Author: HBI Staff | Hyderabad
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat called for more investments and greater private participation in taking the tourism sector to the next level. Shekhawat said this while addressing a national tourism conclave organised by ASSOCHAM in the national capital. The next phase of tourism growth in the country, the Union Minister observed, has to look beyond just tourist numbers, but towards creating new destinations, designing new experiences, and above all, destination management itself. “Tourism is emerging as an important driver of economic growth and employment, with the potential to play a much larger role in India’s…
The Goa Tourism Department is reviewing action against residential apartments, villas and flats being operated as short-term tourist accommodation without registration with the state tourism authorities, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has confirmed. The proposed action comes as the state examines a recent Supreme Court order directing authorities across the country to seal residential premises being used for commercial activities. Goa is assessing the implications of the order for properties being commercially rented to tourists without the required tourism registration. The issue has gained attention with the growth of what the state has described as a “parallel tourism” sector. A number…
Ginger, the mid-scale brand of Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), has reached 100 operating hotels in India as the brand expands its presence across established and emerging markets. Ginger currently has a portfolio of 250 hotels, including 100 operating properties, 95 under development and 55 hotels under brand migration, which are scheduled to be rebranded by March 31, 2027. The brand is also strengthening its presence across key travel hubs, with upcoming properties including a 325-key hotel at Bengaluru International Airport, a 300-key hotel at Manohar International Airport in Goa, a more than 200-key hotel at Mumbai Terminal 2 and a…
The West Bengal government has announced tourism investment commitments worth INR 12,534 crore, with the proposed projects expected to generate more than 22,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities across tourism-related sectors. The commitments were announced at an Investors’ Meet hosted by the state government at Taj Bengal, Kolkata, on World Tourism Day. Held under the theme ‘From Intent to Investment’, the meeting focused on tourism infrastructure, investment opportunities and private-sector participation. The proposed investments cover hotels, business accommodation, tea tourism, resorts, heritage properties, leisure and wellness destinations. Business groups participating in the investment programme include Ambuja Neotia Group, Apeejay Surendra…
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licence of Radhakrishna Hotel in Borivali West after a diner allegedly found a dead rat inside a Mysore masala dosa served at the restaurant. According to the complaint, the incident occurred on September 29 when Amit Trivedi visited the restaurant with his two brothers and son. One of his brothers had reportedly eaten several bites of the dosa before noticing what appeared to be a small dead rat inside it. The family subsequently approached Borivali police, following which the complaint was brought to the Maharashtra FDA for action.…
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has opened Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt, marking the debut of the Taj brand in continental Europe. Located in Frankfurt’s trade fair district, the hotel was introduced by Albert Mayr, General Manager; Spiridon Sarantopoulos, Senior Vice President, Operations Europe & USA, IHCL; and Gaurav Pokhariyal, Chief Operating Officer, Full-Service Business, IHCL. The opening marks an expansion of IHCL’s presence in Europe, with Frankfurt serving as the entry point for the Taj brand into continental Europe. “With Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt, we are marking an important milestone in IHCL’s growth journey. Frankfurt, as a major European hub for…
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited has announced its entry into Varanasi with the opening of Sterling Varanasi, adding one of India’s most significant spiritual destinations to its growing portfolio. Located near the revered Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, the 33-room hotel offers convenient access to Assi Ghat, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Banaras Hindu University and the ghats of the Ganges, giving guests a well-connected base from which to experience Kashi. The opening strengthens Sterling’s presence across destinations where faith and spirituality are powerful reasons to travel. With Ayodhya, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Guruvayur, Tiruvannamalai, Pushkar, Madurai and Puri already part of its network, Varanasi…
Onora Hospitality, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality companies, has announced the upcoming opening of jüSTa Luxé Monsoon Palace in Udaipur on 11th October. Set on Sajjangarh Road beside the historic Monsoon Palace and the Biological Park, the new hotel is located in the Aravalli hills on the outskirts of Udaipur. The opening marks the jüSTa brand’s fourth hotel in Udaipur and its eighth property in Rajasthan, further strengthening Onora Hospitality’s presence in one of India’s most sought-after leisure and wedding destinations. The opening also adds to the company’s growing national footprint, with Onora Hospitality’s current portfolio comprising 34 operational hotels across…
The Prime Minister has lauded India’s hospitality saying that it is rooted in the timeless philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, and credited the hotel industry with carrying this legacy forward for domestic and global travellers. He noted that technology is helping travellers discover new destinations and enjoy more immersive experiences. At the same time, he stressed that “the warmth of human emotions will always be at the heart of hospitality.” In his message to the apex body, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has extended his congratulations to the Hotel Association of India (HAI) on the Hoteliers’ Conclave 2026 and highlighted…
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited has announced the opening of Sterling Regalia Agra, strengthening its presence in Agra and expanding its footprint across the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur Golden Triangle travel circuit. Located 1.4 km from the Taj Mahal, the property features 36 rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant, event spaces and leisure facilities catering to leisure and business travellers, couples, families and small groups. Commenting on the opening, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, said: “Agra does not have a demand problem; it has a depth opportunity. The Taj brings the world to Agra. The opportunity for hospitality is to give travellers…
