Katrina Kaif Returns as Etihad Airways Brand Ambassador: Elevating Luxury Travel

Katrina Kaif Returns as Etihad Airways Brand Ambassador: Elevating Luxury Travel

By Author

Published on September 14, 2023

Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline, has exciting news for travelers and Bollywood enthusiasts alike. The airline has once again joined forces with Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaif, reaffirming its commitment to excellence and luxury in air travel. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as Etihad strengthens its presence in the Indian market and unites with one of India's most celebrated stars.

Katrina Kaif, renowned for her global appeal and elegance, embodies the shared commitment to excellence as she reunites with Etihad. This partnership will be unveiled through a captivating series of videos to be showcased across Etihad and Katrina's social channels.

Expressing her excitement about this association, Katrina Kaif stated, “I am thrilled to be back with Etihad Airways, a brand synonymous with world-class travel experiences. The airline’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to bringing people together resonate with my own values. I am excited to be part of a team that aims to create thoughtful connections and memorable experiences. I look forward to representing Etihad and being a part of their journey.”

Amina Taher, Vice President of Brand, Marketing, and Sponsorship at Etihad Airways, elaborated on the significance of this collaboration. She mentioned, “We are thrilled to welcome Katrina Kaif to the Etihad Airways family as our brand ambassador. Our partnership with Katrina is far from ordinary, it embodies the spirit of innovation and sophistication our airline represents while celebrating our commitment to uniting cultures and communities. With her remarkable journey and global recognition, we’re not only showcasing Etihad’s offerings but also fostering authentic connections that genuinely resonate with Indian travellers and celebrating our commitment to India.”

This new partnership builds on Katrina's collaboration with Etihad in 2010 when she featured as a discerning traveler showcasing Etihad's travel experience. Her prior partnership showcased her appreciation for the airline's commitment to comfort and top-notch service.

Returning to partner again, Katrina and Etihad are showcasing Etihad's strengthening relationship with Indian communities both domestically and in significant global markets such as the UAE, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

As the brand ambassador for Etihad, Katrina will be featured in a series of creative and engaging campaign videos that highlight the airline's commitment to unparalleled comfort, flawless service, and seamless global connectivity. Her partnership with the airline bolsters its foothold in the Indian market, where it currently serves eight Indian cities, further solidifying Etihad as the preferred choice for travelers and aligning seamlessly with the airline's strategy for sustained growth in India.

The first video from this collaboration features Katrina Kaif on board Etihad's newest A350 aircraft, offering a cinematic journey filled with emotions akin to a Bollywood film – featuring drama, love, and delightful surprises. The film also highlights the exclusive Armani-Casa dining wear, luxurious bedding, and complimentary in-flight Wi-Fly service, beautifully encapsulating the very essence of Etihad's unwavering commitment to excellence.

This captivating film can be seen on both Etihad and Katrina's social media channels, promising viewers an immersive experience that combines the magic of Bollywood with the luxury of Etihad Airways.

Katrina Kaif's reunion with Etihad Airways as their brand ambassador marks the rekindling of a successful partnership. It promises to elevate the airline's image and passenger experience to new heights, all while capturing the imagination of travelers worldwide. As we look forward to seeing this dynamic partnership unfold, one thing is certain–for luxury travel, Katrina Kaif and Etihad Airways are a match made in heaven.

Image Source: Social Media, Etihad Airways Official Website


DWP Privé’s Sri Lankan Edition Redefines Global Wedding Collaborations

DWP Privé’s Sri Lankan Edition Redefines Global Wedding Collaborations

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 24, 2025

DWP Privé, the limited edition of the globally celebrated Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress by QnA International, concluded its Sri Lankan chapter in style. Hosted at the iconic Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams in Colombo, the three-day event celebrated the best in luxury wedding planning, design, and hospitality with meaningful conversations, vibrant cultural exchanges, and future-shaping collaborations.

This edition brought together top wedding professionals and hospitality leaders from across the globe, all under one roof, to explore new dimensions in storytelling, event design, sustainability, and partnership-building.

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Representing the host hotel partner, Sanjiv Hulugalle, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Cinnamon Life, shared a bold vision of positioning Colombo as a global luxury wedding destination. He emphasized how storytelling, innovation, and partnerships will play a central role in shaping this narrative. Lisa Mendis, Director of Events at Cinnamon Life, reflected on the impact: "As hosts, it’s been phenomenal. The exposure has put us on the international map and opened doors for more collaborations."

From the opening cocktail night to inspiring keynote sessions and creative masterclasses, DWP Privé combined business with experience. Global event designer Preston Bailey captured the essence of luxury design saying, "Don’t copy—create your own story. Uniqueness is everything in the luxury space." Meanwhile, India’s Sumant Jayakrishnan reminded young designers that design begins with storytelling, not spectacle.

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The event featured insightful sessions from celebrated names such as Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Aarti Manocha, and Nadia Duran, with a standout performance by mentalist Juliet Arndt, reinforcing the importance of positive thinking and manifestation.

Day 3 brought powerful regional voices to the forefront, including Elizabeth Solaru, Aime Bone, Mahesh Shirodkar, and Rhiannon Downie-Hurst, among others. Devika Narain led a critical conversation on sustainability in weddings, urging the industry to adopt conscious practices without compromising creativity.

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The edition left a lasting impression on global attendees. Digvijay Singh of Alila Fort Bishangarh noted that discussions were already leading to business closures, while Pervez Taufiq from the USA praised the opportunity to form intimate collaborations. Guadalupe Alvarez from Mexico loved the new format, calling it “insane” in the best way.

Sidh NC, Director at QnA International, summed it up perfectly: “There’s nothing quite like DWP Privé. It’s intimate yet global, insightful yet warm. This edition in Sri Lanka reminded us why we do what we do.”

As the curtains fall on the Colombo chapter, the DWP legacy continues to grow—with the next stop already announced in Jordan.


Miiro Makes Its London Debut with the Launch of Templeton Garden in Earl's Court

Miiro Makes Its London Debut with the Launch of Templeton Garden in Earl's Court

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 18, 2025

Miiro, the international lifestyle hotel brand by InterGlobe Enterprises, has officially entered the UK hospitality scene with the launch of Templeton Garden in London’s Earl’s Court. This marks the fourth European opening for Miiro in less than a year, following its launches in Paris, Barcelona, and Gstaad, with Vienna coming up next.

Located in the culturally rich and historically literary neighbourhood of Earl’s Court, Templeton Garden brings a refined sense of calm and elegance to central London. The 156-room property offers a tranquil retreat that blends timeless English charm with contemporary design sensibilities. Many rooms overlook a beautifully curated garden, serving as the hotel’s lush green heart and a nod to the area’s leafy heritage.

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Designed in collaboration with acclaimed British designers, Templeton Garden aims to be more than just a hotel—it’s a serene urban escape. Inside, guests will find inviting spaces such as The Library, featuring a curated selection of works by iconic authors, a state-of-the-art gym, Miiro’s signature Refresh Room, and a restaurant that draws inspiration from British seasons. A hand-painted mural of the garden’s flora and a rotating collection of local art lend further warmth and character to the interiors.

Indian travellers looking for a thoughtfully curated London stay will appreciate the hotel’s blend of style, soul, and local connection. Whether exploring the city's history or simply unwinding in the peaceful setting, Templeton Garden offers an authentic London experience with world-class hospitality.

Speaking on the launch, Neena Gupta, CEO of Miiro and Executive Director of Group Strategy and International Hospitality at InterGlobe Enterprises, shared, “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of Templeton Garden, the latest addition to Miiro’s growing collection of characterful boutique hotels across Europe. It beautifully embodies our promise to deliver 'Brilliantly Considered Stays' that connect guests with the local community.”

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Launched in 2024, Miiro is built around the philosophy of reflection and discovery. Each property is inspired by its local surroundings, aiming to give travellers an immersive and memorable experience. Templeton Garden is no exception—elegantly understated, locally rooted, and ready to become London’s new favourite.

With properties already in Paris, Barcelona, and Gstaad, and new launches coming soon in Vienna, Miiro is quickly becoming a go-to name for boutique hotel lovers across Europe. InterGlobe also owns hotels in Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, and Melbourne.

To explore Templeton Garden or make a reservation, visit www.miirohotels.com/templetongarden.


Azerbaijan’s Cuisine Blends Persian, Turkish, and Russian Traditions

Azerbaijan’s Cuisine Blends Persian, Turkish, and Russian Traditions

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 18, 2025

Azerbaijani cuisine is a vibrant blend of Persian, Turkish, and Russian influences, shaped by the country’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. With centuries of trade and cultural exchange, Azerbaijan has crafted a culinary identity marked by fragrant pilafs, hearty stews, and exquisite pastries. Speaking about this rich gastronomic heritage, Mir Muse Baghirzade, Sales Director at Turalux, highlights how food remains deeply woven into Azerbaijan’s traditions of hospitality and festivity.

One of the most iconic dishes is Plov, the national rice dish infused with saffron, tender meats, and dried fruits like apricots and raisins. Every region of Azerbaijan adds its own variation, making each serving unique. Festivals like Novruz, the Persian New Year, further enrich this culinary landscape. Traditional sweets such as Pakhlava, a nutty, honey-laden pastry, and Shekerbura, crescent-shaped treats filled with nuts and sugar, are commonly prepared during this time, symbolising happiness and prosperity. Often, families come together to create these desserts, reinforcing the communal spirit.

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Tea drinking is another cornerstone of Azerbaijani hospitality. Served in pear-shaped glasses without milk, tea plays a role in social gatherings and even marriage customs, where unsweetened tea is traditionally a polite rejection of a proposal, while sweetened tea signals acceptance. From weddings to casual meetings, tea fosters connection and warmth.

The nation’s diverse geography contributes to distinct regional flavours. The northwestern regions of Sheki and Ganja, influenced by Persian cuisine, are famous for Sheki Pakhlava and Piti, a lamb stew with chickpeas, saffron, and chestnuts. In the south, Lavangi—chicken or fish stuffed with walnuts, onions, and dried fruits—is a local favourite, enriched by the area’s abundance of citrus fruits, pomegranates, and persimmons.

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In Baku, the capital, culinary influences from Persian, Turkish, and Russian traditions blend seamlessly. With its Caspian coastline, Baku is well known for seafood dishes, including fish kebabs, Balıq Lavangi, and sturgeon caviar. The city’s cosmopolitan nature is also reflected in its Turkish-style kebabs and flatbreads. Meanwhile, the autonomous republic of Nakhchivan remains deeply rooted in Persian and Middle Eastern culinary practices, offering lamb dishes, dried fruits, and traditional tandoor-baked bread.

Azerbaijani cuisine continues to reflect the country’s commitment to hospitality, where communal meals bring families and friends together. Local produce from the nation’s fertile land enhances the freshness and nutritional value of its dishes. Traditional cooking methods such as clay pot baking and slow cooking preserve both flavour and cultural authenticity.

Today, Azerbaijani cuisine is making waves globally, with dishes like plov, kebabs, and pakhlava gaining popularity in international markets. Whether savouring the aromatic plov of Baku or the sweet pakhlava of Sheki, Azerbaijani food remains a celebration of history, hospitality, and culinary artistry.

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