India’s leading hospitality entrepreneurs and short-term rental professionals have announced the launch of ISTHA (Indian Short-Term Rental Host Association), the country’s first national platform dedicated to the short-term rental and alternative accommodation sector. With India seeing strong growth in homestays, boutique stays, serviced apartments, vacation rentals, guesthouses, B&Bs, and experiential accommodations, the industry has long operated without a unified structure or representation. ISTHA has been created to address this gap.

Speaking about the launch, Mr Gaurav Marwah, President of ISTHA, said that India’s short-term rental segment has expanded faster than traditional models but remains largely unorganised. He shared that ISTHA aims to build a credible and structured voice for hosts and operators with a focus on quality, compliance, and community. The platform will work to standardise documentation, hosting practices, and operational frameworks across India while helping hosts with knowledge exchange, compliance support, and collaboration.

ISTHA’s mandate includes establishing best-practice standards for hosts and property managers, engaging with authorities for regulatory clarity, providing training programmes and certification, creating state and regional chapters, encouraging collaboration with OTAs, tourism boards and technology partners, and promoting responsible hosting, safety standards and guest trust across the ecosystem. “Our mission is not just to build a network, it is to build trust. Trust between hosts, guests, and policymakers. ISTHA will champion responsible hosting, safety norms, and a consistently high-quality guest experience nationwide,” added Mr. Gaurav Marwah.

ISTHA is structured as a federal, member-driven organisation led by professionals from hospitality, tourism, real estate, and property management. The leadership team includes:

• Gaurav Marwah, President: Airbnb Superhost and property management professional handling over 50 units across NCR and Jaipur, with active involvement in host representation and regulatory clarity.
  
  

• Tarun Arora, Treasurer: Hospitality entrepreneur with experience in real estate and budget accommodation, overseeing financial and membership operations.
  
  

• Priyanka M, General Secretary:  Hospitality and operations specialist managing communications, documentation and organisational development.
  

Several homestay owners, B&B operators, vacation rental hosts, and property managers from Delhi NCR, Jaipur, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Coimbatore, Shimla, and Bengaluru have joined ISTHA during its founding phase. The association will soon introduce its first National Conclave, State Host Councils, and collaborations with OTAs, tourism boards, and technology partners.

About ISTHA (Indian Short-Term Rental Host Association)

ISTHA is a Section 8 non-profit industry body formed to represent India’s short-term rental, homestay, B&B, and alternative hospitality ecosystem. Its mission is to promote responsible hosting, support policy dialogue with authorities, provide training and resources for host development, and strengthen India’s position as a hub for flexible, experiential, and community-driven hospitality.

Arabian Delites has wrapped up 2025 with a major milestone as the brand opens its newest cloud kitchen in Vasant Kunj, marking its 6th outlet and 3rd cloud kitchen in Delhi. The launch strengthens the brand’s delivery network and brings its well-loved Middle Eastern flavours to yet another neighbourhood in the capital.

Founded in 1994 by K.D. Singh, Arabian Delites has spent over three decades building a strong reputation for flavour-forward, wholesome, and authentic Lebanese food. From shawarmas and doners to hummus bowls and falafels, the brand has remained consistent in offering meals that balance taste with a clean, health-first approach, a key reason behind its loyal customer base across Delhi-NCR.

The year 2025 proved transformational for the brand. Arabian Delites doubled its team size, upgraded tech systems for smoother operations, and expanded its store count, laying a strong foundation for efficient national growth. The menu also expanded with new offerings, including traditional Middle Eastern desserts like Baklavas, giving customers more reasons to indulge.

The new Vasant Kunj kitchen continues this momentum. Designed to serve high delivery demand without compromising quality, the outlet will offer the full menu across major food delivery platforms. Customers can enjoy signature dishes such as doners, shawarmas, rice bowls, hummus, falafels, and desserts prepared fresh in a modern cloud-kitchen format.

Speaking about the expansion, Mandeep Singh, Director, Arabian Delites, said, “We are excited to continue expanding our reach across Delhi-NCR with this launch. With a solid foundation built in 2025, we are now well-prepared to scale responsibly across India as sustainable growth is more important to us than overnight expansion.”

Looking ahead, Arabian Delites has ambitious plans. The brand aims to reach 100 outlets by 2028 and is set to double its store count in 2026, moving steadily towards a pan-India presence

Bengaluru is set for a cosy and classic Christmas this year as Daysie MG Road rolls out its British-inspired festive menu. With warm flavours, indulgent plates, and handcrafted holiday cocktails, the menu brings together comfort, nostalgia, and a little festive sparkle — just right for December gatherings in the city.

The menu opens with the Truffle Parsnip Velouté, a silky, earthy soup finished with chive oil and hazelnut crumble, a simple, elegant start to the meal.

Small plates bring comforting favourites with a gourmet twist. The Spinach & Ricotta Croquettes come crisp and creamy, paired with a light touch of honey and cranberry. The Duck Carpaccio adds a fresh, bright note with pickled pear and orange gel, while the Moroccan Lamb Cigars deliver bold, spiced warmth with a smoky harissa mayo.

For mains, the kitchen keeps the mood festive and hearty. The Spinach, Mushroom & Citrus Ricotta Cannelloni packs soft, clean, herb-forward flavours. Meat lovers can choose the Five-Spice Roast Duck, glazed with rosemary-plum and served with mushroom ragout and sautéed spinach. The Pork Chop with Mustard–Maple Glaze brings a sweet-savory balance with red cabbage and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Desserts stay true to the season. The Roasted Fig & Honey-Thyme Tart blends warm figs, mascarpone, and pistachio, while the Christmas Spiced Pavlova comes chai-kissed with bourbon-vanilla cream and winter fruits.

Alongside the food, Daysie presents a festive cocktail lineup. Classics like Eggnog and Mulled Wine bring familiar holiday warmth, while signatures such as Santa’s Little Secret, North Pole Adas, and the spiced Christmas Fashioned add playful indulgence to the celebrations.

With cosy flavours, festive drinks, and a warm Christmas mood, Daysie MG Road sets the perfect table for the season.