Author: HBI Staff | Hyderabad
The highly anticipated OTM 2025 commenced at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre, bringing together exhibitors from over 80 countries and 30 Indian states. Inaugurated by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism and Culture, the event served as a premier platform for industry leaders to discuss trends, innovations, and opportunities in the travel sector. With over 2,100 exhibitors and 40,000 industry buyers, OTM reaffirmed its position as Asia’s largest travel trade show, fostering new partnerships and collaborations. This year’s edition saw exclusive participation from global destinations such as Japan, Kenya, Israel, and France, alongside official representations from countries including Egypt,…
On the second day of the Global Investors Summit 2025, Union Minister for Domestic Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, lauded Madhya Pradesh as a rising star in the hospitality and tourism industry. Highlighting the state’s natural and cultural wealth, supported by government incentives, he declared it a prime destination for investments in travel and tourism infrastructure. During his address at the tourism-focused session held at Bhopal’s IGRMS, Shekhawat shared his deep connection with the hospitality sector. Reflecting on his hypothetical career outside politics, he stated, “Had I not been in politics, I would have opened a hotel in Madhya…
The Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) proudly announces the 17th Edition of Culinary Art India (CAI) 2025, set to take place alongside the 39th Edition of AAHAR International Fair from 4th to 8th March 2025 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. This prestigious event is brought to you by the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) and is being organized by ITPO and Hospitality First, with technical guidance from the ICF. It promises an extraordinary platform for culinary innovation, creativity, and professional excellence. With an expanded lineup of 18 competition categories, Culinary Art India 2025 is expected to attract over 600 participants, including senior and apprentice chefs from across India, who will compete…
The liquor policy implemented by the Delhi government in November 2021, and later scrapped in September 2022, has emerged as a major controversy, particularly from an economic and governance standpoint. A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), tabled in the Delhi Assembly, has laid bare the financial impact of the policy, highlighting a staggering loss of INR 2,002.68 crore to the exchequer. This revelation has significant implications not only for governance but also for the hospitality industry in the region, which was indirectly affected by the policy’s instability. The policy, aimed at reforming and privatizing liquor retail,…
Sterling Holiday Resorts proudly announces the launch of Sterling Rudraksh Jaisalmer, marking a significant milestone as its 59th resort in its 50th destination. This regal retreat, built from golden-yellow sandstone, echoes Jaisalmer’s moniker—“The Golden City.” Nestled in the heart of the Thar Desert, along the highway leading to the Indo-Pak border, the resort offers a tranquil oasis, combining desert grandeur with Jaisalmer’s rich cultural heritage. Just minutes from iconic landmarks, Sterling Rudraksh Jaisalmer provides an indulgent escape while immersing guests in the region’s history and natural beauty. Spanning 2.5 acres, the resort boasts breathtaking desert views, elegantly designed rooms &…
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) on Friday sealed the well-known Banjara Hotel in Hyderabad over long-standing property tax dues amounting to INR 1.43 crore. According to civic officials, the hotel’s management had not cleared its tax arrears, prompting the authorities to take action. Shortly after the sealing, the owner of the hotel paid INR 55 lakh toward the dues on Friday morning, assuring GHMC officials that the remaining amount would be settled before March 10. The civic body had earlier issued multiple notices to the hotel, but the dues remained unpaid, leading to the stringent measure. Located in a…
Stotrak Hotels, known for curating immersive and experiential stays across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, is expanding its presence in the royal state with Shamiyana Villa, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Nestled in the charming lanes of Bani Park, this beautifully restored heritage property blends vintage elegance with modern-day comforts, making it an ideal escape for families, couples, and even pet lovers. With four tastefully designed rooms and a lush green lawn, Shamiyana Villa offers an intimate and homely atmosphere, preserving the essence of Jaipur’s cultural richness. The architecture speaks of its heritage roots while seamlessly incorporating contemporary amenities, ensuring a comfortable yet…
A massive fire broke out at the rooftop restaurant of the Fairmont Hotel in Mumbai, located near the bustling Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, on Saturday afternoon. The incident, which occurred at the 10-storey property in Vile Parle (East), led to the swift evacuation of approximately 70 to 80 guests and staff through the building’s staircase. The fire, confined to the air-conditioning unit and exhaust ducting across an area of 1,000-1,500 square feet, was successfully contained and extinguished within 90 minutes, with no injuries reported. The hotel staff, supported by fire brigade personnel, ensured the safety of all guests, showcasing…
The Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) successfully organized a workshop titled “Hydroponics: A Sustainable Approach for Growing Greens in Restaurants & Hotel Kitchens” at the India International Centre. Curated by Dr. Chef Prem Ram, Joint Secretary of ICF, the event saw enthusiastic participation and was supported by the entire ICF Committee. The workshop featured Awneesh Yadav, Founder and Director of Integrated Hydroponics India Private Limited, Noida, as the resource person. His AgriTech firm specializes in designing and installing farm hydroponic systems, setting up commercial farms, producing hydroponic products, and managing farm produce. The primary objective of the workshop was to equip…
WelcomHeritage is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Ashutosh Chhibba as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With over 30 years of exemplary experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Chhibba is poised to lead WelcomHeritage into an exciting new era of growth, innovation, and operational excellence. An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata, and a graduate of the Welcomgroup Management Institute, Mr. Chhibba began his distinguished career with ITC Hotels in 1992. Over the decades, he has held key leadership roles, driving success at iconic properties such as the erstwhile Welcomgroup Chola Sheraton, ITC Kakatiya, ITC Maurya, and…
