Author: Khwaish Jain
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imwas.org) Brij Hotels, known for its boutique and immersive hospitality experiences, has officially announced the upcoming launch of its new property in Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh. This expansion marks a significant step for the brand into the wildlife and ecotourism segment, capitalizing on Bandhavgarh’s status as one of India’s most renowned national parks and a crucial tiger reserve. The new property, strategically located near the Bandhavgarh National Park, is designed to offer guests an intimate connection with nature while maintaining the high standards of comfort and service synonymous with the Brij Hotels brand. The hotel is expected to…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) DoubleTree by Hilton Goa has announced a key addition to its leadership team with the appointment of Asmita Tambolkar-Umarye as the new Financial Controller. This strategic appointment is set to reinforce the hotel’s financial management and operational efficiency in the competitive Goa hospitality market. As a highly accomplished finance professional, Tambolkar-Umarye brings a wealth of specialized experience in financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and statutory compliance within the hospitality sector. Her background includes extensive exposure to managing complex financial operations, which will be crucial for maintaining fiscal stability and driving profitability at the Goa property. In her…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) HyFun Foods, a prominent manufacturer and exporter of frozen food products, has announced ambitious financial targets and corporate milestones, including plans to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) by the year 2028. The company is setting its immediate sights on robust revenue growth, aiming to achieve a turnover of ₹1,500 crore (15 billion rupees) in the fiscal year 2026 (FY26). Based in the state of Gujarat, HyFun Foods specializes in a wide range of frozen processed foods, with its core products including potato specialties like French fries and various snacks. The company has aggressively expanded its…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In a significant development for the hospitality industry, the Bombay High Court has granted an interim stay to a hotel on the payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST) related to its eatery services. This ruling offers temporary relief and sets a crucial precedent regarding the classification and taxation of food and beverage (F&B) services provided by hotel establishments. The core of the legal dispute revolves around the distinction between services provided by standalone restaurants and those offered by eateries within hotels that charge tariffs exceeding a certain threshold (typically Rs 7,500). Historically, the tax structure…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Rubystone Hospitality is thrilled to officially announce the appointment of Mr. Manoj Sharma as its new Corporate General Manager. Sharma steps into this leadership role bringing a substantial 25-plus years of valuable experience accrued across the hotel and travel industry. Mr. Sharma is recognized as a results-oriented professional with extensive experience in meticulously managing daily hotel operations. His expertise encompasses the crucial operational coordination necessary between various ensuing departments, including reception, food and bar services, room service, bookings, managing budgets, executing marketing strategies, and implementing staff training programs. He possesses specialized experience in developing operational policies…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Oberoi Group has announced a significant collaboration with two key organizations, The Job Plus and the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), to launch a new, dedicated initiative focused on skilling and employment. This program aims to train and empower 200 underprivileged youth from various regions across India, preparing them for careers in the dynamic hospitality sector. This strategic partnership is a continuation of The Oberoi Group’s long-standing commitment to nurturing talent and contributing to social development. The initiative is designed to address the persistent skills gap within the hospitality industry while simultaneously providing life-changing…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Hospitality and travel services providers in India are currently experiencing robust demand during the festive season, specifically in the run-up to the long Diwali weekend. This surge is translating into strong booking figures across both major urban centers and popular leisure destinations, with intercity bus services even reporting occupancy levels that are touching 95 to 100 per cent. K B Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India (HAI) and Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, noted that early booking trends indicate higher hotel occupancy, reflecting the enthusiasm of travellers to celebrate festivals with family,…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The concept of family travel is being redefined in India by a new, rapidly growing trend: “skip-generation” (skip-gen) travel. This phenomenon involves grandparents and grandchildren vacationing together, leaving the parents behind. A recent Hilton 2026 Trends Report reveals that India is at the forefront of this movement in the Asia Pacific region, with a remarkable 79% of families either having already taken a skip-gen trip or planning one. The report further indicates that this trend has moved from a niche concept to the mainstream, as 43% of Indian respondents have taken such a trip in…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), through its distinct homestay and villa brand, amã Stays & Trails, has announced a significant expansion of its portfolio with the addition of new heritage bungalows in two major leisure destinations: Rishikesh in Uttarakhand and Goa. This expansion reinforces IHCL’s commitment to offering unique, experiential, and non-hotel accommodations in scenic and culturally rich locales. The new additions in Rishikesh and Goa are designed to provide guests with an authentic sense of place, blending local charm with IHCL’s renowned hospitality standards. The property in Rishikesh taps into the growing demand for wellness…
-KH News Desk(editorial1@imaws.org) At the recent “The Food XP 2025” event, Rajit Punhani, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), unveiled an ambitious vision for India’s food ecosystem centered on the three pillars of trust, transparency, and innovation. Referencing the adage, “Yatha Annam Tatha Manan” (as is the food, so is the mind), Punhani stressed that healthy food is the foundation of a healthy society, requiring a unified, collaborative approach across the entire industry—from retailers and restaurateurs to startups and technology innovators. Punhani highlighted that India’s food sector is at a crucial inflection point where retail,…