Farewell to a Pioneer: Nakul Anand Bids Adieu to ITC After 45 Years

Farewell to a Pioneer: Nakul Anand Bids Adieu to ITC After 45 Years

By Author

Published on January 4, 2024

Nakul Anand, an esteemed figure in the hotel and travel industry, bid adieu to his role as the executive director of ITC after an illustrious 45-year career. Joining ITC Hotels in 1978, Anand ascended to leadership positions, steering ITC's hospitality, travel, and tourism businesses. The farewell ceremony, held at the ITC Green Centre, marked the end of an era in the company.

Anand, recognized for his visionary contributions to the tourism and hospitality sector, played a pivotal role in elevating ITC Hotels to its current zenith. During his tenure, he served as the Managing Director of ITC Hotels from 2003 to 2005 and later assumed the position of a director on the board of ITC in 2011.

Having commenced his career as a management trainee, Anand's journey reflected a commitment to excellence. An economics honors graduate from Delhi University with an AMP Degree from Australia’s Bond University, he brought a wealth of knowledge to ITC.

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“In a career that spans more than four decades, Anand has been acknowledged for his vision, commitment, and his role as a thought leader in the tourism and hospitality industry," as mentioned on the ITC website. Anand's legacy includes championing sustainability in hoteliering, making ITC Hotels a global leader in LEED® Platinum certified properties.

Beyond his contributions at ITC, Anand held leadership roles in the Hotel Association of India and CII National Tourism Committee. Presently, he is a member of the National Tourism Advisory Council, part of the Executive Committee of the Hotel Association of India, and a member of the Senior Advisory Council of the Sustainability Hospitality Alliance.

As Anand steps into retirement, his impact on ITC and the broader hospitality landscape remains an enduring testament to his dedication and leadership.


Passport, Pheras & Paradise: Meet the Coolest Wedding Planners for Your Dream Destination Shaadi

Passport, Pheras & Paradise: Meet the Coolest Wedding Planners for Your Dream Destination Shaadi

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 30, 2025

The global destination wedding market is all set to cross a whopping USD 36.8 billion in 2025 and grow to around USD 68.2 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 6.4%. So, it’s no surprise that more couples are swapping banquet halls for beaches, palaces, and faraway islands to say “I do.”

With rising disposable incomes and a growing desire for personalized experiences, destination weddings have become more than just a trend—they’re a full-blown movement. If you're ready to turn your shaadi into a globe-trotting adventure, here are the best planners across India and beyond who can make it happen:

India || The Wedding Company

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India offers a dreamy palette of locations for every kind of wedding. Think Udaipur’s royal forts, Goa’s golden beaches, Kerala’s serene backwaters, and the untouched beauty of the Andaman Islands. Making this magic come alive is TheWeddingCompany.com, India’s biggest wedding planning platform since its founding in 2023.

With over 1,000 weddings under its belt, this tech-powered planner is the go-to for urban couples in over 50 Indian cities. From concept to execution, they handle everything—venues, vendors, décor, logistics—so you just focus on the pheras (and the selfies).

Thailand || IndoBangkok Weddings

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Thailand continues to be the top pick for Indian destination weddings, thanks to its affordability, luxurious hospitality, and cultural familiarity. Be it a beachfront mandap in Phuket or a luxe ballroom in Bangkok, Thailand nails the brief every time.

At the center of it all is IndoBangkok Weddings, led by Dilbir Sahni aka Bob, who founded the company in 2000. Known for bridging India and Thailand through weddings, films, and culture, Bob has pulled off over 410 events and projects, making IndoBangkok a trusted name in international wedding circles.

Maldives || Swaaha Weddings

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White sands, turquoise waters, and overwater pheras—Maldives is a luxury wedding dream come true. Whether it’s a mehendi by the beach or a mandap floating over the ocean, Maldives weddings are intimate, lavish, and unforgettable.

Swaaha Weddings & Experiences, co-founded by Mareesha Parikh and Hemant Kale, specializes in making this paradise wedding fantasy a reality. With complete end-to-end planning—including custom décor, Indian rituals, and unique guest experiences—Swaaha brings soulful elegance to every celebration.

Dubai || Ikigaii

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If opulence is on your shaadi vision board, Dubai is your destination. From desert soirées to rooftop pheras overlooking the Burj Khalifa, Dubai blends luxury with ease like no other. Direct flights, easy visas, and Indian-friendly services make it an obvious choice for big fat Indian weddings abroad.

Enter Ikigaii Planners, a boutique wedding company run by Heeital and Vaibbhav, known for their ultra-personalized planning and flawless execution. Whether it’s an intimate wedding or a week-long extravaganza, Ikigaii ensures your big day is equal parts glam and graceful.

Whether you want regal palaces, tropical vibes, or ultra-modern glamour—these destination wedding planners are experts at turning your shaadi into a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. So pack your bags, call your crew, and let the pheras begin!


DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Panaji Welcomes Blisse Colaco as Marketing & Communications Manager

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Panaji Welcomes Blisse Colaco as Marketing & Communications Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 28, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Panaji has announced the appointment of Blisse Colaco as its new Marketing & Communications Manager. In her role, Colaco will develop and implement marketing strategies and budgeting plans aimed at strengthening the hotel's brand perception and market position.

Blisse comes with a wealth of experience, having previously worked for over five years at Goa Marriott Resort and Spa (Marriott International) and contributing significantly to their marketing and communications efforts. Her career also includes roles at Cidade de Goa and corporate positions at Alcon Victor Group and ICICI Bank.

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Speaking about the appointment, Harshad Nalawade, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Panaji, said, “We are excited to welcome Blisse to the team. Her extensive experience and dedication to marketing excellence will be key in enhancing our brand presence and driving growth.”

Blisse Colaco expressed her excitement by saying, “I am thrilled to join the team at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Panaji. I look forward to fostering creativity, collaboration, and redefining memorable experiences for our guests and stakeholders.”

With her appointment, the hotel aims to continue elevating its market presence and achieving new business milestones.


Kutani Bagh Sariska Welcomes Mr. Hem Singh Rathore as General Manager of Operations and Development

Kutani Bagh Sariska Welcomes Mr. Hem Singh Rathore as General Manager of Operations and Development

By Author

Published on January 23, 2025

Kutani Bagh Sariska, a premier eco-luxury lodge located in Talab Village, Alwar, Rajasthan, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Hem Singh Rathore as its new General Manager of Operations and Development. With over 16 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, Mr. Rathore has established himself as a specialist in the Food and Beverage and Wildlife Hospitality segments. His career includes leadership roles with prestigious brands such as the Clarks Group of Hotels, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Brij Hotel Jawai, and Aramness Gir National Park, which was listed as one of the best jungle lodges by Forbes. At Kutani Bagh Sariska, Mr. Rathore will leverage his extensive experience to enhance the property’s operations and elevate guest experiences.

Nestled amidst the scenic Aravali Hills and surrounded by abundant wildlife, including leopards and hyenas, Kutani Bagh Sariska offers a unique blend of modern luxury and traditional charm. The property features 11 well-appointed accommodations, comprising 7 luxury tents and 4 stone cottages, all designed to provide an unparalleled wilderness experience. Known for its tailored packages that combine adventure with comfort, the lodge has gained recognition as a rising star in eco-tourism.

In 2024, Kutani Bagh Sariska earned two prestigious accolades: the Award of Excellence for Best Guest Experience at the Future of Tourism in Forest and Livelihood Conclave by First India News, and the John Wakefield Memorial Award for Most Inspirational Eco Lodge of the Year in the Rising Star category by TOFT Tigers. These honors underscore the property’s commitment to sustainability and excellence in hospitality.

For more information about the property, packages, and wilderness experiences, visit www.kutanibaghsariska.com or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TripAdvisor. With Mr. Rathore’s leadership, Kutani Bagh Sariska continues to set new benchmarks in eco-luxury hospitality.

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