Category Archives: States

At the 12th Travel MICE and Corporate Show, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, emphasised that sustainability in hospitality boosts satisfaction, attracts ESG-focused investors, and drives higher bookings. Eco-certifications, now favoured by OTAs, enhance revenue and brand loyalty, making sustainability not a cost, but a smart, long-term investment for hotels.

The Andaman and Nicobar administration has decided to build 5-star resorts at five locations, including the uninhabited Aves Island, which will be opened for tourism for the first time. The other four eco-tourism properties will come up at Neil Island, Megapode Resort in Port Blair, Long Island and Smith Island.

Speaking at a Heritage Tourism Conclave in New Delhi, Rajender Kumar, Secretary – Tourism, Civil Aviation, Devasthanam Management & Pilgrimage, Government of Gujarat, outlined the state’s proactive vision for inclusive heritage tourism, stating, “We are not only restoring monuments but also ensuring direct benefits to local communities through jobs, infrastructure, and cultural pride.”

Royal Orchid Hotels  (ROHL) has announced the grand launch of Regenta Resort Tropical Villages in Mysore – a first-of-its-kind experiential resort that blends cultural immersion with mindful hospitality. With this launch, ROHL now operates a total of five hotels in Mysore, reinforcing its commitment to the city’s tourism and hospitality growth. Nestled in a serene, natural setting, the property marks a significant addition to ROHL’s expanding portfolio of experiential resorts and aligns with its asset-light growth strategy. Regenta Resort Tropical Villages offers an immersive experience designed around global villages themes, celebrating the richness of cultures and lifestyles from across the seven continents. The resort features 35 uniquely themed cottages, each inspired by distinct architectural and cultural elements from different parts of the world. Additionally, the special accommodation block, Mangala Kutira, houses 12 rooms inspired by India’s Pancha Bhootas and Pancha Tattva, offering guests a deep dive into the country’s ancient heritage and elemental philosophy. Commenting on the launch, Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to launch Regenta Resort Tropical Villages in Mysore, a city that has always held a special place for us. With this launch, we are bringing to life a truly distinctive resort experience that goes beyond leisure and hospitality, it’s a celebration of cultural diversity, wellness, and sustainability. The resort embodies our brand’s commitment to offering enriching and mindful travel experiences, and we’re confident that it will redefine the experiential stay category in India.”

IHCL join hands with Ambuja Neotia group to open 15 new hotels, expanding its presence in emerging destinations across East and North East India. This significant expansion, based on a capital-light model, will push the number of collaborative projects between IHCL and Ambuja Neotia to more than 40 hotels.

In a move aimed at enhancing the quality and outreach of hospitality training in India, THSC signed an MoU with The Lalit Suri Hospitality School in Delhi. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering India’s youth through structured, industry-aligned skilling programs, with a focus on inclusivity, employability, and excellence in hospitality education.

In a move that could transform Arunachal Pradesh into a sought-after eco-cultural destination, the state government has proposed branding it as the Orchid Capital of India. Home to more than 600 species of orchids, the state boasts the highest diversity of these flowers in India. If rebranded as the Orchid Capital of the country, the state could attract tourists, nature lovers, and botanists to its pristine landscapes, giving a major boost to its tourism industry.

GRT Hotels & Resorts is set to launch the GRT Agents Circle, a relationship-driven program for travel agents. Going beyond rewards, it offers exclusive rates, priority support, complimentary upgrades, and surprise perks for clients. “Our agents are an extension of our brand family,” said Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts.

Rohan A. Khaunte, Tourism Minister, Goa, urged the Centre to extend the visa-on-arrival facilities at both Dabolim and Manohar International Airports, highlighting the state’s rising status as a global tourism hotspot. Speaking at the Legislative Assembly, he said the issue has been raised with the Union Civil Aviation Minister and will soon be taken up with the Home Minister.

Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, said, “We are set to launch new clubs in Srinagar, Guwahati, Andaman & Nicobar, Calicut, and Pondicherry before the Skål India Congress, slated to happen from 12–14 September in Mumbai. He said the larger goal of expanding to 25 clubs and 2,500 members by 2026, reflecting Skål’s growing influence in India’s tourism network.