Author: Khwaish Jain
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Trance Hotels & Resorts, a fast-growing hospitality management firm headquartered in Hyderabad, has announced the successful takeover and rebranding of two prominent properties in Pune, Maharashtra. This strategic move marks a significant expansion into the Western Indian market, integrating the new assets into the group’s boutique portfolio focused on “lifestyle-led” hospitality. The two properties, now operating under the Trance umbrella, have been rebranded to align with the group’s core philosophy of blending local culture with contemporary design and personalized service. These acquisitions are part of Trance’s broader mission to establish a robust presence in Tier-I cities…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the strategic signing of its sixth property in Jammu & Kashmir, continuing its aggressive expansion into high-potential leisure destinations. The upcoming 60-key hotel, branded as Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels, Srinagar, will be managed by the group’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Carnation Hotels Private Limited. Strategically located just 2 km from Srinagar International Airport and 11 km from the Srinagar Railway Station, the property is designed to provide unparalleled connectivity for both corporate fly-in travelers and leisure groups entering the Kashmir Valley. This signing brings Lemon Tree’s regional portfolio to a…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, has announced the expansion of its footprint in India’s premier leisure destination with the opening of Riverside Goa, a Trademark Collection by Wyndham. This 110-key resort marks the third Wyndham-branded property in the state and the debut of the Trademark Collection in the Goan market. Located along the scenic banks of the Arpora River, the resort is strategically positioned to offer a tranquil escape while remaining within close proximity to the vibrant nightlife and beaches of North Goa, including Baga and Anjuna. The property is designed…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In a move set to drastically reduce the compliance burden on India’s massive food and beverage sector, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced that food business licenses and registrations will now be permanent. This transformative policy marks the end of the traditional system that required food business operators (FBOs) to renew their permits every one to five years. The decision is aimed at supporting millions of businesses—from street vendors and home-based startups to large-scale manufacturers and luxury hotels. By granting “perpetual” status to these permits, the FSSAI seeks to eliminate administrative…
-KH News desk (editorial1@Imaws.org) Third Wave Coffee, one of India’s fastest-growing specialty coffee-first QSR chains, has officially entered the historic city of Agra. The launch of its first cafe on Fatehabad Road in Tajganj marks a strategic expansion into Uttar Pradesh, bringing the brand’s national footprint to over 220 outlets. Designed as a community-led space, the new Agra cafe aims to cater to both the local resident population and the high volume of international and domestic travelers visiting the city of the Taj Mahal. The outlet features the brand’s signature “coffee-first” experience, powered by its tech-enabled app that allows for…
The Indian hospitality industry is mourning the loss of one of its most transformative leaders. Param Kannampilly, Chairman and Managing Director of Concept Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. and the visionary founder of The Fern Hotels & Resorts, passed away on March 30, 2026. He was 76. Kannampilly, widely regarded as the “architect of sustainable luxury” in India, died peacefully in Mumbai surrounded by his family. His passing marks the end of a career spanning over five decades—a tenure defined by a radical shift in how the Indian hotel sector balances profitability with environmental stewardship. The “Ecotel” Revolutionary Long before “ESG” became…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In a move that reshapes the landscape of Indian viticulture, Sula Vineyards Limited, India’s largest wine producer, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Chandon wine estate in Nashik from Moët Hennessy India. Spanning approximately 19 acres in the heart of Maharashtra’s wine country, this strategic acquisition is set to significantly bolster Sula’s production capacity and its rapidly growing wine tourism portfolio. The Chandon facility, known for its state-of-the-art sparkling wine production and minimalist architectural design, has been a centerpiece of international investment in Nashik. By integrating this premium estate, Sula aims to create a…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a new Taj Safaris lodge in Satpura, Madhya Pradesh. This greenfield project marks the brand’s fifth wildlife retreat in the state, further consolidating IHCL’s leadership in India’s luxury eco-tourism and wildlife segment. The upcoming Taj Safaris Satpura will be an intimate 20-key lodge spread across a sprawling 30-acre site. Strategically located just two hours from Bhopal Airport, the property is designed to offer an immersive wilderness experience in the rugged terrain of the Satpura National Park, known for its dense forests,…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has announced the strategic signing of Radisson Resort & Spa, Kalimpong, marking the debut of the first internationally branded hotel in this scenic hill station of West Bengal. Developed in partnership with Siddhashree Developers, the 150-key resort is set to redefine luxury and upscale hospitality in the Eastern Himalayas, providing a gateway to the Teesta Valley’s ecological and cultural riches. Known for its colonial architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and sprawling nurseries, Kalimpong has long been a favorite for domestic travelers. The entry of Radisson signifies the city’s transition into a global tourist circuit,…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has officially announced the launch of its 11th property in Gujarat, Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Vadodara. This franchised property marks a significant milestone in the group’s expansion strategy within the state, reinforcing its footprint in one of Western India’s most vital economic and cultural centers. Strategically situated on Atladra Padra Main Road, the hotel is designed to cater to the growing influx of corporate and leisure travelers. Its location offers seamless connectivity to major industrial zones and iconic landmarks, including the Laxmi Vilas Palace, Sayaji Gardens, and the Baroda Museum…