Author: HBI Staff | Hyderabad
In a thought provoking session at HICSA 2025, Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, MD & CEO of SAMHI, urged the hospitality industry to rethink its approach to design, investment, and brand identity. Delivering sharp insights, Jakhanwala challenged the conventional wisdom that has shaped the sector for decades. “Hotels have never been redesigned; they’ve only been redecorated,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for smarter, more innovative approaches in the business hotel segment. He dismissed the notion that room rates are tied to room size, arguing that intelligent design holds far more value than sheer scale. Jakhanwala also pointed out a key challenge within…
The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a CapitaLand Investment-owned lodging business, has announced ambitious plans to double its India portfolio to 12,000 units by 2028, up from 5,500 units at the end of 2024. Speaking at the 20th Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia (HICSA) in Mumbai, Ascott CEO Kevin Goh outlined the company’s strategy to capitalize on India’s booming hospitality market and its growing demand for branded accommodations. In the first quarter of 2025, Ascott added 600 units to its portfolio with three new signings in Goa, Lucknow, and Thanjavur, increasing its footprint to 6,100 units across 22 properties, both operational…
The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, has launched its newest property in Uttarakhand, Debu’s The Fern Resort & Spa, Jim Corbett. Located on the Ramnagar-Haldwani Highway and surrounded by the pristine Corbett Reserve Forest, this eco-sensitive sanctuary offers an ideal retreat for wildlife enthusiasts, wellness seekers, and travelers. This is the fifth Fern property in Uttarakhand, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion across India. The company now boasts 36 properties in North India, operational or soon-to-open, further cementing its commitment to sustainable hospitality. Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director of The Fern Hotels & Resorts,…
By Sahil Arya, Co-Founder & Director, Fat Tiger Every industry continues to grow and develop over time, including hospitality. India is no exception. Their modification stems from the addition of Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs) in hotel premises. QSRs are now ubiquitous in hotel lobbies, poolside lounges, and even at airport lounges. These modifications also provide healthy allergen-conscious balanced meals to modern travellers who are always on the go. Such meals include, but are not limited to momo, pizzas, burgers, and even boba drinks. The Himalayas Dumplings have greatly adjusted to the health standards and requirements of modernity. The beloved momo, which…
GRT Hotels & Resorts has been awarded the “Best Emerging Hotel Chain – India” at the prestigious PATWA International Travel Awards 2025 held at ITB Berlin. This recognition highlights the brand’s exceptional growth, innovative offerings, and unwavering commitment to hospitality excellence across South India. In addition to this esteemed accolade, Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, was honored with the “Best Professional Hospitality Growth – India” award. This award acknowledges his visionary leadership and remarkable contributions to the Indian hospitality industry, which have significantly propelled the brand’s expansion and success. Mr. T. Nataraajan, Deputy Managing Director of…
On the sidelines of HICSA 2025, Araiya Hotels & Resorts has outlined its expansion blueprint with plans to operate 10 hotels through management contracts across six states by the end of 2025. Speaking to Hospitality Biz, Amruda Nair, Founder & Director, Araiya Hotels & Resorts said, “the brand operates four properties, with six under various stages of development, reflecting its commitment to offering curated luxury experiences across diverse landscapes in India.” The brand’s portfolio is divided into three distinct categories, such as, Araiya Hotels, Soul by Araiya, and Araiya Anthology, each offering unique experiences. In Himachal Pradesh, Araiya Palampur is…
In a significant step towards fostering collaboration in the global hospitality industry, the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals India chapter and the Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote innovation, sustainability, and professional development in hospitality procurement, finance, and technology. The MoU was signed by Ravin Kumar Jhaala, Founding Director of HFTP India, and Sunil Kuttan, Project Lead – Future Vision and Legacy at HPMF, in the presence of key members from both organizations. Speaking on the occasion, Ravin Kumar Jhaala highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is a step towards…
The HICSA Hospitality Real Estate Capital Markets panel discussion brought together some of the most influential voices in the industry to explore the opportunities and challenges in the evolving hospitality sector. Moderated by Amit Nayak, Vice President and Executive Board Member at Hospitality Asset Managers Association MEA, the session featured Arun K. Saraf, Chairman and Managing Director of Juniper Hotels, Mohit Arora, Managing Director of the Real Estate Group at Blackstone, Priya Paul, Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, and Viren Jairath, Managing Director of Equity Capital Markets at Kotak Investment Banking. The panel highlighted India’s strong growth story and…
In line with its ambitious growth plan for 2025, Radisson Hotel Group has reached a historic milestone in India with crossing 200 hotels, following the signing of five new hotels. This achievement reflects the Group’s strategic expansion across high growth markets and cements its position as one of India’s largest international hotel operators. The 128 operational hotels (14,209 keys) and 77 properties (8,619 keys) under development is a testament to its scalable business model and owner confidence. The Group’s growth in India is driven by a strategic focus on quality hospitality and market diversification, aligning with evolving traveler demands. Over…
Homegrown hospitality brand OYO takes a giant leap in India’s religious tourism landscape with the announcement of 500 new hotel rooms across key religious centres nationwide. At the HICSA session titled “Anywhere, Everywhere,” Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & Group CEO of OYO, engaged in an insightful conversation with Megha Tuli, Partner & Co-Founder of Hotelivate. Discussing the group’s future, Agarwal confidently stated, “I will continue to deliver results,” hinting at a promising year ahead. As OYO gears up to unveil its results this year, the group is expected to report impressive margins of approximately INR 1500 crores, marking another milestone in…
