Ankit Kansal on the Rise of Alternate Hospitality in India

Ankit Kansal on the Rise of Alternate Hospitality in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 25, 2025

Ankit Kansal, Managing Director of Axon Developers, highlights the rapid expansion of India’s alternate hospitality sector, which has evolved from a niche trend into a mainstream choice. Once popular among select urban audiences, the demand for rental villas, serviced apartments, and private guest houses is now growing across the country. From heritage towns to scenic hillsides and coastal retreats, vacation villas and holiday homes are redefining travel preferences nationwide.

Weekend escapes are increasingly popular in locations like Karjat, Alibaug, Nandi Hills, Panvel, Alwar, and Ratnagiri, all within a few hours' drive from major cities. These serene destinations offer perfect getaways from the city bustle and are prime spots for vacation rental developments.

While the pandemic accelerated this shift, the rise of alternate hospitality reflects a broader change in travel trends. Today’s travelers, whether millennials or mature audiences, are opting for immersive experiences in spacious villas over conventional hotel stays. Rental villas offer not only privacy but also an opportunity to explore local culture and landscapes in a more personalized setting.

The appeal extends beyond leisure. Increasingly, corporates are embracing private farmhouses and villas for business retreats, brainstorming sessions, and wellness-focused getaways. The boundaries between hospitality, tourism, and wellness are blurring, as more travelers seek spaces that offer Ayurveda therapies, spa services, farm-to-table dining, and fitness facilities as part of their stay.

The market is witnessing strong growth. From 720 branded rental villas in 2021, the number rose to 1,150 in 2023, with projections exceeding 4,000 in the next five years. Valued at around USD 330 million, this high-yield segment is attracting both established hoteliers and new entrants.

Big players like IHCL, with its Ama Stays, are already tapping into this potential, while others are exploring opportunities in this dynamic space. Real estate developers are also considering investments in the sector, drawn by the rising demand and promising returns.

Technology will play a pivotal role in driving this growth. From digital walkthroughs for renters to IoT-powered property management solutions for owners, tech-driven innovations will streamline operations and enhance customer experiences, boosting profitability across the board.

Alternate hospitality is fast becoming an integral part of India’s evolving tourism landscape, offering unique, tailored stays that go beyond traditional hospitality norms.


HSBC India & Thriwe Host HSBC Golf League Edition 3 Grand Finale at Oxford Golf Course, Pune

HSBC India & Thriwe Host HSBC Golf League Edition 3 Grand Finale at Oxford Golf Course, Pune

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 30, 2025

HSBC India, in collaboration with Thriwe, successfully hosted the grand finale of the 3rd edition of the HSBC Golf League at the prestigious Oxford Golf Course, Pune. The event was graced by the presence of Kapil Dev, the legendary former Indian cricketer and President of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). Also in attendance were leadership teams from HSBC India and Thriwe, alongside professional golfer Ridhima Dilawari and prominent industry leaders.

The tournament brought together regional winners from Greater Noida, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, creating a remarkable showcase of India’s finest amateur golfing talent. The competition featured an impressive lineup of CXOs, corporate leaders, and golf enthusiasts, making it a landmark event in India’s golfing calendar.

A Day of Sportsmanship & Grand Rewards

The event commenced with a ceremonial tee-off by Kapil Dev, setting the stage for an exhilarating day of competition. The grand finale was marked by remarkable displays of skill, precision, and sportsmanship, culminating in a spectacular award ceremony and entertainment segment.

The four champions of this year’s HSBC Golf League were rewarded with an all-expenses-paid trip to the HSBC Women’s World Championship at the Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore. Here, they will experience the luxurious Hexagon Suite hospitality while witnessing the world’s top golfers in action.

HSBC Golf League – India’s Largest Amateur Golf Platform

The HSBC Golf League has established itself as India’s premier amateur golfing platform, curated specifically for high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients. With each edition, the league continues to elevate and redefine the golfing experience, bringing together India's top amateur players to celebrate sportsmanship, skill, and camaraderie.

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Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC India, emphasized HSBC’s commitment to the sport:

"HSBC’s global ambition is to bring golf to more people across the world. We're focused on helping expand the game to the next generation of players and build the sport across markets. This prestigious event has not only brought together the finest amateur golfers across India but also provided a platform for our esteemed clients to engage in the sport they love. We look forward to continuing to foster the growth of golf in India."

The Future of the HSBC Golf League with Thriwe

Thriwe, a global technology platform specializing in loyalty programs and member benefits, plays a pivotal role in the growth of the HSBC Golf League. Dhruv Verma, Founder & CEO of Thriwe, expressed excitement for the future:

"With each passing year, we see increasing participation, and this year was no different. We are committed to growing this Golf League with HSBC India into a premium golf IP, offering more features and member privileges. At Thriwe, we are also leveraging AI to enhance the entire model, ensuring an even better experience ahead."

Exclusive Digital Experience for Golf Enthusiasts

HSBC clients and golf enthusiasts can stay connected with the event through the HSBC Golf League mobile app, which offers:

  • Real-time event updates
  • Tournament registrations & score tracking
  • Performance analytics & networking with fellow golfers
  • Exclusive benefits – complimentary golf course access, discounts on accessories, food & beverages, and free golf cart bookings

As HSBC and Thriwe continue to push the boundaries of golfing excellence in India, the HSBC Golf League remains a testament to the power of sportsmanship, networking, and world-class hospitality.


THSC Hosts Workshop to Strengthen Apprenticeship Engagement in Hospitality

THSC Hosts Workshop to Strengthen Apprenticeship Engagement in Hospitality

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 30, 2025

The Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) successfully conducted an engaging workshop in Dehradun, shedding light on Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). This initiative aimed to enhance apprenticeship adoption within the hospitality industry, ensuring structured skill development aligned with industry needs.

The workshop saw active participation from industry leaders, skill development experts, and key stakeholders, facilitating meaningful discussions on optimizing apprenticeship programs. Experts shared insights on leveraging DBT and NAPS to streamline workforce training, improve employability, and create industry-driven learning opportunities.

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Key Highlights:

  • Expert-led discussions on optimizing apprenticeship programs

  • Best practices for seamless implementation and engagement strategies

  • Networking opportunities with industry professionals and skill development leaders

Emphasizing the importance of apprenticeships, Rajan Bahadur, CEO of THSC, remarked:

"Apprenticeships are a game changer for the hospitality industry, providing structured learning that aligns with real-world job demands. This workshop is a step toward building a future-ready workforce, and THSC will continue working closely with industry leaders to create meaningful employment opportunities through apprenticeships."

The event featured Mr. Mahendra Payaal, Chief Program Officer at NSDC, as the keynote speaker, along with Ms. Chandrakanta, Nodal Officer at UKSDM, as the guest of honor. They shared success stories and highlighted the impact of apprenticeship programs on skill development and employment.

Representing THSC, Mr. Amol Bajaj, Vice President – Apprenticeship, and Mr. Sumit Arora, Assistant Manager – Apprenticeship, engaged with stakeholders, offering valuable insights on strengthening apprenticeship adoption.

With over 96 key stakeholders in attendance—including representatives from NSDC, industry leaders, students, ITIs, and sector skill councils—the event served as a crucial platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

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Prominent Brands in Attendance:

Sagar Ratna Restaurants Pvt Ltd, Max Health Care Institute Dehradun, Hyatt Regency Dehradun, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Aloha on the Ganges – Rishikesh, Lemon Tree Hotel Rishikesh, Red Fox Hotel Dehradun, Pilibhit House IHCL SeleQtions, Amatra by the Ganges – Dehradun, Ramada, Servo Hospitality, Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd – Mussoorie, Regenta Place – Dehradun, and Royal Orchid Fort Resort – Mussoorie.

THSC remains committed to empowering businesses with structured apprenticeship models, ensuring that workforce training aligns with industry demands and creates sustainable employment opportunities in the hospitality sector.


The LaliT Suri Hospitality Group Honoured with Prestigious DI-verse Certification at Purple Fest 2025

The LaliT Suri Hospitality Group Honoured with Prestigious DI-verse Certification at Purple Fest 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 28, 2025

The LaliT Suri Hospitality Group has been awarded the prestigious DI-verse Certification at Purple Fest 2025, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This esteemed recognition, presented by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE), in collaboration with the American India Foundation (AIF), acknowledges organizations that exhibit outstanding dedication to workplace inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

A Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As a pioneering force in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), The LaliT Suri Hospitality Group has established itself as a model for corporate India, implementing policies that promote accessibility, equal opportunities, and an inclusive work culture. The group actively supports employment, training, and career development for marginalized communities, including individuals with disabilities.

The DI-verse Certification stands as a testament to the Group’s unwavering commitment to creating a barrier-free and equitable workplace, where talent is recognized beyond differences, and diversity is celebrated as a strength. Through structured interventions such as inclusive hiring, workplace accessibility enhancements, and sensitization programs, The LaliT Suri Hospitality Group continues to inspire the hospitality industry to embrace inclusive employment practices.

Industry Recognition and Leadership

Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The LaliT Suri Hospitality Group & Founder of the Keshav Suri Foundation, expressed his pride in receiving the DI-verse Certification: 

 "DEI is in the DNA of The LaliT. This award stands as testimony to our firm belief that hospitality goes beyond service; it truly is about creating spaces for everyone, regardless of ability. Staying true to our mission, The LaliT Suri Hospitality Group shall continue to build an inclusive and equitable nation that empowers individuals through equal opportunities and enriches businesses."

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Purple Fest 2025: A Milestone for Accessibility and Inclusion

Purple Fest 2025 has emerged as a landmark event in India’s accessibility and inclusion movement, bringing together leaders, changemakers, and organizations committed to creating a more equitable society. The recognition of The LaliT Suri Hospitality Group at this prestigious platform further strengthens its role as a leader in promoting inclusive employment practices within the hospitality sector.

By championing diverse talent and fostering an inclusive work environment, The LaliT Suri Hospitality Group sets a benchmark for the industry, reinforcing that true hospitality extends beyond service—it creates spaces where everyone belongs.

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