Author: Edit Team

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Sarovar Hotels, a leading name in Indian hospitality, has announced the opening of its sixth hotel in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The new property, Presidium Sarovar Portico, is located in the scenic vicinity of Dal Lake, Srinagar, marking a strategic expansion of the brand’s upscale “Portico” line in one of India’s most iconic travel destinations. The expansion comes at a time when the region is witnessing a significant resurgence in domestic tourism, driven by improved connectivity and a growing appetite for premium leisure stays. Key Features of Presidium Sarovar Portico: Prime Location: The…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Popeyes® India, operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, has officially unveiled its first-ever television campaign tailored for the South Indian market. The campaign features National Crush and acclaimed actor Rashmika Mandanna, a strategic move aimed at deepening the brand’s connection with consumers in its strongest-performing Indian territory. The high-energy commercial focuses on the brand’s global bestseller, ‘The Sandwich’, highlighting its signature 12-hour marination process and hand-breading techniques. By partnering with Mandanna, Popeyes® aims to localize its global “Louisiana-style” identity, making it more relatable to the youth and families of South India. Key Campaign Highlights: Celebrity Partnership: Rashmika…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) After establishing a strong foothold in Mumbai’s competitive dining scene, the popular vegetarian Punjabi restaurant brand Oye Kake has officially expanded into South India with its first outlet in Bengaluru. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Jayanagar, the new establishment aims to bring the authentic, unadulterated flavors of Amritsar to the city’s diverse community of food enthusiasts. The brand is widely recognized for its commitment to traditional cooking techniques, including the use of clay tandoors and ingredients sourced directly from Punjab to maintain flavor consistency. Key Highlights of the Oye Kake Bengaluru Launch: Authentic Amritsari Menu:…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has announced an ambitious growth roadmap for the Indian market, aiming to expand its portfolio to 160 operational hotels and approximately 19,500 keys by the end of 2026. Nikhil Sharma, the Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President for South Asia, confirmed that the group is currently ahead of its internal growth targets, supported by a strong domestic travel surge and increased regional connectivity. The group’s strategy centers on “deepening its footprint” beyond major metropolitan hubs, with a significant portion of the new pipeline directed toward Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. This expansion…

-By B Swaminathan (swami@imaws.org) Gen Z is ditching alcohol, black coffee is staging a comeback, and local chains in India and China are redefining what a coffee brand looks like. Kerry Asia Pacific’s Eloise Dubuisson explains why the next decade belongs to operators who think globally but act locally — and why your syrup supplier should feel more like a business partner.  The Signature Drink Is No Longer Optional Walk into any competitive coffee market today and the pressure is immediately visible: every counter, every menu board, every social media feed is racing to offer something nobody else has. The…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Kathmandu: In a major move to enhance regional tourism synergy, the Hotel Association of India (HAI) has officially partnered with the Nepal Tourism Promotion Program. The collaboration, announced on May 1, 2026, is designed to foster a robust tourism corridor between the two neighbors, focusing on shared cultural heritage and the growing demand for high-end destination events. The initiative comes at a time when Indian hospitality players are aggressively expanding their presence in Nepal, recognizing the country’s potential as a premier year-round destination for Indian travelers. Key Strategic Focus Areas: Wedding Tourism Hub: A primary objective…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The city’s vibrant culinary and cultural hub, Andheri, has welcomed a new landmark with the opening of Rumbabaa, an all-day coffee and vinyl-led social space. Designed to be more than just a café, Rumbabaa positions itself at the intersection of artisanal beverage craft and the analog music revival, offering a sanctuary for those who appreciate high-fidelity sound and high-quality brews. The venue is structured as a multi-sensory environment where the crackle of vinyl records provides the backdrop for a sophisticated “all-day” dining and drinking experience. Key Highlights of Rumbabaa Mumbai: The Vinyl Connection: A core feature…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Auroville: CGH Earth, a pioneer in environmentally sensitive and culturally rooted hospitality, has announced the opening of its latest property, Sanctuary Amaidiyana, located on the outskirts of the international township of Auroville, Tamil Nadu. True to the group’s philosophy of “Responsible Tourism,” the new retreat is designed as a meditative haven that prioritizes deep rest and ecological harmony over conventional luxury. The property’s name, “Amaidiyana,” is derived from the Tamil word for “peace” and the Sanskrit concept of “meditation,” reflecting the core experience the sanctuary aims to provide. Positioned as a quiet sanctuary rather than a…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) San Francisco / London: Uber Technologies has officially expanded its platform to include hotel bookings, marking a major milestone in its transition from a ride-hailing service to a comprehensive travel super-app. The new feature, initially launching in selected markets, allows users to browse and book accommodations directly within the Uber interface, integrating stay-related logistics with the company’s existing transit options. This move places Uber in direct competition with traditional Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and hospitality tech giants, as it seeks to capture a larger share of the total travel expenditure per user. Key Details of the…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) So Good Soju, the internationally acclaimed Korean spirit brand, has officially entered the Indian market. The launch marks a strategic milestone as the brand seeks to capitalize on the massive surge in “Hallyu” (Korean Wave) influence, which has significantly shifted Indian consumer preferences toward Korean food, media, and beverages. Unlike traditional high-alcohol spirits, So Good Soju offers a smoother, versatile drinking experience with an alcohol content typically ranging between 12% and 15%. This makes it a preferred choice for the growing demographic of “sober-curious” or moderate drinkers who prioritize flavor and social experience over high potency.…