Author: Khwaish Hingad
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Zomato, India’s food delivery giant, has announced a significant increase in its mandatory platform fee, raising it from ₹10 to ₹14.90 per order. This hike, effective across major metro markets, represents a nearly 50% jump and is the latest in a series of incremental increases aimed at bolstering the company’s take rate and bottom-line profitability. The platform fee, which is charged to all customers regardless of their Zomato Gold membership status, has become a critical revenue lever for the company. Analysts suggest that with Zomato processing millions of orders daily, even a marginal increase of a…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Mamagoto, the pioneer of fun and experimental Pan-Asian dining in India, has officially reopened its doors at Nexus Select Citywalk, Saket. This return to its original flagship location marks a significant “homecoming” for the brand, introducing a refreshed visual identity and an evolved culinary direction that blends its signature “manga” aesthetics with modern high-energy dining. The redesigned space transitions away from traditional casual dining toward a more immersive, multi-sensory environment. The interiors feature a bold mix of retro-eclectic patterns, hand-painted murals, and the brand’s iconic quirky art, all centered around an expanded open kitchen designed to…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a new License Agreement for a Lemon Tree Resort in Lonavala, Maharashtra. Expected to open as a boutique leisure offering, the 50-room resort marks a strategic expansion for the group in one of Western India’s most high-demand travel destinations, famous for its scenic Sahyadri landscapes and proximity to major urban centers. The property will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels. The signing aligns with the company’s broader goal of scaling its presence in Maharashtra, where it currently holds a…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Hosteller, India’s largest self-operated backpacker hostel chain, has announced the launch of The Hosteller BAM Vagamon in Kerala. Perched on a contoured hilltop in the Idukki district, the property is designed as a “slow-travel” sanctuary, targeting the growing demographic of digital nomads, trekking enthusiasts, and road trippers exploring the quieter corridors of the Western Ghats. The Vagamon debut is part of the brand’s premium ‘BAM’ portfolio, which emphasizes tech-enabled stays and high-end experiential features. The property offers 86 beds, balancing the social atmosphere of a hostel with the privacy of a boutique resort. Key Features…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Third Eye Distillery, the pioneers behind the globally acclaimed Stranger & Sons gin, has officially entered the spiced rum category with the launch of Lost & Found Tropical Spiced Rum. Debuted at the cultural hub Hideaway in Goa during the festive carnival season, the new spirit marks a strategic diversification for the distillery into one of the world’s fastest-growing craft categories. Lost & Found is positioned as a “tropical spiced rum” that reclaims the spirit’s Indian heritage. The brand emphasizes that while rum is often associated with the Caribbean, India’s deep lineage of sugarcane and native…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has announced the marquee acquisition of an ultra-luxury resort in Coorg, Karnataka, marking a significant evolution in its 40-year history. The property, currently featuring 71 operational villas, will be rebranded as The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary later this year, representing the brand’s first foray into its new “Sanctuary” concept—focused on nature-led, wellness-anchored luxury. Spanning 76 acres near Madikeri, the resort is situated amidst lush coffee and spice plantations in the Western Ghats. The acquisition, valued at approximately ₹560 crore, was executed through a slump sale mechanism, reinforcing The Leela’s strategy…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) BWH Hotels South Asia has announced the strategic signing of a new Best Western property in the sacred city of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. This development marks a significant milestone in the group’s expansion across India’s “Spiritual Circuit,” joining a portfolio that already includes prominent religious destinations such as Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Katra, Amritsar, Tirupati, and Prayagraj. The upcoming hotel is designed to cater to the evolving needs of modern pilgrims and leisure travelers who seek international hospitality standards in heritage-rich cities. With Mathura witnessing a steady surge in visitor volumes due to improved infrastructure and its deep-rooted…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Moustache Group of Hotels has announced the opening of Moustache Select McLeodGanj, a strategic addition to its growing portfolio in Himachal Pradesh. Located in the picturesque Upper Bhagsu area of Dharamshala, the new property brings the group’s total count in the Himalayan region to eight, reinforcing its position as a dominant player in North India’s mountain tourism circuit. Operating under the brand’s “Select” vertical, the property is positioned as a mid-range premium offering. It is specifically designed to cater to travelers who seek elevated comfort and modern amenities without the ultra-luxury price tag, filling a crucial…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Gulshan Group, a leading real estate developer in North India, has entered into a landmark partnership with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) to develop a signature Taj hotel and branded residences in Noida. Representing a total investment of approximately ₹1,000 crore, the project is set to become the tallest Taj hotel in India, soaring 57 storeys high along the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. Located in Sector 129, this greenfield development, titled ‘Skyscape’, marks IHCL’s first luxury hotel in Noida and its second branded residential project in India after Chennai. The development is projected to generate over…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Nashville Fried Chicken (NFC), the rapidly growing QSR brand known for its bold flavors and signature Southern spice, has officially announced its entry into the Pune market. This launch marks a significant expansion for the brand as it brings its globally inspired “hot chicken” concept to one of India’s most vibrant youth and student-centric cities. The new Pune outlet is designed to reflect the brand’s high-energy aesthetic, featuring vibrant interiors and a menu that balances authentic Tennessee flavors with local preferences. The brand’s arrival in Pune follows its successful reception in other major metros, where it…