HOTELS

Pilgrim travel goes premium?

Religious tourism in India is witnessing a remarkable surge, with travellers — especially seniors and families — opting for visits to sacred destinations. From air travel to specialised pilgrimage packages, the sector is evolving to cater to devotees who are often high-spending travellers, proving that faith and comfort can go …

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What makes MICE market buzz?

From beach yoga sessions in Mahabalipuram to storytelling dinners in Madurai, India’s MICE landscape is evolving fast — with local flavour, seamless e-visa access and immersive cultural experiences redefining business events. Today’s MICE clients seek more than venues — they want experiential journeys. Despite infrastructure gaps, strategic investments and digital …

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Marriott’s twin offer for Indian weddings

Amid a rising trend for destination bachelorette parties among Indians, Thailand’s Courtyard Phuket by Marriott, Patong Beach Resort has become the go-to spot for pre-wedding revelries, offering a seamless segue into a dream wedding celebration at the nearby Le Méridien Khao Lak. Amita Pandey As destination bachelorette celebrations gain traction …

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Pilgrim towns in focus for ROHL

With a plan to triple its portfolio by following an asset-light model, Royal Orchid Hotels will look for management contracts, franchise agreements and select lease opportunities. TRAVTALK speaks to Arjun Baljee, President, Royal Orchid Hotels, about where this expansion will take place. Will religious destinations also be in focus for …

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‘Guest feedback best stamp of approval’

The hospitality sector in India is witnessing a strong growth, but to thrive globally, the focus must shift towards experience curation, embedded sustainability, tech integration and strategic marketing, says Dilip Puri, Founder & CEO, Indian School of Hospitality. It’s time to repush ‘Incredible India 2.0’ campaign—backed by robust government support, …

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Cross Hotels aligns offerings for Indians

Cross Hotels & Resorts recorded a 275% YoY growth in room nights from India in 2024. The group has recently opened Lumen Bangkok and is going to open Cross Vibe Bangkok and Away Bangkok Sukhumvit in Bangkok in July to cater to the growing demand from travellers. Surbhi Sharma With …

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Cross Hotels to open 2 properties in Bangkok

Cross Vibe Bangkok Srinakarin and Away Bangkok Sukhumvit, part of Cross Hotels & Resorts, are all set to open in July. Surbhi Sharma Chatchaya Glaiprayong, Head of Global Sales, Cross Hotels & Resorts, sharing details about the two properties said that 196-room Cross Vibe Bangkok Srinakarin caters to the needs …

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How seasonal business earns profit?

Indian travel agents are uniquely positioned to turn seasonal trends into high-conversion opportunities by blending data, storytelling and strategic partnerships. Key opportunities for the agents are in decoding emerging seasonal tourism trends like cherry blossom festivals, winter markets, or cultural carnivals, and crafting compelling journeys for niche travellers. Surbhi Sharma …

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Castle Mandawa ups ‘wedding game’

Castle Mandawa, known for its allure among international tourists, is now positioning itself as a top destination for Indian weddings, events and cultural tourism. Angad Singh Mandawa, Owner, Castle Mandawa, shares how the property is leaving no stone unturned to tap domestic markets and creating a heritage wedding haven in …

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