Author: Khwaish Hingad
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The St. Regis Goa Resort, a pinnacle of luxury within the Marriott International portfolio, has officially announced the appointment of Arun Vishnu as its new General Manager. With a career spanning over two decades in the high-end hospitality sector, Vishnu brings a wealth of expertise in managing complex resort operations, enhancing guest loyalty, and leading high-performance teams across global markets. Vishnu’s professional journey is defined by his deep-rooted association with Marriott International, having held leadership roles at some of the brand’s most prestigious properties, including the W Goa, JW Marriott, and The Westin. Before stepping into…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL), the country’s leading vacation ownership company, has announced a massive investment plan of ₹4,500 crore to significantly scale its inventory over the next three to four years. The ambitious roadmap aims to double its current room capacity, taking it from approximately 5,000 keys to 10,000 keys by FY30, solidifying its position as a dominant player in the global leisure hospitality space. The investment will be channeled into a mix of greenfield projects, brownfield expansions, and strategic acquisitions. A key pillar of this strategy is the development of “Mega-Resorts”—large-scale properties…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Essentia Group of Hotels & Resorts, known for its diverse portfolio ranging from upscale retreats to efficient business hotels, has announced the signing of a new property in Sirsi, Karnataka. This development marks the group’s entry into the lush Malnad region, a territory famed for its dense forests, ancient temples, and cascading waterfalls, signaling a shift toward offbeat experiential tourism. The Sirsi project will be developed as a mid-scale leisure hotel, designed to serve as a high-quality base for travelers exploring the Western Ghats. By bringing standardized hospitality to a region traditionally dominated by unorganized homestays,…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has announced the strategic appointment of Rahul Shirish Karve as its new Executive Sous Chef. With an illustrious career spanning over 15 years in the premium hospitality sector, Karve joins the Sahar team to oversee the culinary direction across the hotel’s award-winning restaurants, extensive banquet facilities, and high-volume catering operations. Karve’s professional journey includes successful tenures with some of the most prestigious global hospitality brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott International, and Starwood Hotels. Before joining the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, he held leadership positions where he was instrumental in menu innovation, kitchen…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In a major policy shift aimed at stabilizing energy costs, the Government of India has announced a significant increase in the allocation of domestic natural gas. Effective from March 23, 2026, the supply of gas to various sectors will be raised to 50% of pre-crisis levels, following an additional 20% supply infusion directed primarily at the domestic and transport sectors. The decision comes as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impact of fluctuating global energy prices on Indian consumers. By prioritizing the City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks, the Centre intends to bring down the…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle has announced the appointment of Amit Rawat as its new Food & Beverage Manager. A seasoned hospitality professional with over 12 years of experience, Rawat brings a wealth of expertise in operational excellence, strategic menu engineering, and high-volume banquet management to one of Jodhpur’s most prominent upscale hotels. Rawat’s professional journey is marked by successful stints at some of India’s leading hotel chains, including InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Marriott International. Before joining the Novotel team in Jodhpur, he held key leadership roles where he was instrumental in driving guest satisfaction scores…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Summit Hotels & Resorts, the largest hospitality chain in the Himalayan region, has announced a significant expansion of its portfolio in North Bengal. The group has signed two new properties—one in the heart of Darjeeling and a second strategic “gateway” property in Siliguri. This move brings the brand’s total presence in the region to over 15 operational hotels, reinforcing its dominance in the Eastern Himalayan tourism circuit. The expansion is part of Summit’s “Asset-Light” growth strategy, focusing on long-term management contracts for boutique and mid-scale properties that align with its core values of sustainable mountain tourism…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, has officially unveiled its latest culinary masterpiece, Zhen Zhu. Replacing the former Chinese dining space, this new signature restaurant is designed to elevate the Oriental experience within the world’s most romantic hotel, offering a sophisticated menu that traverses the diverse provinces of China—from the bold heat of Sichuan to the delicate artistry of Cantonese dim sum. The name “Zhen Zhu,” meaning “Pearl,” is a poetic tribute to the hotel’s iconic white marble architecture that appears to float like a gem upon Lake Pichola. The restaurant’s design harmoniously integrates traditional Chinese motifs with…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Mosaic Hotels, the boutique hospitality arm known for its distinct blend of modern luxury and local character, has officially announced its expansion into Ayodhya with the launch of its new sub-brand, Mosaic Connect. This strategic move underscores the group’s commitment to capturing the surge in spiritual tourism following the massive infrastructure transformation in the region. Mosaic Connect Ayodhya is designed as a “bridge” for the modern pilgrim—offering a standardized, reliable, and technology-first experience that fits between budget hostels and high-end luxury resorts. The property aims to provide a seamless stay for travelers who prioritize efficiency, comfort,…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Thai Naam, one of Mumbai’s most celebrated authentic Thai dining destinations, has officially moved from its long-standing home in Andheri to a vibrant new address in Bandra West. This relocation marks a significant transformation for the brand, evolving from a traditional fine-dining space into a high-energy, contemporary sanctuary that mirrors Bandra’s cosmopolitan spirit. Led by Chef Ananda Solomon, a legendary figure in India’s Southeast Asian culinary landscape, the new Thai Naam balances the restaurant’s storied heritage with a modern aesthetic. The move to Bandra—a district synonymous with Mumbai’s elite dining culture—is a strategic step to engage…