Category Archives: Hotels

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.”

Sopa Lodges, one of East Africa’s most renowned safari lodge chains, has announced the appointment of Global Destinations as its official marketing and sales representation company in India. This strategic partnership aims to introduce and enhance Sopa Lodges’ brand presence in the Indian market, offering Indian travellers unparalleled safari experiences across Kenya and Tanzania. Sopa Lodges, with its properties located in some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, has been a pioneer in offering authentic safari experiences. With this collaboration, Indian travellers will now have better access to these unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class hospitality. “We are thrilled to partner with Global Destinations to introduce the beauty and exclusivity of Sopa Lodges to the Indian market,” said Kennedy Ayoti, Chief Operating Officer, East Africa. “India is a rapidly growing market for safari tourism, and we believe that through Global Destinations’ expertise and extensive network, we will be able to provide Indian travellers with extraordinary safari experiences that immerse them in the stunning natural beauty and wildlife of East Africa.” Global Destinations, a leading marketing and sales representation company, has been at the forefront of promoting premium travel experiences for over 15 years. The company is dedicated to bringing some of the world’s finest travel brands to the Indian market, and this collaboration with Sopa Lodges adds a prestigious name to its portfolio. “We are honoured to represent Sopa Lodges in India,” said Pranav Kapadia, Founder and Director, Global Destinations. “Sopa Lodges offers a unique blend of luxury, sustainability, and an authentic African safari experience. As Indian travellers increasingly seek experiential travel, we are excited to introduce Sopa Lodges as the go-to destination for unforgettable wildlife adventures in East …

K Syama Raju, President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), said, “Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29 marks a transformative step in unlocking the state’s tourism potential. By aligning infrastructure development, private investment, and workforce training with sustainability and community welfare, the policy aims to position AP as a leading player in India’s tourism industry while benefiting local communities and the hospitality sector.”

With demand still outpacing supply, Indians will continue to pay more for hotel stays and room rates, says ICRA, with the current supply pipeline lower than post-FY09. In the last two financial years, while room inventory increased by around 5%, demand grew by 8-10%. A similar trend is expected to continue in FY25 and FY26 with the pace of hotel room supply growing between 4-5% and demand increasing by 8-9 %. Although supply announcements have picked up in the last 18-24 months, it is expected to lag demand over the next few years.

ICRA expects Indian hospitality industry’s revenue to grow by 7-9 per cent YoY in FY2025 and 6-8 per cent YoY in FY2026. It estimates pan-India premium hotel occupancy to improve to 72-74 per cent in FY2026 from 70-72 per cent in FY2025. The ARRs for premium hotels may rise to ₹7,800-8,000 for FY2025 (up 8 per cent YoY) and to ₹8,000-8,400 in FY2026.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, has announced the signing of its latest property, Anamore Select Resort & Wellness at Mopa, Goa. This high-end luxury resort, featuring 150 exquisitely designed villa rooms, is set to redefine high-end travel by combining opulence, sustainability and cultural immersion. Targeted at the upscale market, the brand Anamore is an extension of the hospitality chain’s diversified approach, strengthening its presence beyond the mid segment Indian hospitality market. “Our vision for Anamore is bold and forward-looking. We aim to redefine the future of luxury travel in India. Having successfully established 10-12 hotels in the mid-segment market annually across the country in the past, we are confident in replicating this success in the upscale market with Anamore too. There are five more Anamore properties in the pipeline in destinations including Karjat, Murud, Khalapur (Maharashtra), Srinagar (Uttarakhand) and Pushkar (Rajasthan),” shared Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts. The company has tied with real estate major firm Yugen Infra for its maiden project under the brand portfolio of Anamore. Yugen Infra is the result of a collaboration between two real estate powerhouses, Timespro Consulting and V K Developers. It is spearheading several prestigious projects, including Goa’s first-ever Golf Course township, alongside other landmark initiatives. The resort’s prime location, just a 15-minute drive from the Mopa Airport and directly accessible via the Goa-Mumbai Highway, ensures seamless connectivity. Nestled amidst Goa’s largest golf course township and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Western Ghats, Anamore Select Resort & Wellness promises an immersive experience of serenity and luxury. Apart from its luxurious villas, the amenities at Anamore Select Resort & Wellness include an all-day …

After a detailed process, the much-awaited de-merger of ITC Hotels finally took place on 6 January. ITC would retain a 40 per cent stake in the hotel business, while the remaining 60% would be distributed to shareholders through rights entitlements. Shareholders will receive one ITC Hotels share for every 10 ITC shares held.

K Syama Raju, President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), said, “The future of India’s hospitality sector and tourism is bright, with substantial growth expected in 2025 and beyond. Domestic tourism is projected to grow by 15–20%, driven by govt initiatives. The travel market is on track to reach $125 billion by FY27, with the hotel market set to grow from $32 billion in FY20 to $52 billion.

Highlighting the importance of tourism in boosting Goa’s economy, Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister, Goa, said, “Tourism is the heart of Goa’s economy, supporting numerous livelihoods and providing opportunities for our people. This season has been remarkable, with 4 and 5-star hotels nearly at full capacity, showcasing Goa as a top destination for high-spending travellers and charters from established and emerging markets”.

Global music icon Lionel Richie, whose illustrious career has spanned decades, took to the stage at Atlantis, The Palm’s world-famous New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, entertaining guests with his greatest hits and fan favourites on the biggest night of the year. Celebrated for his soulful voice and magnetic stage presence, Richie performed timeless classics including “Hello”, “All Night Long (All Night),” “Easy,” and “Brick House” along with many additional popular hits. Richie’s much-loved 60-minute set which saw him captivate audiences from all corners of the globe with his artistry on the grand piano, brought the house down in the run up to the 2025 countdown. Adding to the night’s exciting atmosphere, Atlantis Dubai lit up the sky with 12,975 fireworks spanning from Atlantis, The Palm to the world’s most ultra-luxury experiential resort, Atlantis The Royal as guests watched in wonder. More than 4,000 guests, including Dubai residents and visitors alike, rang in the new year in dazzling style. Accommodated on a custom-built deck overlooking The Palm Island and twinkling skyline, the legendary event featured a fantastic 30-piece band, free-flowing Champagne, and a lavish buffet, including 50kg of caviar, two tonnes of lobster, 300kg of Alaskan king crab and 6,000 oysters. Atlantis, The Palm also expanded its seating this year to include brand-new VIP Sky Suites, featuring enhanced amenities, award-winning dining options and breathtaking views of the stage and fireworks display to create a truly unforgettable experience.