Author: Khwaish Jain
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Auroville: CGH Earth, a pioneer in environmentally sensitive and culturally rooted hospitality, has announced the opening of its latest property, Sanctuary Amaidiyana, located on the outskirts of the international township of Auroville, Tamil Nadu. True to the group’s philosophy of “Responsible Tourism,” the new retreat is designed as a meditative haven that prioritizes deep rest and ecological harmony over conventional luxury. The property’s name, “Amaidiyana,” is derived from the Tamil word for “peace” and the Sanskrit concept of “meditation,” reflecting the core experience the sanctuary aims to provide. Positioned as a quiet sanctuary rather than a…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) San Francisco / London: Uber Technologies has officially expanded its platform to include hotel bookings, marking a major milestone in its transition from a ride-hailing service to a comprehensive travel super-app. The new feature, initially launching in selected markets, allows users to browse and book accommodations directly within the Uber interface, integrating stay-related logistics with the company’s existing transit options. This move places Uber in direct competition with traditional Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and hospitality tech giants, as it seeks to capture a larger share of the total travel expenditure per user. Key Details of the…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) So Good Soju, the internationally acclaimed Korean spirit brand, has officially entered the Indian market. The launch marks a strategic milestone as the brand seeks to capitalize on the massive surge in “Hallyu” (Korean Wave) influence, which has significantly shifted Indian consumer preferences toward Korean food, media, and beverages. Unlike traditional high-alcohol spirits, So Good Soju offers a smoother, versatile drinking experience with an alcohol content typically ranging between 12% and 15%. This makes it a preferred choice for the growing demographic of “sober-curious” or moderate drinkers who prioritize flavor and social experience over high potency.…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a significant draft proposal aimed at eliminating plastic packaging for pan masala and gutka. The regulatory move is designed to address the dual challenges of environmental pollution caused by multi-layered plastic waste and the potential health risks associated with microplastic leaching into food products. The proposed amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations seeks to transition the industry toward sustainable materials, such as paper-based or compostable alternatives. Key Proposals in the FSSAI Draft: Mandatory Plastic-Free Format: The draft stipulates that pan masala and…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) CYK Hospitalities, a leading F&B consultancy, has unveiled its latest curated brand concept, Cha-Co. This “matcha-forward” café is inspired by the serene and meticulous tea culture of Japan, aiming to introduce a specialized, health-conscious alternative to the traditional coffee-dominated café landscape in India. The name “Cha-Co” is a play on Cha (the Japanese word for tea) and Company, reflecting the brand’s mission to make authentic matcha accessible and social. The concept centers on the “Zen” experience, focusing on minimalist aesthetics and high-quality, ceremonial-grade ingredients. Key Elements of the Cha-Co Concept: Matcha-Centric Menu: Beyond the traditional whisked…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) A joint report by EY and FICCI has urged the Indian government to slash the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on premium hotel rooms from the current 18% to 9%. The report, released on April 28, 2026, argues that the high tax burden on luxury stays hinders India’s ability to compete with other global tourism hubs in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The whitepaper highlights that the current tax structure places Indian luxury hotels among the highest-taxed in the world, often deterring high-spending international travelers and large-scale MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. Key…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Eternal Ltd., the parent company of Indian food delivery titan Zomato, has exceeded market expectations by reporting a stronger-than-projected quarterly profit. The financial success is attributed to a dual-engine growth strategy: steady demand in its core food delivery sector and the explosive scaling of its quick commerce arm, Blinkit. The results highlight the company’s successful pivot toward operational efficiency and the increasing consumer reliance on hyper-local delivery services in urban India. Key Financial and Operational Drivers: Profit Outperformance: The company reported a consolidated net profit that surpassed analysts’ estimates, driven by improved take-rates and cost optimizations.…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Hilton has announced a massive multi-brand expansion across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, marking the debut of eight of its most prestigious luxury and lifestyle brands in several key markets. The move is part of Hilton’s aggressive strategy to capitalize on the rapid recovery of international travel and the rising demand for sophisticated, experience-led hospitality. The expansion includes a mix of new builds and strategic conversions, targeting gateway cities and emerging resort destinations. By introducing brands like Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Canopy, and Motto, Hilton is diversifying its regional portfolio to cater to both the ultra-luxury segment and…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Glenwalk, the premium Scotch whisky brand co-owned by Bollywood icon Sanjay Dutt, has announced a strategic expansion of its portfolio with the launch of the ‘Dominance’ series. This move is designed to solidify the brand’s presence in the competitive luxury spirits market, catering to a discerning consumer base that increasingly favors high-provenance, aged blends. The Glenwalk has seen rapid traction since its inception, positioning itself as a lifestyle brand that bridges the gap between traditional Scotch heritage and modern celebrity-led appeal. The new ‘Dominance’ variants are crafted to offer a more intense, robust flavor profile,…
-KH News desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Global hospitality giant Marriott International has officially marked its entry into Upper Assam with the signing of Courtyard by Marriott Dibrugarh. Developed in partnership with Tulip Estates and managed by Nile Hospitality, the property is the first internationally branded hotel in Dibrugarh, signaling a major shift toward organized hospitality in Northeast India’s industrial and agricultural hub. Located at Chowkidinghee in the heart of the city, the hotel is strategically positioned to serve both the business community tied to the region’s tea and oil industries and leisure travelers exploring the pristine landscapes of the Northeast. The hotel…