Author: Khwaish Hingad
-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…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Sterling Holiday Resorts has expanded its footprint in the Eastern Himalayas with the launch of Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok. This new addition marks Sterling’s second property in the city, strategically positioned in the Development Area—Gangtok’s business and administrative hub. Unlike its sister property, Sterling Gangtok Orange Village, which offers a secluded resort experience, Mount Olive is designed as a contemporary city hotel for travelers seeking urban connectivity and proximity to the city’s commercial pulse. Property Highlights & Strategic Location Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok serves as a bridge between high-quality hospitality and the convenience of city living.…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Ananta Hotels & Resorts has announced the upcoming launch of Ananta Express, Katra, a property strategically designed to serve the spiritual tourism sector. Located directly opposite the Katra Railway Station and in close proximity to the Searli Helipad, the hotel offers seamless logistics for pilgrims visiting the holy Vaishno Devi shrine. This launch marks a significant step in the group’s “Ananta Global” expansion strategy, targeting high-potential spiritual and regional circuits across India. Property Highlights & Guest Experience Ananta Express, Katra is tailored for the “modern spiritual traveler,” balancing ritualistic needs with contemporary comforts. Strategic Location: Situated…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, the landmark luxury resort and convention center in Kerala, has announced the appointment of Kailash Gundupalli as its new Executive Chef. With a career spanning over 24 years in the global hospitality industry, Chef Gundupalli brings a wealth of international expertise and a passion for sustainable, ingredient-driven culinary arts to the property. Culinary Pedigree & Career Highlights Chef Kailash Gundupalli is a seasoned veteran known for his ability to blend traditional techniques with contemporary innovation. Extensive Experience: His professional journey includes leadership roles at prestigious hospitality brands such as Accor, Marriott International,…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Nature Trails, the adventure and nature-led hospitality arm of Thomas Cook (India) Limited, has announced its strategic entry into Goa with the launch of Rock Valley. Located in Ponda, at the foothills of the Western Ghats, this resort marks the brand’s fourth property in India and its first outside Maharashtra. Spread across a sprawling 15-acre property within a larger 200-acre forest and farmland landscape, Rock Valley offers a “different side of Goa” focused on eco-tourism and high-octane outdoor experiences. Property Highlights & Adventure Experiences Rock Valley is designed to move away from the traditional coastal bustle…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Kantala Spirits has introduced Gracia Cero, India’s first non-alcoholic agave drink, specifically timed for the “Dry January” movement and post-festive resets. Positioned as a “choice-forward” beverage rather than an anti-alcohol product, Gracia Cero aims to redefine modern drinking culture by offering an inclusive, flavor-first alternative for social settings—from corporate mixers to high-energy parties. Product Highlights & Health Profile Gracia Cero is engineered for the health-conscious consumer who refuses to compromise on the experience of a premium agave-based drink. India’s First: The pioneer in the non-alcoholic agave category in the Indian market. 0% ABV: Completely alcohol-free, making…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@Imaws.org) Sayaji Kolhapur has announced the appointment of Mr. Yogesh Kumar as its new Food & Beverage Manager, further strengthening the property’s leadership team with a seasoned hospitality professional who brings over 17 years of experience in Food & Beverage operations. Mr. Kumar has held key leadership roles with reputed hospitality brands including Radisson, Park Plaza, and Sarovar Hotels. His professional journey also includes valuable international exposure in Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies, where he gained hands-on experience across diverse culinary formats, high-volume service environments, and large-scale banqueting operations. Welcoming the appointment, Mr. Mukesh Rakshit, General…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Fielia, Mumbai’s newest invite-only destination, has officially opened its doors at the iconic Mahalaxmi Race Course. Conceptualized as India’s first “Cocktail Cinema,” this aperitivo-forward bar blends high-concept storytelling with heritage architecture. Designed by Gauri Khan and envisioned by restaurateurs Afsana Verma, Amit Verma, and Dhaval Udeshi, Fielia transforms a century-old mill into a theatrical space where every drink is a performance. The “Cocktail Cinema” Concept & Design Fielia is designed to mirror the drama of a vintage theater, using the architectural bones of the racecourse to create an immersive experience. Architectural Theatre: The space features a…