Author: HBI Staff | Hyderabad
Bhopal Railway Station is set to unveil its first pod hotel on April 4, offering a modern, budget-friendly accommodation option for travelers. Located near Platform No. 6 on the first floor of the new building, the facility will feature 20 family pods and 118 single-bed pods designed to provide comfort and convenience for short stays. The pods are compact yet well-equipped, with single-bed pods measuring 5 feet by 7 feet and family pods spacious enough to accommodate a couple and two children. Rentals will start at just ₹299 per hour, catering to passengers waiting for connecting trains or seeking a…
The Asia-Pacific FlavoredVodka Market is projected to experience the highest CAGR by 2032, driven by strong demand in key markets like China, Japan, and India. With 60% of the world’s millennials living in Asia, the growing cocktail culture is increasing vodka’s popularity across various consumer categories. Notably, China holds the largest market share, while India is the fastest-growing market in the region, as per the Market Research Future data. With the changing preferences of consumers, the spotlight is now on premium, small-batch craft spirits that celebrate natural ingredients, traditional distilling techniques, and sustainable practices. One of the most exciting trends…
The Indian hospitality sector demonstrated strong growth in Q4 (October-December) 2024, with the top six markets experiencing year-over-year increases in both Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). Hyderabad emerged as the standout performer, recording the highest RevPAR growth at 23.3%, primarily driven by a significant increase in ADR. Bengaluru also showed impressive resilience, with high RevPAR growth supported by improvements in both ADR and occupancy rates. The quarter saw substantial activity in hotel signings, with 99 new hotels totaling 11,943 keys being signed. This indicates continued investor confidence and expansion in the Indian hospitality market. In…
In a significant development for Gujarat, a state with a long-standing prohibition policy, the government has earned INR 94.19 lakh through liquor sales in Gandhinagar’s GIFT City since allowing its consumption on December 30, 2023. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who also oversees the Prohibition and Excise portfolio, disclosed this in a written response to a query by Congress MLA Amit Chavda during the state assembly session on Monday. According to the CM’s reply, two entities—West India Recreation Projects Private Limited and The Grand Mercure—were granted licenses to sell liquor within GIFT City. This financial hub has recorded the sale of…
India’s premium spirits market is thriving, with celebrity-backed brands bringing star power, craftsmanship, and market strategy to the alco-bev industry. Personalities like Rana Daggubati, Kevin Pietersen, Sanjay Dutt, and Danny Denzongpa are reshaping the space, mirroring the success of Hollywood icons like George Clooney (Casamigos) and Dwayne Johnson (Teremana). Rana Daggubati’s tequila brand, Loca Loka, co-founded with Anirudh Ravichander and Harsha Vadlamudi, launched internationally in 2024 and plans to enter the Indian market this October. “India’s rising demand for premium spirits makes this an exciting time,” shared Daggubati, who oversees branding and product development. Kevin Pietersen’s Scotch whisky brand, Dram…
Domestic premium liquor manufacturers in Delhi are calling on the new government to provide a level-playing field by addressing the disparity in brand-licence fees that currently favor imported brands. Industry leaders argue that the high excise costs for Indian-made premium spirits such as single-malt whiskies, wines, and gins have effectively excluded them from the Delhi market. “The Delhi excise policy is skewed towards imported brands, making it prohibitively expensive to introduce premium Indian products,” said Anant Iyer, Director General of the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies. He added, “We need a policy that promotes healthy competition and aligns with…
Holiday Inn Express, part of IHG Hotels, is set to redefine the midscale hospitality segment in India with aggressive expansion plans and new signings across key markets. In a conversation with Hospitality Biz, Vaibhav Jain, Regional General Manager for Holiday Inn Express SWA, announced that the brand recently inaugurated a new property in Greater Noida, with additional openings in metro cities like Kolkata on the horizon. “With a robust pipeline of hotels, including new openings in business hubs and metro cities like Kolkata with the most recent opening at Greater Noida. Additionally, with aggressive new signings of Holiday Inn Express…
Marriott Hotels has officially opened the doors to its latest property, Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, nestled in the scenic wilderness of Uttarakhand. Located near Jim Corbett National Park, the resort offers a unique blend of luxury and nature, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts and leisure travelers alike. The 99-room resort combines modern comforts with breathtaking views of the Malani Range and the Kosi River. Each room features private balconies, large windows, and plush amenities designed for ultimate relaxation. The property also boasts multiple dining options, including The Corbett Kitchen, which highlights Kumaoni cuisine, and Malani…
The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government plans to develop tourism-related infrastructure at several scenic locations along the Mughal road, which connects Poonch and Rajouri with south Kashmir’s Shopian, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said. Dubjan, Mughal Sarai, Peer-ki-Gali and Shakroo Keller located on the Mughal Road are known for their natural beauty and scenic landscapes, making them promising destinations for tourism development, Abdullah, who is also minister in-charge Tourism, said. The CM gave the information in a written reply to an unstarred question by independent MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay in the Assembly on Saturday. Kullay represents Shopian constituency and has…
Amid a steady surge in domestic tourism after Covid-19, Idukki has proved to be the ‘golden goose’ of Kerala Tourism marking the highest rise in foreign tourist footfalls among all the 14 districts of the state, Tourism and Public Works Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas has said. With its panoramic setting, accommodation facilities catering to all segments and roads of international standards, Idukki has made handsome returns to the tourism sector, the Minister said after inaugurating the new Eco-lodge and renovated heritage Guesthouse at Peerumedu. Riyas announced that the state planned to hold a MICE Tourism Conclave in Kochi this…
