Air Quality or Festive Quality? Delhi-NCR Votes with Hotel Bookings This Diwali

Air Quality or Festive Quality? Delhi-NCR Votes with Hotel Bookings This Diwali

By Author

Published on November 9, 2023

This Diwali, a breath of fresh air comes in the form of bustling hotel bookings as Delhi-NCR residents seek refuge from the region's notorious air pollution. It's a marked shift from tradition, as families typically celebrate at home, but the call of cleaner air and tranquil surroundings is proving too alluring.

Hoteliers like Shahzad Aslam from Leisure Hotels Group are noting an upsurge in occupancy across their properties, with hotspots like Corbett and Nainital in Uttarakhand turning into festive retreats. "We're curating special stay packages to enhance the festival of lights for our guests," he mentioned.

The trend is echoed by Nikhil Sharma of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, who reports rising bookings in picturesque destinations like Udaipur and Goa. Meanwhile, The Taj Corbett Resort & Spa is experiencing what General Manager Ajay Sharma describes as an 'extraordinary' surge, with guests booking extended stays to escape the polluted cityscape.

Amit Damani of StayVista observes a significant increase in interest for the Diwali period, noting a preference for flight destinations like Goa and drivable spots such as Kasauli. This sentiment is shared by Deven Parulekar of SaffronStays, who has seen their properties in locations like Ranikhet and Mukteshwar reach full capacity.

 

The Fern Hotels and Resorts' Mohit Sharad points to a spike in inquiries for locales within a short drive from Delhi. "Our festive packages are selling rapidly, forecasting higher occupancies than previous years," he adds.

Zubin Saxena of Radisson Hotel Group highlights a pattern of diversion from Delhi to markets within a four-to-six-hour drive, signaling a new way Delhiites are choosing to spend their festive weekends – seeking solace in the sanctuary of nearby getaways.

This Diwali, the choice is clear for many: the festive spirit is best enjoyed amidst the purity of nature, far from the seasonal smog that blankets the capital.


Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.

Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.

Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”

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Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”

The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.

With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.

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