Author: Khwaish Hingad
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a significant framework agreement with the Rajdarbar Group to develop seven new Ginger hotels across North India. This expansion will add more than 1,000 rooms to the Ginger portfolio, targeting high-potential markets through a mix of greenfield and brownfield developments under fully fitted lease arrangements. The partnership has already reached its first milestone with the opening of the 59-key Ginger Gurugram, Sector 1 (Palam Vihar, Haryana). The upcoming pipeline includes properties in strategic locations such as Jaipur, Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan, Hisar, and Karnal. This move underscores IHCL’s…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of The Fern Residency, Thekkady, located in the Idukki district of Kerala. This strategic addition further strengthens the group’s presence in South India, bringing its total portfolio of operational and upcoming properties in the region to 14. The new hotel will feature 50 well-appointed rooms and suites designed to blend contemporary comfort with the natural tranquility of the destination. Facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, a conference room, and two banquet halls, making it a versatile choice for leisure retreats, corporate meetings, and social celebrations. Thekkady,…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Oberoi Group has announced a landmark expansion into the high-end residential segment with the opening of Naila Fort – An Oberoi Luxury Residence. Located 25 km from Jaipur, this meticulously restored 19th-century fortification is set to welcome its first guests on February 15, 2026. Originally built in 1849 by the Champawat clan, the fort has been reimagined as a secluded, four-bedroom private villa that can only be reserved in its entirety. This ensures total discretion and privacy for discerning travelers. The residence features sunlit courtyards, carved archways, and expansive terraces with sweeping views of the…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited has announced its entry into the boutique hospitality segment with the signing of a new property in Udaipur. This move marks the debut of the company’s fourth brand, The Eco Boutique, joining its existing portfolio of The Eco, Eco Xpress, and Eco Value. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Aravali mountain range, the upcoming property will feature 20 thoughtfully designed rooms that blend artistic elegance with modern comfort. A standout feature of the hotel is GG’s, a pure vegetarian, double-decker rooftop restaurant. This dining venue will offer both open-to-sky and…
-Khwaish Hingad (editorial1@imaws.org) The Union Budget 2026–27 marks a decisive shift in India’s approach to hospitality, transitioning from a focus on individual destinations to a more holistic, purpose-led tourism ecosystem. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcements underscore a commitment to creating a “resilient and enduring tourism economy” that balances infrastructure development with human capital. The industry’s most prominent voices see this budget as a vote of confidence, particularly with the landmark proposal to upgrade the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) into a National Institute of Hospitality. This structural upgrade, combined with a focus on medical, spiritual, and…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Hyatt Pune has announced the appointment of Glen D’Souza as its new General Manager, effective January 4, 2026. A veteran in the hospitality industry, D’Souza brings over 20 years of global expertise, particularly in hotel pre-openings, operations, and brand leadership. In his new capacity, he will focus on solidifying Hyatt Pune’s position as a premier choice for business and leisure travelers, while enhancing its reputation for dining and social events. His leadership strategy emphasizes experience-led hospitality, operational excellence, and fostering deep team engagement. D’Souza joins the Pune team from Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, where he served…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited (EHRL) has announced the signing of its first Greenfield project in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), marking a major milestone in its aggressive expansion strategy. The new property will be located in Dombivli and branded under “The Eco,” the company’s flagship premium mid-range brand. Planned to open within the next 24 months, the hotel will feature 65 to 70 well-appointed rooms and a 5,000 sq. ft. banquet hall catering to corporate and social events. Culinary highlights include Sahar, a “Back to the Roots” signature restaurant, GG’s, a rooftop open-to-sky bar and…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Oberoi Group has announced the launch of its inaugural luxury residence, Naila Fort – An Oberoi Luxury Residence, located 25 km from central Jaipur. Originally built in 1849 by the Champawat clan, the historic 19th-century fortification has been painstakingly restored to offer an ultra-luxury private stay experience, set to welcome guests from February 15, 2026. Designed for travelers seeking the intimacy of a private home with the world-class standards of a luxury resort, the residence features four exquisitely appointed bedrooms, including turrets and garden-facing rooms. The property offers diverse dining venues: Surya Mahal for grand…
-Shalini Chandrasekar Not only on screen but also in real life, actor Karthi has emerged as a benevolent figure, feeding the hungry. The ‘Karthi People’s Welfare Association Restaurant,’ run by his fan club in Valasaravakkam, Chennai, has successfully completed its 1000th day. A fulfilling meal for just 10 rupees: In today’s times, when even a cup of tea costs 12 rupees, this restaurant provides a quality lunch for just Rs. 10. It is noteworthy that delicious vegetable biryani, worth approximately 50 rupees, is offered at this affordable price for the poor and needy. Continuing charitable work: This restaurant operates at…
– Shalini Chandrasekar With the aim of transforming Tamil Nadu into a global tourist destination, the ‘Tamil Nadu Global Tourism Conference 2026’ commenced grandly today (February 2, 2026) in Mamallapuram, Chengalpattu district. On the first day of the conference, held in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Brigade Hotel Ventures, a leading real estate and hotel group, signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu. ₹1,100 Crore Investment – 3 New Hotels According to the agreement, the company will establish three new international-standard luxury hotels in Chennai with an investment of approximately ₹1,100 crore. This…