13 hours ago

Qatar Airways has expanded its global network to over 150 destinations under a revised summer schedule aimed at handling peak travel demand. The plan includes new routes and increased frequencies through its Doha hub, improving connectivity across regions. The airline has also introduced flexible travel options, allowing passengers to change dates without fees or opt for refunds under certain conditions. This move follows a steady restoration of routes over the past year and reflects efforts to strengthen operations while maintaining reliability during the high-traffic summer period.Read more

15 hours ago

Jindal Stainless Ltd has entered the retail segment with the launch of its stainless steel rebar brand Jindal Infinity, extending its presence into the construction value chain. The move shifts the company from a traditional B2B model to directly serving consumers, builders, and fabricators. The product is designed to offer higher corrosion resistance and durability in challenging environments. The company highlighted the expansion of its distributor network and rising demand for high-performance materials. It also noted its FY25 turnover of INR 40,182 crore and capacity expansion plans to 4.2 million tonnes by FY27, along with global operations.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Construction costs for shopping malls in India have increased by 13.9% over the past two years, driven by higher spending on design, infrastructure and building systems. Developers are investing more in advanced fades, multi-level basements and upgraded mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems to meet evolving consumer expectations. The rise has made mall development more capital-intensive, even as demand for organised retail space remains strong. The trend reflects a shift towards experience-led retail formats, requiring higher upfront investment. Developers are now recalibrating project economics amid rising costs, which may influence leasing strategies and timelines for new mall supply.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has signed a 70-key greenfield Gateway hotel in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, as part of its expansion into emerging leisure destinations. The development reflects rising tourism demand in the region, supported by improved accessibility and natural landscape appeal. With this addition, IHCL's portfolio in the North East will increase to 21 hotels, including 12 under development. The project is being developed in partnership with a local stakeholder and aligns with the company's strategy of entering underpenetrated markets. The move highlights growing hospitality interest in smaller destinations driven by leisure and experiential travel demand across India.Read more

21 Apr 2026

The Hosteller, a backpacker hostel chain based in Mumbai, has secured INR 150 crore in a Series B funding round led by PROMAFT Partners and V3 Ventures, with participation from ITI Growth Opportunities Fund, Merisis Wealth Trust and several family offices. The capital infusion is intended to support the company's expansion across key travel destinations in India, alongside investments in operational efficiency and brand development. The company has outlined plans to scale its inventory to 25,000 beds over the next 36 months while advancing its position in the organised budget hospitality segment. It is also preparing to introduce a travel-focused super app integrating accommodation, food and beverage services, mobility, and curated travel experiences into a single digital platform.Read more

21 Apr 2026

Govind Kripa Infratech Private Limited, a subsidiary of Globe International Carriers, has entered the hospitality sector through a memorandum of understanding with OPO Hotels & Resorts to develop and operate an upscale hotel in Mahindra World City SEZ, Jaipur. The proposed property will comprise around 56 rooms and target business and long-stay travellers. Located along the Jaipur Ajmer corridor with proximity to the airport, the hotel is positioned to cater to industrial and corporate demand in the region. The arrangement is structured as a management partnership, with OPO Hotels responsible for operations. The move reflects the company's diversification into hospitality assets amid rising demand for organised accommodation in industrial hubs.Read more

21 Apr 2026

The Gujarat Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has commenced its annual trade expo in Gandhinagar, spanning 18,000 sq m and featuring 610 exhibitors across sectors such as automobiles, renewable energy, IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and emerging technologies. The three-day event is expected to attract up to 50,000 visitors, with over 30,000 registrations already recorded. The platform is positioned to support MSMEs and startups by enabling industry engagement and market access. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted the state's economic contribution, including 8.3 per cent of India's GDP and 31 per cent of exports, while underlining the role of policy support and industry collaboration in driving growth.Read more

20 Apr 2026

SAMHI Hotels, through its subsidiary SAMHI Skyline, has entered into an agreement to lease a 162-room hotel within Ingka Centres India's upcoming 2.5 million sq ft mixed-use development in Noida. Structured under a long-term variable lease model, the deal aligns with the company's capital-light expansion strategy while ensuring operational flexibility. The hotel will be operated under an international brand, which is yet to be finalised. The project forms part of Ingka Centres broader mixed-use meeting places concept, integrating retail, hospitality and social infrastructure. Ingka Centres India operates under the Ingka Group, which also runs IKEA Retail and Ingka Investments. The development reflects continued hospitality interest in the National Capital Region amid sustained demand drivers.Read more

20 Apr 2026

Logistics platform Porter has expanded its intra-city operations to eight new cities across six states, strengthening its presence in regional markets and targeting demand from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The rollout includes Mysore, Madurai, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Meerut, Agra, Aurangabad and Thrissur. Operations have commenced with two-wheeler logistics, with plans to introduce larger vehicle categories in subsequent phases. The expansion is aimed at addressing fragmented supply chains, improving last-mile connectivity and enabling cost-efficient goods movement. Porter has onboarded around 4,000 driver-partners across these cities and expects to generate over 64,000 jobs in the first year, reflecting the growing role of tech-enabled logistics in regional economies.Read more

19 Apr 2026

SOTC Travel has collaborated with Tourism Australia to host a corporate-focused MICE engagement in Mumbai, aimed at promoting Australia as a preferred destination for business travel and incentive programmes. The event brought together CXOs and senior executives from multiple sectors, alongside global travel partners, to showcase Australia's infrastructure, accessibility, and curated corporate experiences. The initiative reflects growing outbound demand from Indian corporates for long-haul MICE destinations offering integrated travel, hospitality, and experiential infrastructure.Read more