Author: HBI Staff | Hyderabad

Canary Technologies, the global leader in hotel guest management technology, announced that it has closed a USD 50 million Series C funding round. The round was led by global software investor Insight Partners, who also led the company’s Series B, with participation from existing investors F-Prime Capital, Thayer Ventures, Y-Combinator, and Commerce Ventures. This brings Canary’s total fundraising to date to nearly USD 100M, making it one of the top funded hotel technology companies globally. The resounding support from Canary’s current investors underscores the company’s performance and their unwavering confidence in Canary’s growth trajectory, as it continues to solidify its position as…

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STAAH, hospitality solutions provider that has transformed the business processes of its partner hotels in India and across the world with its stack of hospi-tech solutions, has launched yet another feature that will benefit both travellers as well as hotels. STAAH’s ‘Day-use room’ feature enables travellers, especially business travellers, to reserve short-term stays at hotels during long layovers between flights rather than endure extended waits in airport lounges. The feature also empowers hotels to attract this new breed of customers, enhance the overall guest experience and generate an additional revenue stream. Day use rooms are designed to cater to the…

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As India gears up for the Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan long weekend, Airbnb’s latest search data reveals a significant surge in travel interest. Indian travellers are eagerly planning both domestic and international trips to make the most of the extended break. The data highlights an approximately 340% Y-oY increase in domestic searches for Airbnb stays during the Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan long weekend[1]. The following destinations have emerged as the top domestic destinations, reflecting a rising preference among Indian travellers for local exploration Goa Lonavala Puducherry Mumbai Bengaluru New Delhi Udaipur “The data underscores a growing trend amongst…

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Rohan Khaunte, Goa Tourism Minister, recently met with the Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat along with Secretary Tourism, Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS & Director-Tourism, Suneel Anchipaka, IAS to discuss a range of topics aimed at enhancing tourism outcomes in the state, including plan as the first state in India to adopt Regenerative Tourism. A key focus of their discussion was the enhancement of international connectivity to Goa, which is seen as essential for attracting more global tourists. The Goa Tourism Minister stressed the importance of increasing direct international flights, and improving connections to major global cities, which would help…

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Tim Hortons, the global coffee chain announced the opening of its 32nd store in India – marking its debut in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The store has launched at the Ground Floor, Outside Domestic Arrivals, Sardar VallabhbhaiPatel International Airport. This exciting launch marks another significant step in Tim Hortons’ expansion across India, bringing its beloved coffee and delicious treats to thevibrant city of Ahmedabad in the heart of Gujarat. The new store is open 24X7 at the airport promises to provide an inviting atmosphere for travellers and locals alike, offering a range of signature 100% premium Arabica coffee, refreshing beverages, and made-to-order…

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The Kashmir region has experienced a surge in tourism, with footfall increasing by over 15% since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Speaking at the 25th Annual National Convention of the Tourist Guides Federation of India, held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Shekhawat emphasised the robust growth in domestic tourism across India. He noted that popular tourist destinations are witnessing unprecedented crowds and stressed the need to redirect both domestic and international tourists to lesser-known, offbeat locations. Shekhawat highlighted lavender cultivation in South Kashmir as…

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F&B

The Burger Company has introduced “Isha,” an AI-powered virtual assistant, making it the first Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brand in India to implement such advanced technology. Isha, a human-like AI avatar, enhances the dining experience by offering interactive and personalized customer service. With the ability to see, hear, and understand customer needs, Isha aims to bring a new level of convenience and engagement to the industry, blending cutting-edge innovation with a human touch. Founded by Neelam Singh, The Burger Company has been a trend setter when it comes to product innovation, from launching burgers inspired by local Indian dishes &…

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F&B

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has initiated insolvency proceedings against Coffee Day Enterprises Ltd (CDEL), the parent company of Café Coffee Day. This decision follows a petition filed by IndusInd Bank, which is seeking to recover a debt of INR94 crore. Coffee Day Enterprises, which has faced financial difficulties since the death of its founder V.G. Siddhartha in 2019, had attempted to delay the insolvency proceedings but was unsuccessful. The NCLT’s ruling marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing financial struggles.

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According to the Business Standard, Lemon Tree Hotels, India’s largest mid-priced hotel chain, intends to list its subsidiary, Fleur Hotels, as part of a strategy to become debt-free within six years. The company revealed that 90% of its consolidated debt of INR 2,336 crore as of March 2024 is tied to Fleur Hotels. Chairman and Managing Director Patanjali Govind Keswani noted that taking Fleur public would eliminate their debt over time. Additionally, Lemon Tree has been investing in renovations, digital transformation, and expanding its business development and sales teams, leading to a temporary dip in EBITDA margins. The company remains…

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Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to grow its upscale footprint across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region with the opening of Dolce by Wyndham Barcelona Resort. Situated in Sant Esteve de Sesrovires, less than 30 minutes from the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona – El Prat Airport and 45 minutes from Barcelona city centre, the impressive resort offers 150-rooms in a prime location for both business and leisure travellers looking for the perfect balance of tranquillity, comfort and practicality. With more than 600 square metres of meeting and event spaces, the hotel is perfectly equipped to accommodate the increasing demand for…

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