Author: Khwaish Hingad
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of Lemon Tree Premier, Omkareshwar, marking a significant addition to its portfolio in Madhya Pradesh. Strategically located in one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites, the hotel aims to provide a high-quality, vibrant stay experience for devotees and leisure travelers alike. This new project bolsters the brand’s presence in the state, which currently features four operational and ten upcoming properties. Strategic Location: The Heart of Spiritual Tourism Omkareshwar, situated on an island in the Narmada River, is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Summit Hotels & Resorts has officially entered the retreat hotel segment in Sikkim with the launch of Summit Signature Retreat Pangthang in Gangtok. Perched on a hilltop amid pine plantations, the 38-room property offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Eastern Himalayas, including Mount Kanchenjunga. Designed for travelers seeking seclusion and wellness, the retreat marks a strategic expansion of Summit’s “destination-led” mountain hospitality in the Northeast. Property Highlights & Guest Experience The retreat is built to offer a slower, more immersive travel experience, balancing nature with modern comfort. Accommodations: 38 rooms and suites across five categories, including…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Waffle Co., a rapidly growing dessert brand, has announced an aggressive expansion strategy to launch over 200 new stores by the first half of 2026. This move is aimed at solidifying its nationwide presence, spanning major metropolitan areas as well as high-growth Tier II and Tier III cities. By focusing on accessibility and consistency, the brand seeks to capture a larger share of India’s evolving quick-service dessert market. Strategic Expansion: From Mumbai to Gangtok The brand’s growth roadmap covers a diverse geographical footprint, targeting high-footfall locations in malls, high streets, and neighborhood hubs. Mumbai Offensive:…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Grand Hyatt Gurgaon has announced the elevation of Chef Vikramjit Roy to the position of Executive Chef. This promotion marks a significant milestone in Chef Vikramjit’s tenure with the property and reflects the hotel’s commitment to culinary innovation and excellence. With over two decades of experience, Chef Vikramjit is set to lead all culinary operations, focusing on menu engineering and guest-centric storytelling. A Career Defined by Innovation and Global Exposure Chef Vikramjit Roy is widely recognized for his expertise in Oriental and Pan-Asian cuisine. His journey across the luxury hospitality landscape has been marked by precision…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the opening of Ginger Gurugram, Sector 1, marking a significant addition to its portfolio in Haryana. Strategically located within the Global Foyer Mall in Palam Vihar, the 59-room hotel is designed to cater to the high-demand corporate and technology travel segments in one of India’s most dynamic commercial hubs. Smart Design and Key Amenities Ginger Gurugram, Sector 1 embodies the brand’s “lean-luxe” philosophy, combining efficiency with contemporary design. Accommodations: 59 smartly designed rooms that prioritize comfort and functionality for business travelers. Dining: Features Qmin, Ginger’s signature culinary platform, offering a…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has announced the appointment of Chef Faheem Qureshi as the MasterChef of its signature Indian specialty restaurant, BarQat. This strategic hire aims to further solidify BarQat’s reputation as a premier destination for authentic regional Indian cuisine, characterized by technical precision and heritage flavors. A Legacy of Culinary Craftsmanship Chef Faheem brings over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, having worked with prominent brands like JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, Courtyard by Marriott, and Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality. The Qureshi Lineage: Trained under the legendary Chef Mukhtar Qureshi and Chef Javed Qureshi,…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Bengaluru Chapter successfully hosted its Inclusion, Knowledge, and CSR Evening on January 19, 2026. Held at The Bier Library, Lavelle Road, the event focused on advancing disability-inclusive employment within the food and beverage (F&B) sector. By bringing together restaurateurs and social advocates, the initiative aimed to transform hospitality into a more equitable industry for “highly-abled” individuals. Key Event Highlights The Keynote: Alina Alam, Founder of the renowned Mitti Café, delivered the keynote address. She shared her extensive experience in running a successful chain almost entirely managed by persons with…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Les Roches has released its “Spark – The State of Hospitality Report 2025–2026,” identifying a structural transformation in the global hospitality market, which is now valued at over $5 trillion. The report highlights that the industry has moved beyond mere recovery into a tech-driven era where competitive advantage will be defined by three converging trends: Asset-Light Expansion, AI-Native Distribution, and Robotics. The Three Pillars of 2026 Competitive Advantage Asset-Light Expansion: Major global players are shifting from owning physical assets to scaling “lean luxury” and lifestyle brands. Strategic investments—such as IHG’s acquisition of Ruby Hotels and Marriott’s…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Chinese Wok, one of India’s fastest-growing Chinese QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) chains, has officially launched its first outlet in Hubli. This opening marks a significant step in the brand’s regional expansion strategy, aimed at capturing the growing demand for organized and authentic Desi-Chinese flavors in North Karnataka’s commercial hubs. Strategic Expansion into Tier-II Markets The move into Hubli is part of Chinese Wok’s broader vision to penetrate high-growth Tier-II and Tier-III cities across India. The Hubli Advantage: As a major educational and commercial center, Hubli offers a diverse demographic—from students to working professionals—who are increasingly seeking…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Hotel Association of India (HAI) has officially welcomed the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy 2026, hailing it as a progressive step toward strengthening the state’s hospitality infrastructure. The policy, which focuses on easing investment norms and promoting sustainable tourism, is expected to attract significant private capital and create thousands of jobs over the next decade. Key Reforms: Lowering Barriers and Boosting MICE The amended policy introduces several critical changes designed to make Odisha a more competitive destination for hotel developers: Simplified Investment Norms: A reduced minimum room requirement for 3-star and above hotels and relaxed expansion…