to elevate classic dishes such as Caesar Salad, Linguini Vongole, Chicken Scarpariello, and Veal Parmesan to unprecedented heights. These famed signatures – including the sensational Spicy Rigatoni – will all feature on the Dubai menu. They will be served by tuxedo-clad service captains in a sprawling dining room that will transport guests to 1950s New York. The stunning space will feature velvety jewel-tone nooks, damask-upholstered walls accented with Venetian glass mirrors, a …