Author: Khwaish Hingad
-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,…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) During his keynote address at the Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI’s 20th Regional Convention at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, asserted that tourism and hospitality are far more than just economic engines; they are “mirrors of a nation’s soul.” The event commemorated HRAWI’s 75 years of hospitality excellence and featured prominent industry leaders and government dignitaries. Underscoring India’s ambitious Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, Dr. Tharoor called for decisive national action focused on three critical foundational pillars, collectively referred…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Rosetta Hospitality has officially announced the appointment of Gayatri Dravid as its new Group Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing. Dravid steps into this leadership role bringing nearly two decades of distinguished experience in hospitality communications and brand strategy, having championed marketing and PR mandates for some of India’s most renowned luxury hotel brands. Throughout her career, Dravid has been instrumental in shaping major hospitality launches. A key highlight of her journey includes spearheading the pre- and post-opening communications for flagship properties such as The Leela Palace Udaipur and The Leela Palace New Delhi in Chanakyapuri.…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) has announced the rescheduling of its highly anticipated Annual Convention and Awards to January 15–18, 2026, at Hotel Radisson Blu, Amritsar. “Empathy and responsibility are at the heart of HPMF. This decision reflects our collective commitment to stand with affected communities while ensuring a stronger, more inclusive, and impactful convention,” said Dr. Nitin Shankar Nagrale, Founder & General Secretary, HPMF. The decision follows extensive consultations with sponsors, partners, and stakeholders in view of the unprecedented floods that have affected Punjab and other parts of our country, disrupting lives, livelihoods, and…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Meve Jars, an emerging name in the health and wellness sector, has announced a significant partnership with actress and entrepreneur Shamita Shetty, who joins the company as Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This collaboration marks a strategic step for Meve Jars in scaling its commitment to providing clean, health-conscious snacking options in India. The partnership stems from Shetty’s personal alignment with the brand’s core philosophy. Known for her strong emphasis on health, nutrition, and fitness, Shetty’s involvement is set to elevate Meve Jars’s visibility and messaging across the market. The brand specializes in offering a…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The House of Suntory has officially introduced the Roku Gin – Sakura Bloom Edition to the Indian market. This limited-edition expression is deeply inspired by the iconic Sakura flower (cherry blossom) and the globally celebrated Japanese tradition of the Hanami festival, which translates to “gazing at flowers.” The launch is designed to bring the delicate, vibrant spirit of Japanese springtime to India. This new gin is rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Shun, which emphasizes the appreciation of nature’s best and freshest seasonal flavours. The Sakura Bloom Edition perfectly captures the freshness and vibrancy of spring,…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake and Lakeside Chalet – Marriott Executive Apartments have announced the strategic appointment of Ronald Ramirez as the new Head of Beverages. This move marks the return and integration of a globally recognized beverage visionary into the Indian luxury hospitality sector, leveraging his expertise to redefine the hotel’s Food & Beverage (F&B) experience. Bringing over two decades of international experience, Ramirez’s career has spanned multiple continents and prestigious luxury brands, establishing a legacy defined by creativity, innovation, and operational excellence in the F&B domain. Often lauded as “The Magician of Spirits” and…