Author: Asmita Mukherjee
Asmita Mukherjee| Hyderabad In an industry where eco-luxury can easily become a trendy pitch, The Bamboo Forest Experience in Tadoba has spent ten years proving that responsible tourism can be both profitable and beneficial to the community. Built not as a getaway but as an evolving ecosystem, the lodge has become one of India’s most thoughtful models of wilderness hospitality, deeply connected to local livelihoods and the land itself. Sudeep Mehta , Founder -Partner of The Bamboo Forest Experience, COCOON lodges LLP and Tigris Hospitality LLP says the journey began with admiration and grew into something uniquely Indian. “We didn’t just…
Ottimo Cucina Italiana at ITC Grand Chola has been awarded the prestigious Ospitalità Italiana 2025–2026 seal, making it the only restaurant in India to receive this rare international honour—and for the second time. Conferred by Unioncamere and ISNART in collaboration with the Italian Chamber of Commerce, the award recognises restaurants worldwide that uphold the highest standards of authentic Italian cuisine and hospitality. Led by Chef Zubin Writer, Ottimo blends rustic and contemporary Italian flavours, using meticulously sourced ingredients such as black truffles, caviar, and white asparagus, complemented by an extensive Italian wine list and its signature Mamma Mia cocktail programme.…
The Prestige Group is poised to make a significant impact on India’s hospitality landscape with its upcoming INR 3,500 crore IPO. In a recent interview with a news channel the real estate giant revealed that the proceeds from the IPO will be primarily utilised to eliminate the hospitality division’s debt, setting the stage for future acquisitions and expansions. This strategic financial maneuver is expected to free up substantial capital, enabling aggressive growth in a sector Irfan Razack, Chairman and Managing Director of the Prestige Group, believes holds immense potential. “Our focus is on delivering world-class hospitality experiences while leveraging strategic…
Franke Coffee Systems, a renowned Swiss manufacturer of professional fully automatic coffee machines, is thrilled to announce its entry into the Indian market. Franke will be exhibiting at the 39th edition of the International Food and Hospitality Fair (AAHAR) in Delhi from March 4th to 8th, 2025. This marks a significant milestone as Franke participates under its own brand for the first time, solidifying its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Following successful expansions in Japan, China, and Australia, Franke Coffee Systems is now set to extend its footprint in India, representing its next major growth phase in the region. Recognized…
The Hotel Association of India (HAI) is the leading organization in India’s hospitality industry and has been collaborating with the Government on Sectoral policy matters for almost three decades. HAI released a report titled “Vision 2047 Indian Hotel Industry-Challenges and The Road Ahead “– a document outlining the roadmap for the future of the industry over the next 25 years. The report while covering key destinations and states across the country has affirmed the gaining popularity of Kashmir as a travel destination more so for Adventure Tourism, in the post-pandemic era. This is attributed to the swelling tourist numbers in…
Ahuja Residency, with a presence of over 500 properties across major Indian cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Chennai, has consistently redefined industry standards. In a candid conversation, Jaideep Ahuja, the Managing Director and CEO of Ahuja Residency at the helm of this dynamic enterprise, opens up about the challenges faced, the strategic decisions that propelled their remarkable growth, and the ambitious vision to expand their footprint across India and the Middle East. From starting as a bed to breakfast, during the 1982 Asian Games to becoming the leader in the service department sector, What were the key…
Encalm Hospitality, a leader in premium airport hospitality, has taken airport experiences to new heights with the launch of its exclusive airside lounge Encalm Privé at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Shamshabad. Strategically located on the Mezzanine level of the International Departures terminal, the premium lounge offers travelers a seamless and premium environment to relax, recharge, and refresh before embarking on their journeys. Spanning around 885 square meters, the lounge offers a wealth of amenities tailored to meet the needs of the modern traveler, all available 24/7. Guests can enjoy a range of world-class facilities in the airside lounge,…
The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the third largest hospitality association in the world, has shared its recommendations to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, aiming to address the ongoing human resource shortages and skill gaps faced by the hospitality industry. As one of India’s most vital sectors contributing to economic growth, employment, and cultural exchange, the hospitality industry is facing significant challenges, including declining enrolments in hospitality programs, skill gaps, workforce shortage and retention issues, along with policy gaps. These issues are hindering the sector’s growth potential and its ability to meet the demands…
The Shangri-La Group is solidifying its presence in the luxury wedding and events market in India and the wider Middle East, Europe, India, and Africa (MEIA) region through its innovative service, “Bandhan by Shangri-La.” Launched on October 23 at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, Bandhan by Shangri-La aims to offer bespoke, culturally enriched wedding experiences that merge tradition with luxury. Chris McFall, Vice President of Sales for the MEIA region at Shangri-La Group, shared insights into the brand’s expanded focus on high-end weddings and corporate events. With the growing focus on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) across global markets,…
As the hospitality industry in India continues to evolve, Tier 2 and 3 cities have emerged as key growth areas. One of the finest examples of this is the recently opened Welcomhotel Belagavi by ITC Hotels. Under the leadership of Rahul Kanungo, General Manager, Welcomhotel Belagavi, the property has swiftly established itself as a premier destination for both leisure and corporate travellers. In an exclusive interaction, with Asmita Mukherjee, Kanungo shared insights on how the property is positioning itself to thrive in a rapidly changing market and his vision for the hotel’s future. Belagavi, nestled equidistant from Bengaluru, Mumbai, and…
