CB Ramkumar, Vice Chair, GSTC, said, “Despite India’s growing hospitality industry, only six Indian hotels are currently GSTC certified, compared to over 2,000 globally.” The disparity, he explains, lies in the lack of strong policy support in India. While the MOT can issue guidelines, implementation depends on individual states, he added.
Read More »Meyyafushi Maldives opens Oct 2025
In an era where hospitality must blend indulgence with impact, Meyyafushi Maldives emerges as a refreshing new benchmark. Scheduled to open on 1st October 2025, this premium all-inclusive resort isn’t just another luxury retreat—it’s a holistic destination designed for meaningful connections, both with nature and oneself. Located in the untouched Lhaviyani Atoll, Meyyafushi promises an experience that resonates far beyond the ordinary. Where hospitality meets harmony As the Maldives continues to evolve as a global beacon of leisure and lifestyle hospitality, Meyyafushi Maldives is poised to make waves. Opening its doors on October 1, 2025, in the serene Lhaviyani Atoll, this five-star, premium all-inclusive boutique resort is more than just a luxurious escape—it’s a bold reimagination of responsible, immersive island living. Just 35 minutes from Velana International Airport, Meyyafushi stands apart with its promise of ‘connection within and beyond’—blending eco-conscious design, heartfelt service, and dynamic guest engagement. Developed under the BeKind Hospitality ethos, the resort’s philosophy rests on four pillars: kindness to the environment, community, visitors, and residents. Experience-centric design With 95 pool villas and suites—including a show-stopping Presidential Overwater Suite—Meyyafushi is designed to cater to everyone from families and honeymooners to VIPs and corporate groups. Guests can enjoy a 24-hour Premium All-Inclusive plan, offering access to 10 outlets, including five distinct restaurants, three stylish bars, a wine cellar, and a rooftop Sky Bar with a glass-bottom pool. Signature culinary offerings include: Bubble, the Maldives’ newest underwater dining spectacle, Sukun, a teppanyaki experience, and Raa, an overwater wine cellar curated for discerning palates. Wellness, play & purpose The semi-overwater Veyoge Spa promises holistic island healing, enhanced by yoga sessions on a deck overlooking the lagoon. For active travellers, the island hosts the Maldives’ first overwater padel tennis court, a recreation centre with …
Read More »Oberoi Group to enter Saudi Arabia & Egypt, maintaining focus on India market: Arjun Oberoi
Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, Oberoi Group, said, “The group is set for expansion into new markets, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, while maintaining a strong focus on the domestic Indian market.” The group delivered one of its strongest performances in FY2025. The hotel chain aims to capitalise on the growing premium travel segment.
Read More »Cygnet Hotels expands footprint in Uttar Pradesh with new signings in Kanpur and Vrindavan
One of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, Cygnet Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce its continued expansion in Uttar Pradesh with the signing of Cozzet Kanpur and Cygnet Inn Vrindavan. These additions represent an important step forward in the company’s ambitious growth strategy and will strengthen its portfolio of smart and value-driven hotels designed for the modern travellers. As a brownfield project, Cozzet Kanpur is on track to open its doors to guests by the end of this year, bringing a new level of comfort, convenience and cultural flair to the city. On the other hand, Cygnet Inn Vrindavan will welcome guests by early 2027. Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnet Hotels & Resorts said, “The state of Uttar Pradesh is a key market in our expansion strategy as we work towards building a portfolio of 100 hotels in the coming years. We plan to open 10 to 12 properties across Uttar Pradesh over the next two to three years.” Cozzet Kanpur will feature 40 well-appointed rooms, blending style and functionality for the modern traveller. The hotel is also set to become a premier destination for events and celebrations with two expansive banquet halls capable of accommodating 8,000 to 10,000 guests, thoughtfully designed with contemporary aesthetics and cutting-edge technology. In terms of its F&B offerings, guests will enjoy a vibrant culinary experience at the hotel’s 60-cover all day dining restaurant and unwind at the stylish lounge bar. Cygnet Inn Vrindavan will feature 60 well-appointed rooms designed for comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel will offer a range of modern amenities including an 80-cover all-day dining restaurant serving a …
Read More »Delhi government scraps police approval for hotels and restaurants
The mandatory police approval to run hotels and restaurants in Delhi, will no longer be necessary, according to an official order issued by Government of NCT of Delhi. The requirement of Police Licence/Clearance (Eating House Licence) for operating hotels and restaurants has been removed as stated in the order. This decision is the outcome of continuous representations and sustained follow-up by HRANI on behalf of the hospitality industry of Delhi. HRANI welcomed and appreciated this pro-industry initiative which will significantly enhance Ease of Doing Business in the hospitality sector and create a more enabling environment for growth, investment, and employment in the capital.
Read More »140-room Hilton Garden Inn Mumbai International Airport makes debut
Hilton has opened its Hilton Garden Inn Mumbai International Airport, marking the debut of the brand in India’s financial capital. The hotel is strategically positioned within minutes of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Developed in partnership with Fariyas Hotels & Resorts, the 140-room hotel is set to welcome business and leisure travellers with thoughtful amenities, intuitive service, and exceptional hospitality.
Read More »Chalet Hotels may consider own brand in the long term: Sanjay Sethi
Chalet Hotels may look at bringing its own brand of hotels after having firmly established itself among the top-four players in India’s hospitality space with a market cap of more than ₹19,000 crore. Sanjay Sethi, MD and CEO, Chalet Hotels, says the company’s performance, its strategy to diversify into leisure hotels and expansion to more geographies provide a springboard to launch its own brand.
Read More »WGH Hotels & Resorts showcases Kochi Flagship Project during ministerial visit
WGH Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality arm of World Group, welcomed P Rajeev, Minister for Industry, Government of Kerala to the site of its upcoming flagship project in Kochi. The visit marks a significant milestone for the group, as this luxury development was among the prestigious projects showcased at the Kerala Global Investment Meet, aligning with the state’s vision for sustainable and experience-driven tourism. In 2012 the group made its mark in Kerala’s tourism and hospitality sector with the acquisition of World Backwaters Alleppey. Today, World Group Heritance (WGH) proudly owns and operates distinctive properties across prominent destinations like Alleppey, Munnar and Thekkady. The group is now making bold strides with new developments in Kochi, Varkala, Trivandrum, and Ashtamudi—including an exclusive wellness resort—each uniquely designed to international standards while deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural richness. During the visit, the minister will be presented with the master plan and design philosophy of the WGH Kochi project, set to launch on 1 January, 2028. This luxury destination will set new benchmarks in hospitality by combining modern infrastructure with authentic Kerala experiences. J Jayakrishnan, Director of World Group and WGH Hotels & Resorts, expressed his gratitude for the government’s continued support and investment-friendly policies. “Kerala’s infrastructure development and progressive tourism policies are perfectly aligned with our vision. Our projects aim to promote responsible and sustainable tourism while gifting guests an immersive experience of Kerala’s unique lifestyle and traditions,” said Jayakrishnan. The World Group, with nearly four decades of entrepreneurial legacy starting from mining and expanding into sectors like DRI, retail, logistics, agriculture and consulting, has invested INR 250 crores in Kerala’s hospitality sector over the past two years. The group has committed an …
Read More »Atmosphere Core to launch ‘Atmosphere Kufri’ in Himachal, property to open by 2026
Atmosphere Core has announced its debut in Himachal Pradesh’s Kufri with a luxurious boutique resort, Atmosphere Kufri. The property is set to open in early 2026, offering an exclusive retreat in one of India’s most picturesque hill stations. It will feature 58 opulent accommodations in its first phase, including deluxe rooms, suites, and presidential suites, with plans to expand to 100 keys in the second phase.
Read More »GSTC unveils Certified Hotels Directory to promote verified sustainable stays & boost tourism transparency
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has published the GSTC-Certified Hotels Directory, a comprehensive resource designed to help destinations, businesses, and consumers identify accommodations that have been certified as sustainable by GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies. It reinforces the importance of traceability and transparency from an assurance perspective, providing credible validation of sustainability certifications.
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