Dnyaan Prasad Global University (DPGU) School for Hospitality and Tourism, under the Dr. D. Y. Patil Unitech Society, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore's Nanyang Institute of Management (NIM) to strengthen academic collaboration and expand international learning opportunities for students and faculty.

The agreement was signed under the leadership of Dr. Pradyuman Rathore, Director, DPGU School for Hospitality and Tourism, along with representatives from Nanyang Institute of Management, including Mr. Khoo Raymond, Vice President (SRA), Ms. Tanny, Deputy Director – Student Recruitment & Admissions, and Mr. Harsh Pagaria, Assistant Country Manager – India (Sales & Marketing).

The partnership aims to foster cross-border collaboration through student and faculty exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, and the sharing of academic resources, teaching methodologies, and best practices. The collaboration is designed to provide hospitality and tourism students with broader international exposure while encouraging knowledge exchange between the two institutions.

Commenting on the partnership, Hon. Dr. Somnath P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor of Dnyaan Prasad Global University, said the collaboration reflects the university's commitment to preparing students for a global hospitality industry by creating opportunities for international learning, cultural exchange, and academic excellence. He noted that the initiative would help equip students with global perspectives, industry exposure, and cross-cultural competencies.

Dr. Rohini S. Patil, Chief Operating Officer, said the agreement marks an important milestone in the university's vision of delivering globally relevant education. She added that collaborative research, faculty engagement, and international student exchanges would enrich the academic experience while preparing graduates for an increasingly interconnected hospitality industry.

The MoU has been signed for an initial period of five years, during which both institutions will gradually introduce collaborative programmes across academics, research, and student mobility.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Khoo Raymond, Vice President (SRA), Nanyang Institute of Management, Singapore, said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to developing globally competent hospitality professionals through knowledge exchange, innovation, and international learning experiences. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would create long-term value for both students and faculty.

The partnership further strengthens DPGU School for Hospitality and Tourism's growing network of international collaborations, supporting its objective of preparing graduates with practical global exposure alongside industry-focused education. By connecting students with diverse academic environments and hospitality practices, the institution aims to develop professionals equipped to succeed in an increasingly global hospitality and tourism sector

ONE Atmosphere has unveiled plans to invest ₹500 crore towards the expansion of its luxury serviced apartment business, targeting approximately 7,500 keys across India and select international markets over the next five years.

The move marks the next phase of growth for the premium aparthotel brand, which combines the comfort and space of a residential apartment with the services and operational standards of a hotel. Positioned around its "LIVE THE ONE" philosophy, the brand aims to cater to evolving traveller preferences that increasingly favour longer stays, greater flexibility, and home-like living environments.

Designed to bridge the gap between traditional hotels and residential accommodation, ONE Atmosphere offers fully furnished apartments equipped with kitchens, living areas, dedicated workspaces, and daily hotel services. Guests also benefit from amenities such as breakfast, housekeeping, concierge support, and professional hospitality services throughout their stay.

The expansion comes amid growing demand for extended-stay accommodation. India's extended-stay hospitality sector was valued at more than USD 1.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate exceeding 15 percent through 2030, driven by demand from business travellers, relocating professionals, expatriates, and families seeking larger accommodation options.

Across its portfolio, ONE Atmosphere plans to offer a mix of hospitality facilities including all-day dining venues, coffee bars, coworking spaces, wellness centres, conference rooms, terrace lounges, and banqueting facilities. The brand will continue to operate through an asset-light model, partnering with developers and property owners through management and lease agreements.

Commenting on the expansion plans, Sandeep Ahuja, Managing Director of ONE Atmosphere, said the hospitality market is witnessing a clear shift towards experiences that combine hotel-level services with the comfort and functionality of residential living. He noted that the investment will enable the brand to expand into new markets while maintaining its guest-centric approach.

The company expects approximately 60 percent of its inventory demand to come from corporate partnerships and bulk room-night agreements, supported by professionals relocating for work assignments and expatriates requiring longer-term accommodation. Average stay durations are projected to exceed five nights, while shorter-stay demand is also expected to increase.

The brand's first property, ONE Atmosphere Suites at Corner Walk in Gurgaon, developed in partnership with M3M India, is scheduled to open in September 2026. The project will serve as the flagship for the company's future expansion strategy.

ONE Atmosphere is the fourth hospitality brand under Atmosphere Core, a hospitality group known for its portfolio of luxury resorts in the Maldives. While Atmosphere Living focuses on branded residences and hospitality-backed real estate, ONE Atmosphere has been developed as a dedicated hospitality platform focused on luxury serviced apartments.

The company's domestic expansion pipeline includes Gurgaon, Noida, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. International growth plans cover markets such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the brand's ambition to establish a presence across key business and leisure destinations.

Novotel Cairo Airport has officially earned the prestigious Green Globe Certification, marking a significant achievement in its sustainability journey and reinforcing its commitment to responsible hospitality practices.

The Green Globe Certification is one of the travel and tourism industry's most respected sustainability standards. To achieve the certification, Novotel Cairo Airport successfully underwent an independent third-party audit that assessed the property's performance across key sustainability pillars, including environmental conservation, sustainable management practices, and community engagement.

The certification recognises the hotel's ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining high standards of guest experience. Over the years, the property has implemented several initiatives focused on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing.

Aligned with Accor's global sustainability vision, Novotel Cairo Airport has integrated eco-conscious practices into its day-to-day operations. These include optimising resource consumption, strengthening waste management systems, and prioritising locally sourced products that support the Egyptian economy while helping reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation.

The achievement places Novotel Cairo Airport among a select group of hospitality establishments worldwide that have demonstrated measurable commitments to sustainability and responsible tourism.

Green Globe Certification is regarded as one of the leading sustainability programmes specifically designed for the travel and tourism sector. Hotels earning the certification must demonstrate continuous improvement and adherence to internationally recognised sustainability criteria.

With this milestone, Novotel Cairo Airport further strengthens its position as a responsible hospitality destination, balancing guest comfort with environmental stewardship and community development. The certification also reflects the broader efforts of Accor and its hotel portfolio to promote sustainable tourism practices globally.

As travellers increasingly seek environmentally conscious accommodation options, certifications such as Green Globe play an important role in helping guests identify properties that actively contribute to a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.