Manjur Alam Joins Holiday Inn Goa Candolim as Rooms Division Manager

Manjur Alam Joins Holiday Inn Goa Candolim as Rooms Division Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 29, 2024

Holiday Inn Goa Candolim is delighted to announce the appointment of Manjur Alam as its new Rooms Division Manager. With a distinguished career spanning over 15 years in the hospitality industry, Alam’s expertise and leadership are expected to elevate guest experiences and operational standards at the property.

Alam’s impressive career journey includes nine years with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and five years with Radisson Hotels Group. Starting his professional journey at Crowne Plaza Bengaluru, he advanced from Associate to Duty Manager, honing his skills in guest relations, team leadership, and operational efficiency.

At Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway, Alam played a pivotal role as Senior Duty Manager, where he led pre-opening activities, ensured seamless front office operations, and upheld brand standards through quality audits. His recent role as Cluster Front Office Manager at Radisson Gwalior showcased his ability to optimise guest satisfaction, drive service excellence, and manage revenue while maintaining operational efficiency and cost controls.

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General Manager Anuraag Raha praised Alam’s appointment, stating:
"Manjur’s dedication to delivering unparalleled guest experiences and his passion for driving operational excellence make him a valuable addition to our team. We are confident that his leadership and vision will play a significant role in further elevating the guest experience at Holiday Inn Goa Candolim."

Throughout his career, Alam has demonstrated a knack for managing pre-opening projects, conducting brand-standard audits, and leading high-performing teams. His tenure with globally recognised brands such as Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Radisson underscores his ability to foster a culture of excellence and innovation in hospitality.

As the Rooms Division Manager at Holiday Inn Goa Candolim, Alam is poised to bring his wealth of experience to create memorable stays for guests while upholding the property’s commitment to service excellence.


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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