Author: Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad
In the heart of Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is emerging as one of India’s most sought-after border tourism destinations. Spearheading this transformation is Vivanta Tawang, a luxury property managed by the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). Under the leadership of Sandeep Makroo, General Manager, the hotel is setting new benchmarks in luxury, sustainability, and community engagement while showcasing the untouched beauty of the region. In an exclusive conversation with Asmita Mukherjee, Makroo outlines the challenges, opportunities, and vision behind this groundbreaking project. “Tawang’s pristine landscapes and cultural richness uniquely position it as a rising star in India’s tourism landscape,” says Sandeep…
Asmita Mukherjee| Hyderabad This year marks a monumental milestone for the Hotel Investment Conference South Asia (HICSA) as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, HICSA has firmly established itself as a premier platform for innovation, collaboration, and dialogue in the hospitality industry, bringing together industry stalwarts, visionary leaders, and experts from across the globe to drive thought leadership and investment strategies that shape the future of hospitality in South Asia and beyond. Returning to Mumbai, the city where it all began, HICSA 2025 promises to be both nostalgic and forward-looking, with the theme “20 Years: Past,…
Since its inception in 2017, Kaapi Solutions has redefined India’s coffee landscape under the leadership of Vikram Khurana, a coffee aficionado with over 23 years of experience in the Italian coffee industry and global coffee cultures. Transforming the specialty coffee ecosystem, Kaapi Solutions has become a one-stop destination for cutting-edge coffee equipment, barista training, and consultancy. In an exclusive interaction with Asmita Mukherjee, Khurana shares his vision for Kaapi Solutions, the challenges of building a Pan-India presence, and the strategies driving the rise of third-wave coffee culture in India. What inspired you to start Kaapi Solutions, and how has the…
Amid the growing allure of experiential travel, Skyview by Empyrean in Jammu’s scenic Sanget Valley has redefined the concept of mountain hospitality with its unique “Mountain Harbour” offering. With an impressive footfall of 1 lakh visitors in 2024, the destination seamlessly blends adventure, luxury, and sustainability. Known for Asia’s longest zig-zag zipline, India’s first dry tubing sledge, and a gondola ride offering unparalleled views, it’s a hub for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. As Skyview gears up to expand its inventory to 60 rooms by 2025, Owais Altaf Syed, Director, Skyview By Empyrean discuses with Asmita Mukherjee the brand’s ambitious vision…
Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center has earned a reputation as a premier destination for exceptional culinary experiences, seamlessly blending global inspirations with the richness of local traditions. With a diverse array of dining venues, the property offers something unique for every palate. Under the visionary leadership of Jatinder Pal Singh, Food and Beverage Director, these offerings have reached new heights. Singh has been pivotal in introducing innovative concepts such as themed food festivals, immersive chef’s tables, and sustainable practices like zero-waste cooking and responsible sourcing. In a conversation with Asmita Mukherjee, he delves into the intricacies of…
Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad In the burgeoning Indian luxury vacation rental market, ELIVAAS has emerged as a transformative brand. Founded byRitwik Khare, Founder and CEO, ELIVAAS, whose hospitality acumen was honed through his leadership in building the hotels vertical at MakeMyTrip, ELIVAAS is a story of innovation and perseverance. “Our journey began with a vision to redefine the luxury vacation rental experience in India,” says Khare. He recognized a gap in the market for curated, high-end vacation homes and set out to fill it. However, establishing ELIVAAS wasn’t without its challenges. “Two years ago, luxury vacation rentals were a novel…
Gaurav Mittal, Director and CEO of Antarctica Equipment Private Limited, said the company has ambitious plans to scale its operations and strengthen its position as a leader in India’s commercial refrigeration sector. With the market projected to reach INR 10,000 crore by FY28, Antarctica is focusing on innovation, customisation, and strategic expansion. In an exclusive interview with Asmita Mukherjee, Mittal discusses the company’s approach to leveraging growth opportunities across diverse sectors like ice cream, supermarkets, QSRs, and bakeries, upcoming product launches and the evolving demands of the HORECA industry. What are Antarctica Equipment’s expansion plans in India market? We plan…
Sharad Madan, Director & Co-founder, Bel Cibo Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., is on a mission to revolutionise the hospitality landscape by blending culinary artistry with unforgettable experiences. Since the launch of Khubani in Aerocity, the journey has been nothing short of transformative. With standout ventures like Begam, Noor, and Parra by Khubani, the brand has redefined dining as a multi-sensory experience. Asmita Mukherjee spoke with Madan to learn more about the brand’s expansion plans. What inspired the creation of Bel Cibo Hospitality, and how has the journey unfolded since the launch of Khubani in Aerocity? Bel Cibo Hospitality was founded with…
Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad In the heart of India’s cleanest city, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality. With its heritage-inspired architecture, expansive event spaces, and innovative sales strategies, the property is carving a niche in Indore’s thriving luxury market. Leading the charge is Seema Taj, Director of Sales, whose vision and strategic approach are redefining the hotel’s positioning in a competitive landscape. “Our primary growth objectives revolve around increasing brand visibility and targeting high-net-worth individuals,” said Taj. To achieve this, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore focuses on personalised experiences, exceptional service, and innovative offerings. Taj…
India’s luxury hospitality sector is experiencing a transformative boom, fueled by the rising affluence of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), growing corporate travel, and an increasing preference for exclusive, immersive experiences. Post-pandemic recovery has accelerated this growth, with the market projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.92% between 2023 and 2029, reaching a valuation of USD 51.11 billion, according to industry reports. Leading this evolution are brands like Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center and Grand Mercure Bangalore, which are reshaping the luxury hospitality landscape with personalised services, state-of-the-art facilities, and tailored guest experiences. To…
