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Author: Khwaish Hingad
Keshav Baljee Appointed as Executive Director of Royal Orchid Hotels
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Board of Directors of Royal Orchid Hotels has officially appointed Keshav Baljee as Executive Director. This strategic elevation marks a significant step in the company’s pursuit of structured growth and brand expansion across the Indian hospitality market. Keshav has been a member of the Board since 2019, where he has been instrumental in refining the company’s brand architecture and strengthening its asset-light model. An entrepreneur with a proven track record, Keshav previously founded and led Spree Hotels, which he successfully scaled before selling the venture to the listed travel conglomerate EaseMyTrip. He is also the…
Suba Hotels Expands Footprint with New Signings in Hyderabad, Ujjain, and Visakhapatnam
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Suba Hotels Limited has announced the signing of three new properties under its popular “Click Hotels” brand, marking a significant expansion across diverse Indian markets. The new hotels are located in Hyderabad, Ujjain, and Visakhapatnam, bringing the total number of managed properties under the Click Hotels brand to 35. The expansion details provided by Abinash Ashok, VP Operations, Suba Hotels, include: Click Hotel, Gachibowli, Hyderabad: A 48-room property developed in association with Multiverse Hotels, targeting the city’s primary IT and business district. Click Hotel, Ujjain: A 53-room hotel positioned to cater to the high demand for…
The Skills We Need vs. The Workforce We Have: The Skilled Workforce Crisis in India’s Bakery Industry
– Gaurav Dhingra, & Dr Soumya Sahadevan India stands at a critical juncture in its economic and workforce development. As the country advances towards its vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047, its demographic advantage, a young and expanding workforce, remains a central pillar of this ambition. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (Jan 2026), India’s Labour Force Participation Rate stands at 55.9%, with a Worker Population Ratio of 56.2% and an unemployment rate of 5%.
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels’ Group, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of three new General Managers. The appointments cover key growth markets in Chennai, Pahalgam, and Bhubaneswar, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to operational efficiency and service excellence. The newly appointed leaders are: Mahi Teja Yenumula – Fortune Select OMR, Chennai: Bringing over 14 years of experience, Mahi joins from Hyatt and Accor backgrounds. Most recently, he served as Operations Manager at ibis Bangalore Hosur Road. In his new role, he will focus on enhancing commercial strategy and brand presence in…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) ITC Hotels has officially expanded its premium portfolio with the launch of its 30th Welcomhotel property, located in Mohali, Chandigarh. The 113-key Welcomhotel Mohali is strategically situated adjacent to CP67 Mall and in close proximity to the Chandigarh International Airport, positioning it as a key destination for both business and leisure travelers in the Tricity area. The hotel, operated under a management contract with Gujrals Restaurants and Hotels Limited, features a robust culinary program including WelcomCafé, the Swizzle bar, and the signature WelcomSthalika, which highlights regional Punjabi delicacies. The renowned Kebabs and Kurries is also slated…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The LaLiT New Delhi has announced the appointment of Vishal Sharma as its new General Manager. A seasoned professional with more than 18 years in the industry, Sharma brings a wealth of experience in sales, marketing, and hotel operations to the flagship luxury property. Sharma’s distinguished career began with Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, followed by senior roles at The Imperial New Delhi, The Claridges New Delhi, and Radisson MBD Noida. He has a long-standing history with The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, having previously served as Head of Sales at the Delhi property and National Head…
Zen Chai Debuts Its First Bubble Tea Outlet in Bengaluru’s Whitefield
-KH Newws Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Zen Chai, a contemporary bubble tea brand, has officially entered the Bengaluru market with the launch of its first outlet in Whitefield. The brand, under the Foodsta Kitchens umbrella, aims to bridge the gap between global trends and Indian tea culture, positioning bubble tea as a daily lifestyle beverage rather than a fleeting novelty. The brand’s commitment to authenticity is reflected in its sourcing: core bubble tea ingredients are imported directly from Taiwan, while the premium tea blends are sourced from India’s Nilgiri region. By combining these with locally sourced organic milk, Zen Chai offers a…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Leela Palace Jaipur has officially launched The Amber Terrace, a premier rooftop destination designed to merge Rajasthan’s rich botanical heritage with contemporary global dining. Overlooking the majestic Aravalli Hills, the terrace serves as a sophisticated social hub for both international travelers and Jaipur’s discerning local community. The venue introduces a unique ‘Root to Fruit’ philosophy, where the cocktail and culinary programs draw inspiration from indigenous Rajasthani produce. Utilizing an on-site mixology lab and herbs from the palace garden, the bar features innovative drinks such as the Peepli Picante and Ker Sangri Gimlet. The food menu…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Bharti Real Estate has announced that India’s inaugural Time Out Market will open at 5 Worldmark in Aerocity, New Delhi. This landmark launch, scheduled for the second half of 2026, marks the global brand’s first entry into the Indian market, joining an elite list of host cities including Lisbon, New York, Dubai, and Cape Town. Spanning approximately 24,500 square feet, the curated marketplace will serve as a hub for the city’s top culinary and cultural talent. The venue is designed to accommodate around 500 guests and will feature: 11 diverse kitchens showcasing award-winning chefs and local…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Ramee Group of Hotels has announced the appointment of Dhananjay Vishwakarma as the General Manager of Ramee Guestline Hotel, Dadar. With over 21 years of extensive experience in the hospitality sector, Vishwakarma brings a wealth of expertise in hotel operations, front office management, and revenue optimization to his new role. Before joining Ramee Group, Vishwakarma served as the Hotel Manager at Residency Sarovar Portico, Mumbai, for six years. His professional journey includes significant tenures with renowned global and domestic chains such as Radisson Hotel Group (RHG), Lemon Tree Hotels, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). In his…
