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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on February 9, 2026
The global headquarters of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) stood at the centre of the global culinary world as the 12th IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2026 reached its grand and emotional conclusion in Kolkata. Recognised as the biggest stage in the world for student chefs, the Olympiad once again brought together young culinary talent from across continents in a celebration of skill, culture, and collaboration.
In a historic moment, Albania was crowned the new World Champion of YCO 2026. Enri Cuedari, the young chef from Instituti Kulinari Neranxi, lifted the golden trophy and was awarded the golden toque, marking a proud milestone for the country of origin of one of Kolkata’s most loved and adored people, Mother Teresa. His win came in a competition that witnessed the largest congregation of young chefs in the world.
England, the winner of YCO 2025, secured the second position, with Dominic Thomas Grundy of Westminister Capital City Collage receiving the silver trophy. Sri Lanka emerged as the second runner-up, lifting the bronze trophy, proudly represented by Vidanagamage Rumira Reshan Piyasiri of the Colombo Academy of Hospitalityx Management. The podium reflected the high standards and global diversity that defined the competition.
France, one of the world’s finest culinary nations, won the Plate trophy, represented by Maelyss Helene Parrot. The Dr Suborno Bose Challenge Trophy, a special and heartwarming competition where two countries are paired to cook a dish together, was won by Ozodbek Odilov of Uzbekistan and Melquirudi Leki- Bere da Cunha of Timor Leste. This challenge embodied the belief that food has its own language of unity.
All of them rose to glory under the clear night sky of Kolkata, standing not just as winners, but as representatives of a new generation of global culinary leadership. Each participant proved worthy in what is now recognised as the world’s most collaborative and culturally rich culinary competition.
The final competitive rounds were held at IIHM’s Global Campus in the city, followed by a grand celebration and awards night at Wet-O-Wild, Nicco Park complex, which was announced as the venue for the Grand Finale celebrations. Music, dancing, and joy marked the culmination of the world’s largest competition for student chefs.
The Top 10 finalists represented an exceptional mix of global culinary talent. Jomar T. Bernardo (Philippines), Vioanagamage Rumira Reshan Piyasiri (Sri Lanka), Aavie Ng Shi Chuan (Malaysia), Kotamsetti Satya Teja (India), Rohan Chettri (Nepal), Dominic Thomas Grunoy (England), Georgios Aionnis (Sweden), Emma Gisele Biro (Canada), Enri Cuedari (Albania), and Ananya Madaan (Switzerland) earned their places through skill, integrity, and deep respect for tradition and innovation. Their presence reaffirmed the truly global soul of the Olympiad, with India proudly placing among the top ten.
As the curtains came down on YCO 2026, the Olympiad stood out as far more than a competition. It emerged as a global knowledge and learning ecosystem where technology, ethics, sustainability, and human creativity came together with purpose. The theme, “Preserving the World’s Global Culinary Heritage through AI”, came alive across kitchens, conversations, and cultures, highlighting the importance of protecting traditional cuisines while embracing innovation.
Reflecting on the spirit of the Olympiad, Dr. Suborno Bose, Founder-Chairman of IIHM and Chief Mentor of YCO, said, “You have travelled from across continents, cultures, climates, and cuisines, but you stand together on one stage, united by a single language: food.”
Describing YCO as culinary diplomacy in action, he added, “At its heart, the Young Chef Olympiad is a place where borders dissolve, politics disappear, and food builds bridges.”
Speaking on the deeper intent of YCO 2026, Dr. Bose further stated, “For the first time, we consciously positioned participating countries as a living laboratory of global culinary heritage, not something you watch or download, but something alive, experienced through people, kitchens, mistakes, learning, and friendships.”
Professor David Foskett, MBE, Chairman of the Grand Jury, observed that the Olympiad reaffirmed the belief that hospitality education must go beyond textbooks and trophies. He highlighted initiatives such as the United World of Young Chefs, the Global Knowledge Sharing Declaration, and the exchange of Culinary Heritage Dossiers, noting that YCO 2026 transformed competition into collaboration, enriching every participant through shared learning and global friendships.
Throughout its journey and its concluding days in Kolkata, YCO 2026 clearly demonstrated that AI was not positioned as a replacement for craft, but as a guardian of memory, helping document and preserve culinary traditions for future generations.
As the Grand Finale concluded, Kolkata once again lived up to its legacy as a city of culture, intellect, and hospitality. The medals were awarded and champions crowned, but what endured was far greater: friendships across borders, heritage honoured through knowledge, and a shared belief that the future of food lies in high skill, strong values, and human connection guided by technology.
The Olympiad ended. The journey, unmistakably, had only just begun.
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Published on April 27, 2026
Atmosphere Core has announced its partnership with Vision Dempo Hospitality Pvt Ltd to bring a new boutique property, Crown Heritage Panjim by Atmosphere Goa, to its growing India portfolio. The 34-key hotel is set to open in Q1 2027 in Fontainhas, Panjim’s UNESCO-listed heritage district, close to the Mandovi River. The location also offers easy access, with Mopa Airport about an hour away and Dabolim Airport around 40 minutes from the property.
This upcoming hotel will be part of the ‘By Atmosphere’ sub-brand under the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Designed as an intimate and experience-led space, the property will feature deluxe rooms and a rooftop suite, combining heritage-inspired elements with a fresh design approach to offer a personalised stay.
Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Atmosphere Core, said, “We’re now building strong momentum in India, with the signing of properties in key destinations, and Goa has always been central to our strategy. With this property, we aim to introduce a fresh, creative and experience-led offering, appealing to a diverse range of travellers, from leisure seekers to those drawn to Goa’s rich cultural heritage, while delivering a setting that is both intimate and distinctive.”
Guests at Crown Heritage Panjim can expect a well-rounded experience, including an all-day dining restaurant, a café lounge, and a rooftop resto-bar serving Goan and global cuisines along with a curated selection of wines and spirits. The property will also feature the award-winning ELE|NA Ayur Spa, offering wellness therapies, along with a swimming pool, outdoor deck, and a fully equipped fitness centre.
Located in Panjim, Goa’s capital city, the hotel sits in the culturally rich neighbourhood of Fontainhas, known for its colourful houses, narrow lanes, and Portuguese-era architecture. The area reflects a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences, offering visitors a mix of heritage charm and modern city life.
Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Rajesh Dempo, Founder & Managing Director of Vision Dempo Group, said,
"Atmosphere Core’s distinguished legacy of excellence aligns perfectly with our vision to unveil a world-class boutique hotel in Panjim, Goa. As the destination continues to evolve beyond leisure into a year-round, experience-led market, this partnership will contribute to strengthening Goa’s premium tourism landscape and set new benchmarks in hospitality within its UNESCO-recognised heritage precinct.”
Adding to this, Mr. Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director Atmosphere Core India, Bhutan, Nepal & Sri Lanka, said, “Panjim the capital city of Goa, with its awe-inspiring cultural heritage backdrop and timeless appeal, is a natural choice for our expansion. As we enter this extraordinary destination, we look forward to delivering a progressive and immersive hospitality experience, thoughtfully tailored to its surroundings, and redefining boutique indulgence within Fontainhas.”
With this addition, Atmosphere Core continues to strengthen its presence in India, bringing in properties that focus on experience, culture, and thoughtful design.
Published on April 26, 2026
India’s aviation sector is on track for strong growth, with passenger traffic expected to reach around 500 million annually by 2030 and nearly 1 billion by 2047. This projection was shared by industry leaders at the Airport 360 Expo 2026, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre.
The growth is being supported by steady demand, expansion of airline fleets, and ongoing infrastructure development. With over 1,000 aircraft orders already in place, the sector is preparing for a major scale-up in the coming years.
Speaking at the event, BVJK Sharma, CEO, Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd, said, “We are already one of the top three domestic aviation markets in the world, and we are continuing to grow rapidly. In 2025 itself, we handled about 4 million passengers and 3.5 million of cargo, which is around 20 per cent higher than the pre-COVID levels.”
He added that while the sector has historically grown at 10–12 per cent, the pace may gradually stabilise to around 5.6 per cent by 2044. However, in the near term, domestic air travel demand is expected to remain strong, with an initial year-on-year growth of about 17 per cent.
India’s aviation infrastructure is also expanding quickly, with more than 160 operational airports currently and continued investments under national programmes. The sector already contributes nearly USD 54 billion to the economy and supports millions of jobs. Emerging segments like MRO are also expected to play a key role in strengthening the overall ecosystem.
At Navi Mumbai International Airport, development is being carried out in phases, with plans to handle up to 90 million passengers by 2032. The focus remains on building strong connectivity, improving digital systems, and ensuring smooth operations through integrated planning.
Sharad Kumar, Chief Advisor, Airports Authority of India, highlighted that the sector is entering a crucial phase where growth needs to be backed by clear strategy. “Globally, the industry is being shaped by digital transformation, sustainability, and deeper integration across aviation, logistics, tourism, and trade. At the same time, recent geopolitical developments have highlighted the sector's vulnerability, impacting routes, costs, and operational efficiency,” he said.
He also noted that India has a strong advantage with rising demand, better infrastructure, and a long-term vision to expand to around 350 airports by 2047. Initiatives like UDAN have already improved regional connectivity, and the next phase will focus on efficiency, long-term viability, and better network integration.
A key focus going forward will be to reduce reliance on foreign hubs for international travel and create stronger domestic hubs. This includes improving policy support, strengthening infrastructure, and using technology to build a more efficient aviation ecosystem.
Organised by Media Fusion, the second edition of the two-day Airport 360 Expo brought together over 2,500 industry professionals, more than 70 exhibitors, and over 200 aviation experts. Participants from over 10 countries, including Germany, Singapore, Oman, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Thailand, were part of the event.
With strong demand and continued investments, India’s aviation sector is steadily moving towards becoming a global hub in the coming decades.
By Hariharan U
Published on April 25, 2026
In a significant move towards building integrated urban lifestyle destinations, The Phoenix Mills Ltd, in partnership with Ileseum Clubs, has launched Millennium Club in Wakad, Pune. The new development brings together sport, wellness, hospitality, and community into a single, experience-led ecosystem.
Strategically located alongside Millennium Towers and Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, the Club is part of a larger mixed-use development spanning over 2.6 million sq. ft. of commercial and retail space. Designed as a lifestyle extension of the workplace and retail environment, Millennium Club reflects a growing shift towards integrated urban living.
Spread across approximately 62,000 sq. ft. over six floors, along with a pool and terrace, the Club offers a multi-dimensional experience. It features professional-grade sports infrastructure including pickleball, squash, and badminton courts, alongside expansive fitness and wellness zones. The space is designed to seamlessly transition from daytime fitness activities to evening social and hospitality experiences.
Enhancing its wellness offering, the Club has partnered with leading brands such as Fittr, Tattva Spa, and Manah Wellness, creating a holistic ecosystem focused on health and wellbeing.
A key highlight of the destination is Aufside, a sports-led hospitality concept developed by Aufside Hospitality LLP. Designed as a multi-level venue, it combines large-format sports screenings with social dining, catering to both high-energy match days and relaxed gatherings.
Commenting on the launch, Vithal Suryavanshi, CEO – Commercial Real Estate at The Phoenix Mills Ltd, said the Club is a natural extension of the company’s philosophy of building integrated destinations where work, leisure, and community coexist. He emphasised the importance of embedding wellness into everyday urban life rather than treating it as an occasional pursuit.
Pavit Singh, Co-Founder of Aufside Hospitality LLP and Managing Partner at Ileseum Clubs, highlighted that the launch marks a key milestone in expanding sports-led lifestyle destinations across India, tailored for the evolving expectations of modern consumers.
The launch comes at a time when India’s sports industry, valued at over ₹18,000 crore, is witnessing strong growth alongside rising demand for organised, experience-driven formats. Millennium Club responds to this shift by offering a scalable model that integrates sport, wellness, and social engagement within a single platform.
With expansion plans already underway across key cities, Millennium Club is positioned as a flagship prototype for the next generation of community-driven, sport-led urban destinations in India.
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