Author: Asmita Mukherjee

AI-powered business transformation company ImaAppWeb has launched AsIma, an agentic AI platform designed to automate sales operations for the hospitality industry, enabling hotels to respond to guest enquiries in real time and improve booking conversions. The company said AsIma addresses a critical gap in hotel sales where, despite widespread digital adoption through websites, online travel agencies (OTAs) and social media, enquiry handling and booking conversions continue to rely heavily on manual intervention. The AI-powered platform enables autonomous sales operations across multiple customer touchpoints, including voice calls, WhatsApp, websites and other digital channels. It monitors incoming enquiries, responds instantly to unattended…

India’s leading hotel chains are significantly increasing investments to renovate and modernise their flagship properties, with industry consultants estimating that the combined refurbishment spend could reach ₹2,000–3,000 crore in FY27. The renewed focus on upgrading marquee assets has emerged as a key strategy among listed hospitality companies, including Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), EIH Ltd. and Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. The companies have indicated during their fourth-quarter earnings calls that higher capital expenditure on existing properties will help strengthen pricing power, improve guest experiences and enhance profitability. Rather than relying solely on expansion through new hotel openings, hotel operators are…

Taj GVK Hotels & Resorts has secured the Occupancy Certificate (OC) from the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) for its upcoming 256-key Taj Yelahanka in North Bengaluru, clearing a key regulatory milestone ahead of the hotel’s planned commercial launch in September 2026. Spread across a three-acre site in the fast-growing Yelahanka micro-market, the luxury property is in the advanced stages of completion. The company is currently obtaining the remaining statutory licences and operational approvals required before opening. Designed to cater to Bengaluru’s expanding corporate travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and leisure segments, the hotel is expected to…

Hotels, restaurants and foodservice operators are set to benefit from lower kitchen fuel costs after oil marketing companies (OMCs) reduced the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by Rs 183.50, effective July 1, offering much-needed cost relief to the hospitality sector after months of sustained price increases. Following the revision, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi has been reduced to Rs 2,930 from Rs 3,113.50. The reduction marks the first cut in commercial LPG prices this year after repeated hikes driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and elevated global energy prices. The latest revision…

Global hospitality giants including Marriott, Hilton, and IHG Hotels & Resorts are accelerating their expansion plans in India, betting on the country’s rapidly growing tourism sector despite concerns over a broader slowdown in consumer spending. The aggressive growth strategy comes amid rising demand for domestic travel, premium hospitality experiences, and religious tourism, which industry leaders believe will continue to drive hotel occupancy and room demand across the country. Recent announcements highlight the sector’s confidence in the Indian market. IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Adani Airports to develop five hotels across major aviation hubs while also introducing its luxury…

Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced its entry into India’s fast-growing spiritual tourism segment with the launch of The Mandir Collection, a dedicated hospitality brand focused on pilgrimage destinations and faith-inspired travel experiences. The move comes as spiritual tourism continues to gain momentum across the country, driven by improved connectivity, government-led infrastructure development, and growing consumer interest in wellness, culture, and religious travel. As part of the brand’s debut, the company has selected Salasar in Rajasthan for its first property under The Mandir Collection. The upcoming Summit Salasar – The Mandir Collection is being positioned as a premium spiritual retreat…

At a time when Hyderabad’s hospitality sector is witnessing rapid growth, strong leadership and a clear vision have become more important than ever. John Surendranath, General Manager of Ibis Hyderabad HITEC City, is known for his practical approach to hospitality, focus on guest satisfaction and ability to build high-performing teams. Under his leadership, the hotel has continued to deliver strong business performance while staying committed to service excellence and sustainable practices. In an exclusive conversation with Asmita Mukherjee, Surendranath discusses Hyderabad’s evolving hospitality landscape and the key factors driving growth at Ibis HyderabadHITEC City. Tell us about your professional journey…

Ventive Hospitality Ltd reported strong financial performance for FY26, driven by robust growth across its hospitality and annuity businesses. The company posted a significant rise in profitability, with consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) surging 939 percent year-on-year to ₹502 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2026. The company’s consolidated revenue for FY26 stood at ₹2,666 crore, registering a 24 percent growth compared to the previous financial year. EBITDA grew 28 percent year-on-year to ₹1,299 crore, while EBITDA margins expanded by two percentage points to 49 percent. In the fourth quarter of FY26, consolidated revenue increased 21 percent year-on-year…

Celebrating a hospitality milestoneHoliday Inn Mumbai International Airport has completed 16 years of operations, commemorating the milestone with a guest engagement-led campaign that highlights its long-standing presence in the city’s hospitality landscape. Building a legacy of guest experiencesSince its inception, the hotel has emerged as a preferred choice for both business and leisure travellers, offering a blend of comfort, convenience and contemporary amenities, while building a strong reputation for service and culinary experiences. ‘Summer of 16’ campaign engagementTo mark the occasion, the hotel launched its “Summer of 16” campaign, inviting guests to share personal stories and memories. The initiative saw…

Strategic Growth IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Thanishq Grande Hotels & Resorts to develop Holiday Inn Sriperumbudur, a 200-key hotel scheduled to open in Q1 2029. The signing underscores IHG’s continued focus on expanding its footprint in high-growth commercial corridors, particularly across South India. The addition of Sriperumbudur strengthens the company’s presence in Tamil Nadu, aligning with its strategy to tap into emerging business and industrial destinations. Operating under the globally recognised Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts brand, the hotel is expected to cater to a diverse mix of corporate, transit, and…