Accor and IIHM Join Forces to Revolutionize Hospitality Education in India

Accor and IIHM Join Forces to Revolutionize Hospitality Education in India

By Author

Published on October 3, 2023

In a groundbreaking move to advance hospitality education in India, Accor and the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) have inked a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the prestigious IIHM Global Campus in Salt Lake, Kolkata. This historic agreement establishes a long-term collaboration aimed at enriching hospitality education and empowering students with extensive employment prospects across India.

The MoU was formally signed by Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Accor India & South Asia, and Dr. Suborno Bose, Founder and CEO of IIHM. This partnership unites one of the world's largest hospitality corporations with the globally renowned IIHM to foster a mutually beneficial relationship.

Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Accor India & South Asia, expressed the significance of this transformative alliance, stating, "Our partnership with IIHM represents a significant stride in nurturing future talents within the hospitality sector. We are committed to equipping young minds with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the dynamic world of hospitality."

Dr. Suborno Bose, Founder and CEO of IIHM, emphasized the importance of this historic collaboration, saying, "Becoming a top professional in the hospitality industry is a journey that demands dedication, education, and hands-on experience. The partnership with Accor India underscores our dedication to offering students the finest education and industry exposure. Together, we are shaping the future of hospitality, where education meets excellence."

IIHM will offer a 1-Year Certificate/Diploma course, inclusive of industrial training and exams, aligned with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) and Government of India requirements. These courses will be available in Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Goa, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Hyderabad.

Accor will contribute valuable insights to IIHM to aid in the creation of industry-relevant curricula. Accor will offer industrial training opportunities, deliver guest lectures, facilitate faculty development programs, provide internships and placements in Accor-managed hotels, and offer operational exposure across its properties in India.

This collaboration between IIHM and Accor holds immense promise for the future of the Indian hospitality industry. It focuses on education, skill development, industry engagement, and, most importantly, provides emerging talent with real-world exposure to the dynamic hospitality sector.

About Accor

Accor is a globally leading hospitality group operating in over 110 countries with 5,500 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities, and flexible workspaces. The group boasts a diverse hospitality ecosystem encompassing more than 40 hotel brands, ranging from luxury to economy, including Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is dedicated to positive action in areas such as business ethics, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, visit www.group.accor.com or follow Accor on social media.

About IIHM

The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) is a renowned hospitality education institution in India, committed to nurturing the talents and skills of future leaders in the hospitality industry. IIHM offers a range of hospitality and culinary programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the global hospitality sector.


India’s First Military-Themed Luxury Glamping Resort Steps Into the Spotlight

India’s First Military-Themed Luxury Glamping Resort Steps Into the Spotlight

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 13, 2025

D.A.T.A Resort by Della, India’s first and only military-themed luxury glamping resort, is one of the most innovative concepts in the country’s hospitality landscape. Despite its exceptional offering, the resort has remained largely unspoken about for years. Tucked deep inside Lonavala’s natural beauty, the property redefines immersive travel with a rare blend of military-inspired adventure and five-star comfort. As travellers increasingly seek meaningful and experience-driven journeys, the unique story of this resort is now finding its well-deserved spotlight.

The experience begins with its 27 luxurious, 500 sq. ft. military-themed glamping tents overlooking the serene Shirota Lake. Each tent follows a design style inspired by military elements, while still offering premium comfort and elegance. One of the resort’s standout aspects is its training programmes led by ex-military commandos. These curated activities give guests the opportunity to experience discipline, resilience, teamwork, and patriotic energy in a structured and safe environment. Families, couples, and corporate groups use the space for transformational outbound programmes that blend adventure with reflection, making the resort a benchmark for experiential hospitality.

The reason such a revolutionary concept has remained under the radar lies in its intention and design. Its remote natural setting, limited inventory, and carefully selected guest base have contributed to its quiet presence. More importantly, the resort was never created for mass exposure; it was built as a purpose-driven, immersive destination for travellers seeking deeper experiences beyond mainstream tourism. Many guests describe it as a “hidden gem,” and its quiet success reflects the quality and impact of what it offers.

With experiential and story-focused travel becoming popular in India, the resort is now being highlighted for what it truly represents. Its authenticity, military-inspired programming, and pioneering design bring a new dimension to luxury hospitality. D.A.T.A Resort blends purpose with indulgence, adventure with introspection, and ensures guests leave with growth, connection, and perspective.

The resort is the brainchild of Jimmy Mistry, a renowned designer, hotelier, and social entrepreneur. His vision introduced India to a completely new hospitality format long before experiential stays and themed travel became mainstream. By combining rugged adventure, discipline, and strong storytelling with luxury experiences, D.A.T.A Resort created a category of its own. Even with its groundbreaking concept, it has intentionally stayed away from large-scale visibility, focusing instead on intimate and high-quality experiences for discerning guests.

For more information, Visit https://www.delladata.com/ .


Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Presence with New Properties in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Presence with New Properties in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

By Hariharan U

Published on December 12, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of two new properties, Lemon Tree Resort, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, and Lemon Tree Hotel, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. Both properties will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, and mark a strategic expansion in the South and Central Indian markets.

Lemon Tree Resort, Bapatla is located in the serene coastal town of Bapatla, renowned for the tranquil Suryalanka Beach. The resort features 90 rooms, a restaurant and bar, banquet and meeting facilities, a swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre, offering guests a refreshing escape by the sea.

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Lemon Tree Hotel, Bhilai, situated in the industrial yet green city of Bhilai, home to the iconic Bhilai Steel Plant, blends urban convenience with calm surroundings. The hotel offers 72 keys, a restaurant, banquet and meeting spaces, swimming pool, and spa, catering to both business travellers and leisure guests seeking a value-driven experience.

Commenting on the expansion, Vilas Pawar, CEO – Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, "With these signings, we are pleased to extend our footprint to two unique locations. From thriving commercial hubs to serene, nature-led destinations, both states offer immense potential for quality hospitality. Andhra Pradesh already has six operational and three upcoming hotels, while this will be our first property in Chhattisgarh."

These new additions reaffirm Lemon Tree Hotels’ commitment to offering vibrant, contemporary hospitality experiences across India, combining comfort, convenience, and a warm guest-first ethos.


Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Expands Luxury Footprint with Two New Anamore Registry Collection Resorts in Rajasthan

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Expands Luxury Footprint with Two New Anamore Registry Collection Resorts in Rajasthan

By Hariharan U

Published on December 12, 2025

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts today announced the signing of two landmark luxury resorts under the Anamore Registry Collection by Wyndham brand, marking a major step in its expansion into the luxury segment. This collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts aims to combine Cygnett's expertise in contemporary Indian design with Wyndham’s global reach and commercial support.

The first property, Anamore Registry Collection by Wyndham Pushkar, will span 18 acres and feature 288 rooms, making it one of Rajasthan’s largest luxury resorts for destination weddings and events. The resort will include 20,000 sq. ft. of banquet space, multiple dining venues, wellness facilities at Blum Mudra by Ayurvyaas, recreation zones, and more. Its opening is planned for the end of 2026.

The second project, Anamore Registry Collection by Wyndham Kukas Jaipur, will cover 25 acres and offer 150 rooms, 30,000 sq. ft. of banquet space, curated dining options, wellness amenities, and outdoor event areas. Located in one of Jaipur’s prime hospitality corridors, the resort is designed to cater to both domestic and international luxury travelers, with an expected opening in early 2029.

Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, “These two resorts mark an important milestone in our journey into luxury hospitality. The Anamore brand blends contemporary design, cultural richness, and soulful experiences. Our partnership with Wyndham ensures these destinations meet global standards while celebrating Indian artistry.”

Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, added, “These projects strengthen Wyndham’s Registry Collection in India. Together with Cygnett, we are bringing luxury resorts that combine world-class operations with culturally immersive experiences to Rajasthan.”

The resorts aim to position Rajasthan as a top destination for high-end travel, weddings, and celebrations. Both developments are being built by M/S Turban Landmarks LLP and STurban Resorts Private Limited.

About Cygnett Hotels & Resorts

Founded in 2014, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality companies, operating upscale and midscale hotels. With 45 hotels and 3,671 keys across India, the company plans to add over 1,000 keys annually, targeting more than 100 hotels and 9,000 keys by 2030. The portfolio includes Anamore Registry Collection by Wyndham®, Anamore Select Registry Collection by Wyndham®, Ayurvyaas®, La Quinta by Wyndham®, Cygnett Park™, Cygnett Hotels™, Cygnett Inn™, Cozzet™, and Cygnotel™ Collection.

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 8,300 hotels in 100 countries. Its portfolio includes 25 brands, including Registry Collection Hotels®, La Quinta®, Ramada®, Super 8®, Days Inn® and more. Wyndham Rewards offers over 121 million members access to stays and vacation experiences worldwide.

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