Author: Edit Team

-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…

-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,…