12 Feb 2026

The Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has announced the signing of a 220-key Taj hotel in Weligama, Sri Lanka, marking a further expansion of the group's presence in the Indian Ocean tourism market. The greenfield development will also include 80 luxury apartments, positioning the project as a mixed-use hospitality and residential offering aligned with evolving travel and lifestyle trends. Weligama is emerging as a prominent coastal destination, supported by growing interest in surfing, wellness-focused tourism and nature-led travel experiences. With Sri Lanka's tourism sector witnessing steady recovery and renewed international interest, the project strengthens Taj's regional footprint through a strategic partnership with Beryll Group. The signing reflects IHCL's broader strategy of targeting high-potential leisure destinations while combining hotel operations with branded residential formats to enhance long-term asset value.Read more

Delhi News Desk

12 Feb 2026

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi is set to implement major enhancements to streamline passenger movement between Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 3 (T3), with airside transfer facilities expected to be operational in the coming weeks. Plans for these airside transfers are progressing as Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) awaits clearances from relevant aviation safety authorities, including the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The project forms part of broader infrastructure improvements designed to support increasing passenger volumes and ease inter-terminal connectivity, particularly for those transferring between domestic and international flights. In addition to airside transfers, airport authorities are considering wider road access improvements, such as a new flyover to ensure signal-free movement between terminals. The proposed upgrades aim to significantly enhance the efficiency and experience of air travel at one of India's busiest aviation hubs.Read more

11 Feb 2026

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a franchise agreement for Garner Bhiwadi, strengthening the rollout of its newest midscale conversion brand in India and marking its entry into the National Capital Region. Scheduled to open in 2027, the 45-key hotel will be developed by Modest Structures and managed by United Hospitality Management, one of IHG's third-party operators across India and the Middle East. Garner Bhiwadi represents the brand's fourth signing in the country, reflecting growing developer interest in efficient, conversion-led hospitality models. Located in Bhiwadi, a high-demand industrial and manufacturing hub, the project is positioned to cater to business travellers seeking reliable accommodation at an accessible price point. The signing aligns with IHG's broader strategy of expanding its midscale footprint in strong commercial micro-markets with consistent occupancy potential.Read more

11 Feb 2026

Wormwood Hotels, a hospitality brand with a growing focus on eastern India, has outlined plans to expand its portfolio to 10 properties by the end of 2027, involving a total capital expenditure of around INR 100 crore. Founded by Soumya Sengupta, an IHM Kolkata alumnus with over two decades of experience in hotel operations, the company currently operates five hotels with 237 keys across Bhagalpur, Puri, Varanasi and Darjeeling. The group aims to add around 200 additional keys as part of its next phase of growth. Projects at Santiniketan and Siliguri are under construction, while land has been acquired in the Sunderbans. The company is also exploring opportunities in Kolkata, reinforcing its regionally anchored expansion strategy.Read more

10 Feb 2026

MakeMyTrip has entered into a strategic partnership with global hospitality group Minor Hotels to expand international accommodation options for Indian travellers. The collaboration adds city hotels and resort properties across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to the MakeMyTrip platform. Around 60 Minor Hotels properties are currently live, with plans to scale up listings across the group's wider portfolio of over 560 hotels. The tie-up supports MakeMyTrip's strategy to strengthen its direct international hotel inventory and respond to rising outbound travel demand from India.Read more

10 Feb 2026

JetSetGo has entered into a memorandum of understanding with UK-based Vertical Aerospace to plan the induction of 50 Valo electric aircraft in India as part of a broader advanced air mobility strategy. The partnership focuses on route planning, operational studies, regulatory engagement and commercial viability for electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. JetSetGo will conduct demand and feasibility assessments for metro and short-haul regional routes, while Vertical Aerospace continues certification work on the Valo aircraft, which is targeted for approval in 2028.Read more

10 Feb 2026

Hourly hotel stays are gaining traction in India as travellers seek convenience, privacy, and flexibility. Brevistay, a platform offering such bookings, has strengthened user trust by implementing rigorous hotel verification, clear privacy policies, and flexible payment options. Guests must be at least 18 years old and provide valid ID at check-in. Brevistay addresses check-in issues, refunds, and sensitive bookings, including couple-friendly and interfaith stays, while leaving special requests like celebrations to hotel discretion. Rising adoption reflects changing urban travel preferences and the growing credibility of hourly stays.Read more

09 Feb 2026

Air India Express is expected to report its first operating profit since being acquired by the Tata Group in 2022, indicating steady improvement in the airline's financial and operational performance. The low-cost carrier's progress is supported by capacity expansion, higher market share, and tighter cost management. The airline is also investing over USD 70 million in aircraft cabin upgrades and standardisation. While the full-year result may still show a loss, the projected operating profit marks a key operational milestone in the airline's ongoing turnaround.Read more

09 Feb 2026

The MATECIA Exhibition, held alongside the Surfaces Reporter Architecture Event, wrapped up a successful three-day run in Kolkata, bringing together the architecture, interiors and building materials community from East and Northeast India. Hosted at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan from 30 January to 1 February 2026, the event saw steady footfall from architects, interior designers, developers, manufacturers and dealers. Spread across 150,000 sq. ft., the exhibition featured over 100 brands and attracted 14,000-16,000 visitors from more than 100 cities and towns. Key highlights included the Surfaces Reporter Salutes awards, India Interior Retailing platform and interactive brand showcases, reflecting the region's growing design and construction momentum.Read more

06 Feb 2026

Thomas Cook India reported a marginal decline in consolidated net profit for the December quarter, weighed down by a one-time provision linked to the implementation of new labour codes. Net profit fell 3.83% year-on-year to INR 44.87 crore, compared to INR 46.66 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. Despite the profit dip, the travel services company recorded steady operational growth, with revenue from operations rising to INR 2,145.68 crore during the quarter. Total expenses also increased, reflecting higher activity levels. Excluding the one-off labour-related provision, the company said profitability remained resilient, with profit before tax showing healthy growth. The performance came amid a challenging global travel environment, underscoring the group's ability to sustain revenue momentum while absorbing regulatory-related costs.Read more