Author: Khwaish Jain

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) ITC Hotels has officially strengthened its footprint in Uttarakhand with the opening of Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Madhuban Dehradun. Located on the historic Rajpur Road, this 73-key property is operated under a management contract, aligning with the group’s “asset-right” growth strategy. The hotel is designed to be a bridge between the city’s heritage and modern hospitality, offering panoramic views of the Shivalik range and easy access to the Doon Valley’s key commercial and tourist hubs. Property Highlights & Accommodations The hotel features a mix of 73 rooms and suites, blending heritage-inspired design with contemporary functional finishes.…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has significantly bolstered its lifestyle portfolio in India with the opening of Radisson RED Indore. This launch marks the brand’s second property in India (following Chandigarh Mohali) and underscores RHG’s strategic focus on high-growth Tier-II cities. Developed in a long-standing partnership with Bestech India Pvt. Ltd., the hotel is designed to cater to “ageless” travelers who seek a blend of bold design, social connectivity, and tech-driven convenience. Property Highlights & Lifestyle Features Radisson RED Indore moves away from traditional hotel norms, offering a “bold and expressive” environment across its 115 keys. Inventory:…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) JSM Corporation Pvt. Ltd., the creators behind iconic brands like Shiro and Hard Rock Café, has unveiled its latest culinary venture: Yoichi by Shiro. Located in the heart of Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru, the restaurant is a curated homage to the vibrant, chaotic, and flavor-rich street markets of Southeast Asia. Designed to function as a live marketplace, Yoichi (Japanese for “street market”) blends authentic hawker-style dining with modern, tech-enabled convenience. The Market Experience: Layout & Atmosphere Yoichi is not just a restaurant; it’s an immersive “food market” walkthrough featuring distinct stalls and live counters: The Izakaya…

-KH News Desk (edoitorial1@imaws.org) In a landmark enforcement action, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has declared the mandatory levying of service charges by restaurants as an unfair trade practice. Following a surge in consumer complaints, the authority initiated suo motu action against 27 major restaurants across India, imposing fines, ordering refunds, and demanding immediate changes to billing systems to safeguard consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Key Highlights of the Regulatory Crackdown Judicial Backing: The CCPA’s action follows a March 28, 2025, judgment by the Delhi High Court, which unequivocally upheld the 2022 CCPA guidelines. The court…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced its foray into Tuticorin (Thoothukudi), Tamil Nadu, with the signing of a new Ginger-branded hotel. This greenfield project is a strategic partnership with Thangam Real Estate & Thangam Plots & Farms Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant milestone in IHCL’s expansion into the state’s high-growth industrial corridors. Project Highlights & Strategic Location The upcoming hotel is designed to cater to the increasing influx of business travelers and long-stay professionals in the region. Key Specifications: A 100-key (room) property featuring Ginger’s signature Qmin restaurant, a lively bar, versatile meeting spaces,…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) NILE Hospitality has announced the signing of its first Marriott-branded hotel in Patna, marking a monumental shift in Bihar’s hospitality landscape. This 205-room property, developed by Nutan Hospitality, will operate under the Marriott Hotels & Resorts flagship brand. The project is a cornerstone of Nile Hospitality’s aggressive national expansion strategy, aiming to bring international service standards and Marriott Bonvoy access to one of Eastern India’s fastest-growing commercial hubs. Property Highlights & Strategic Significance The upcoming hotel is set to redefine luxury and business travel in the state capital with premium facilities designed for large-scale events. Prime…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) TWH Hospitality, a prominent player in India’s boutique hospitality landscape, has announced a strategic partnership with the iconic Nazeer Foods to launch two new outlets. This collaboration marks a significant expansion of TWH’s Food & Beverage (F&B) division, bringing authentic Mughlai flavors to the coastal shores of Goa and the bustling Chandigarh-Tricity region. Strategic Locations & Business Model The expansion utilizes the FOCO (Franchise Owned Company Operated) model, ensuring standardized quality and professional management across diverse geographies. Goa (Morjim): The new Nazeer Foods outlet will be integrated into the Boho Beach Resort, TWH’s signature bohemian-themed property…

-B Swaminathan (swami@imaws.org) Vellore’s leading food giant Darling Group of restaurants is on an expansion spree with new outlets getting planned in the outskirts of Vellore. The group is also planning to expand their operations into the neighboring Tiruvannamalai district. “Our ideal expansion plan is such that we are aiming at opening authentic restaurant that reflects the soil in terms of culture, tradition and cuisine. At present we are handling 30 restaurants [both pure-veg and non-veg] in and around Vellore. We also run 13 bakery outlets in Vellore, Puducherry and Kancheepuram”, said Murali Venkadasubbu, Director of Daling Group of Hotels.

-Vivek Narayanan (editorial1@imaws.org) As 2026 begins, the hotel and restaurant industry in south Kerala is staring at a set of unique challenges, where many of the outlets are forced to either change their strategy or shut down, as a steep rise in the prices of essential items and a shortage of labor have hit the industry. In the past 8 years nearly 50 restaurants in Kollam districts have closed as the rising expenses of essential items such as meat, vegetables, and commercial cylinders have risen exponentially. Hoteliers, mostly those who have been established for the past 30 to 40 years,…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has underscored the immense growth potential of the state’s hospitality industry, citing a strategic focus on forest, religious, and cultural tourism. Speaking via video message at an industry summit in Indore, the CM revealed that the state government is offering substantial investment-linked incentives, including subsidies of up to 30% for large-scale hotel projects, to encourage a robust pipeline of new developments. Key Growth Drivers & State Support The state government is positioning Madhya Pradesh as a premier destination by leveraging its diverse tourism assets: Strategic Focus: Active promotion of niche…