16 Jan 2026

ITC Hotels has expanded its hospitality footprint in Uttarakhand with the opening of Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Madhuban Dehradun. The newly launched property has 73 rooms and is operated under a management contract, in line with the company's asset-right growth strategy. The development reinforces ITC Hotels focus on growth through managed assets rather than owned properties. Dehradun's position as a gateway to Uttarakhand, along with its growing appeal among business and leisure travellers, has been cited as a key factor behind the expansion. The opening adds to ITC Hotels portfolio in the state and reflects its ongoing strategy of strengthening presence in strategically important locations.Read more

16 Jan 2026

ITC Hotels Ltd has been allotted land on a long-term lease at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, to develop a premium five-star hotel focused on business travellers, conventions and global events. The 3,648 sq metre plot has been leased for 91 years at a premium of INR 326.50 crore by India International Convention and Exhibition Centre Ltd. The hotel will feature luxury accommodation, modern banqueting spaces and signature dining options, supporting Yashobhoomi's growing role as a major MICE destination in Delhi-NCR. With strong demand from trade shows and conferences, the project will strengthen ITC Hotels existing footprint in the region and enhance hospitality infrastructure around the convention hub.Read more

15 Jan 2026

Akasa Air has become a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) after completing the mandatory IATA Operational Safety Audit, a key global benchmark for airline operations and safety. The move places Akasa Air among more than 360 airlines worldwide that are part of the association. With this, the carrier becomes the fifth Indian airline to join IATA, alongside Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and SpiceJet. The membership reflects Akasa Air's operational maturity since starting services in 2022 and aligns it with international aviation standards.Read more

15 Jan 2026

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has announced its entry into Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, with the signing of a 100-key greenfield Ginger hotel, strengthening its footprint in the state's growing hospitality market. The move reflects rising long-stay demand driven by industrial and infrastructure-led growth in the region. Separately, Sampark Foundation has unveiled plans to invest INR 25 crore to improve learning outcomes in government schools across eight Indian states. The initiative will include the rollout of an AI-based, real-time classroom monitoring and governance platform across nearly 80,000 schools. Together, the two developments highlight parallel investments in India's urban infrastructure and social development landscape.Read more

15 Jan 2026

Indian Hotels Company Ltd has secured trademark registration for the iconic Taj sonic sound, making it the first hospitality brand in India to receive protection for a sound mark. The registration gives legal recognition to the Taj brand's distinctive audio identity and safeguards it from unauthorised use. IHCL said the move reflects the growing importance of experience-led branding, where sound plays a key role alongside visual elements. Used across guest touchpoints and digital platforms, the sonic identity helps build familiarity and emotional connection with guests. The milestone highlights IHCL's focus on protecting brand equity in a market where hospitality, real estate and mixed-use developments increasingly rely on consistent, multi-sensory brand experiences.Read more

14 Jan 2026

Air India is introducing a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its long haul international services from February 2026. This is the first Dreamliner to join the mainline fleet after Tata Group's takeover in 2022, following title transfer in the US and arrival in Delhi. The aircraft seats 296 passengers in Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. The induction is part of a wider fleet modernisation plan, including five more wide body aircraft and retrofitting existing jets. The move strengthens Air India's global expansion and enhances passenger experience on international routes.Read more

14 Jan 2026

LondonMetric Property PLC has acquired a portfolio of Premier Inn hotels for GBP 89 million, adding to its growing hospitality real estate exposure. The hotels will continue to operate under the Premier Inn brand, owned by Whitbread PLC, which has a strong presence across the UK budget hotel market. The deal reflects LondonMetric's ongoing diversification strategy, as the company expands beyond logistics and retail assets into income-generating hospitality properties. The transaction supports its focus on stable, long-term returns backed by established operators.Read more

14 Jan 2026

Goa recorded over 1.08 crore tourist arrivals in 2025, its highest in recent years, signalling a strong and sustained recovery of the tourism sector. The state welcomed more than 1.02 crore domestic tourists and over five lakh foreign visitors, supported by improved air connectivity, cruise tourism and expanding infrastructure. Officials said growth has been driven by rising domestic travel, revival of international arrivals and the operational impact of Manohar International Airport at Mopa. Charter flights, scheduled international services and cruise liners continued to add to inbound numbers. The government said its focus remains on quality and regenerative tourism to ensure long-term benefits for local communities, the environment and the economy, while strengthening Goa's position as a leading leisure and hospitality destination.Read more

13 Jan 2026

New airlines approved to operate in India may take several years to launch commercial services due to a global shortage of aircraft, according to aviation veteran Dinesh Keskar. Speaking at IIM Nagpur, he said aircraft manufacturers have full order books until 2032, making near-term deliveries difficult even after regulatory approvals. While India's air travel demand continues to grow, limited aircraft availability remains the biggest hurdle for new entrants. Keskar also noted that domestic aircraft manufacturing is constrained by the lack of skilled manpower. The delay in airline launches could impact airport-linked infrastructure, logistics, and hospitality development, although long-term growth prospects for India's aviation and airport-led real estate ecosystem remain strong.Read more

13 Jan 2026

Lemon Tree Hotels has approved a major restructuring plan that includes Warburg Pincus acquiring a 41.09 per cent stake in subsidiary Fleur Hotels and committing up to INR 960 crore in fresh investment. The move aims to create two focused hospitality platforms an asset-light hotel management company under Lemon Tree and a dedicated hotel ownership and development arm under Fleur. As part of the reorganisation, hotel assets will be transferred to Fleur, which will be listed separately on stock exchanges. Fleur's owned portfolio will expand significantly, while Lemon Tree will focus on management, branding, and digital growth. The restructuring is expected to unlock long-term value and support expansion amid rising demand across India's hospitality and tourism-driven real estate markets.Read more