Category Archives: Hotels

After successfully concluding the Leading Experience India 2025 at the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, the next edition of the flagship B2B event by Leading Hotels of the World – India will be held at Grand Hotel Vittoria Sorrento in Italy. This was announced by Deepak Arora, Director, LHW-India, at the farewell dinner of the event.

Legacy Hotels Holding has announced an investment in Earth Hotels to support the brand’s growth across KSA, UAE, Portugal, and Spain. It is expanding its footprint across Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, Lisbon, Porto, and Marbella. With a $320 million pipeline, it will open its flagship Dubai property in September 2026, reinforcing both brands’ commitment to sustainability and creative guest experiences.

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, confirmed the strategic acquisition 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 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 recognized 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 GMH, …

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 …

Nearly 18 states have now given industry status to tourism and hospitality, revealed Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture. “The Ministry has also shared a draft of national tourism policy with all states. We discussed the policies of all states that adopted the best practices, made a draft policy on that basis, and shared it on Tourism Day. We are working to give incentives to all states in the hospitality sector and for new hotel investments.”

Royal Orchid Hotels (ROHL) has announced the launch of a new property in the desert city of Bhuj, Gujarat. Expanding its footprint in western India, the 4-star property marks ROHL’s 15th hotel in Gujarat, furthering the brand’s state expansion plans. Earlier this year, ROHL commenced operations of one of the state’s largest all-suite hotels, The World, Surat. Regenta Science Centre, Bhuj offers guests a seamless blend of hospitality and leisure in the historic ‘walled city’. Strategically located near the Regional Science Centre, Smritivan, and the main highway market yard, the hotel provides easy access to major attractions. It is only 5 km (10 minutes) from Bhuj Airport, 2 km (5 minutes) from Bhuj Railway Station, and 2 km (10 minutes) from the Local Bus Stand. Guests can explore popular sites such as the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial & Museum, Prag Mahal, Aina Mahal, Bhujia Fort (Bhujio Dungar), Shree Swaminarayan Temple, and the Vande Mataram Memorial. The nearby Regional Science Centre features six distinctive galleries dedicated to Space Science, Marine Navigation, Energy Science, Nanotechnology, Bonsai, and the Fields Medal – inspiring visitors from across the country to explore, wonder, and learn. The city’s soon-to-be-unveiled renewable energy power plant, expected to be one of the world’s largest, will also become a major attraction in the near future. The 59-key hotel features elegantly designed rooms with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy Pinxx, the all-day multi-cuisine restaurant (72 covers), and Fusionzz, the rooftop specialty restaurant (54 covers) offering panoramic views of Bhuj. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool, spa, fully equipped gymnasium, and an indoor games zone for guests of all ages. For meetings, events, and celebrations, the property houses the Orchid Banquet Hall (3,000 sq. ft.) offering flexible seating arrangements: Theatre style for up to 250 guests, Cluster setup for 120 guests, and U-shape setup for 60 guests. The hotel also includes a Forum Board Room, …

Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said that India’s hotel industry is entering a healthy growth cycle, with premium occupancy projected at 72–74% in 2025–26. He said that from a long-haul perspective, India is slightly more expensive compared to other Southeast Asian countries. The government is currently working on an Incredible India 2.0 campaign, and it should launch the campaign sometime next year, he added.

At the Minor Hotels India Roadshows in Delhi, Rohit Chopra, Area Commercial Director, India, Minor Hotels, said, “The company is expanding across key segments including corporate, MICE, and weddings, with strong demand from families, HNIs, and solo women travellers.” He highlighted Minor’s strategic approach through Minor PRO, a seamless digital platform for travel partners offering quick bookings and instant incentives.

Highlighting the brand’s tech-forward strategy, Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Seamless digital check-in/check-out, self-service kiosks, and AI virtual assistants enhance guest experiences while freeing staff for personalised interactions. Backend AI optimises pricing, talent acquisition, and marketing campaigns, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and driving strong business outcomes.”