Author: HBI Staff | Hyderabad
Commercial LPG prices have increased by around ₹10 per 19-kg cylinder across India, while aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices have risen by ₹6.28 per litre, potentially adding fresh cost pressures for the hospitality and aviation sectors. The latest revision, effective September 1, reverses two consecutive rounds of price cuts in commercial LPG, during which prices had cumulatively declined by around ₹380 per cylinder. In Delhi, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has increased to ₹2,747.50. Prices in Mumbai have risen by ₹9.50 to ₹2,701 per cylinder, while Kolkata recorded a sharper increase of ₹11.50, taking the price to…
A civic inspection drive following the fatal fire at a hotel on Free School Street has exposed widespread building and fire-safety violations among hotels and guest houses operating from residential properties in Kolkata. Officials of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s (KMC) buildings department have found that a significant number of establishments surveyed had allegedly converted residential premises for commercial hospitality use without complying with prescribed building and fire-safety requirements. The issue has also raised questions over KMC’s online trade licence renewal mechanism. According to civic officials, several establishments found violating building and fire norms have nevertheless managed to renew their trade…
Google has expanded the capabilities of its AI Mode in Search, introducing new travel-focused features that allow users to track flight fares, compare loyalty programme redemption rates and book hotels directly through AI-powered search. Launched on August 27, the latest update is aimed at simplifying the travel planning and booking journey by bringing fare monitoring, loyalty rewards and hotel reservations into the AI Mode experience. Flight price tracking integrated into AI search The updated AI Mode enables travellers to set flight price alerts while continuing their search. Users can enter their preferred destination and travel dates, after which AI Mode…
Celebrity Prime Hospitality (CPH) has expanded its presence in Telangana with the launch of CASA Hotels by Trunk & Trolley in Warangal, adding another property to its growing hospitality portfolio. The Warangal launch is part of CPH’s strategy to expand beyond established hospitality markets and build a presence across emerging business and leisure destinations. The company is targeting travellers visiting Warangal for business, tourism, education and local commerce. CASA Hotels by Trunk & Trolley is positioned as an endorsed hospitality brand combining the contemporary stay proposition of CASA with the brand identity and hospitality approach of Trunk & Trolley. The…
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has signed a management agreement with Discover Resorts Neral Pvt. Ltd. for voco Karjat in Maharashtra. The property will be converted to IHG’s premium brand by early 2028, adding over 200 rooms to the company’s portfolio and establishing its presence in one of Maharashtra’s emerging leisure destinations. Located in the foothills of the Sahyadri mountain range, Karjat is gaining momentum as a leisure and weekend destination, benefiting from its accessibility to both Mumbai and Pune. Located approximately 62 km from Mumbai and 102 km from Pune, the destination offers…
Brownfield signing strengthens Cygnett’s presence in India’s fast-growing emerging leisure micro-markets Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Cozzet VICASA Gopalpur, a 50-room brownfield hotel located approximately 800 metres from Gopalpur Sea Beach and scheduled to open in March 2027. Several rooms will offer sea views, strengthening the property’s appeal as a coastal leisure destination. The signing aligns with Cygnett’s strategy of expanding through brownfield conversions and asset-light management opportunities across high-potential Tier II, Tier III, and emerging micro-markets, supported by rising domestic travel and demand for professionally branded accommodation. India’s hospitality growth is increasingly moving beyond major metropolitan markets. According to HVS…
The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Kolkata Chapter, in association with Ownly, hosted an exclusive NRAI x Ownly Partner Meet at Ølterra, Kolkata, with nearly 120 restaurant brandsparticipating in an evening of networking, engagement and discussions around the evolving food delivery ecosystem. The event was led by Piyush Kankariya, Chapter Head, NRAI Kolkata, along with the Core Committee members of the Kolkata Chapter. Representing Ownly were Rizwan, VP – Supply; Amar Choudhary, VP – Restaurant Operations; and the wider Ownly team. NRAI, the apex representative body for India’s restaurant industry, works towards creating a stronger and more conducive ecosystem…
Courtyard by Marriott Madurai is proud to announce a significant achievement at the prestigious FHRAI Hospitality Awards 2026, with three of its senior leaders being recognised for their outstanding contributions and excellence across key functions. The award winners are: Siddharth Sundram – Hotel Sales Manager of the Year Rohit Shinde – Hotel Front Office Manager of the Year – Midscale Karthick Balasubramanian – Hotel F&B Manager of the Year – Midscale The recognition by the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) celebrates their leadership, professional excellence and continued commitment to delivering high standards of hospitality. Having three…
Sterling Holiday Resorts has entered the Chhattisgarh hospitality market with the launch of Sterling Naman Bastar, Jagdalpur, taking its resort portfolio to 80 properties across India. The 45-key resort, located on Chitrakote Road, marks the company’s entry into Bastar and adds to its focus on developing a presence in emerging leisure destinations. Spread across approximately 3.21 acres, Sterling Naman Bastar comprises 45 rooms across five categories, including garden-facing rooms, suites and a private pool villa. The property also features an indoor swimming pool, spa and recreation facilities, along with lawns and banquet spaces designed to cater to leisure groups, celebrations…
Ravi Kumar Ohri, founder of the Ohri’s hospitality group and a key figure in Hyderabad’s standalone dining sector, passed away on 26 August 2026. Ohri entered the hospitality business in 1976 with the launch of Hotel Baseraa and subsequently built a portfolio spanning hotels, standalone restaurants and banquet venues across Hyderabad. He was widely credited with introducing theme-based and experiential restaurant concepts to the city, helping establish standalone dining as a distinct segment of Hyderabad’s hospitality market. Over the years, Ohri’s became associated with multiple restaurant and entertainment formats, contributing to the evolution of the city’s dining and leisure landscape.…
