Ascott Enhances Ascott Star Rewards to Reach 15 Million Members by 2028

Ascott Enhances Ascott Star Rewards to Reach 15 Million Members by 2028

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 3, 2025

The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is marking the sixth anniversary of its Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme with a host of upgrades aimed at enriching member experiences. With over five million members currently enrolled, the company is setting its sights on reaching at least 15 million members by 2028.

To support this ambitious growth, Ascott is introducing several digital enhancements, including an upgraded ASR mobile app with a refined user interface, faster navigation, and AI-driven personalised recommendations. The app will also streamline the booking process, cutting the steps required in half. Additionally, the GenAI-powered chatbot, Cubby, on the ASR website discoverasr.com, will now facilitate direct bookings with tailored property suggestions.

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ASR members play a key role in Ascott's business, contributing to over 90% of the brand’s website and app bookings in 2024. Compared to non-members, they spent 55% more on stays, driving ASR-generated revenue up by 30%. The company’s digital expansion continues with the ASR website now supporting 11 languages and integrating payment options like WeChat and Alipay, catering to its global clientele.

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Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott said: "To achieve our target of more than 15 million members by 2028, Ascott is making significant enhancements to our mobile app and website, to enable our loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), to be seamlessly integrated into the digital journey. Tapping into the power of AI, Ascott is harnessing technology as a driver of efficiency, personalisation, and seamless customer engagement, as part of our tech-forward hospitality journey. This enhanced digital presence is complemented by our commercial strategy which focuses on offering compelling deals, benefits and exclusive experiences to ASR members. It also underscores ASR's role in driving direct bookings for Ascott properties, reducing our reliance on online travel agencies. ASR members tend to book more frequently, hence contributing to higher profitability for property owners while delivering richer data insights for Ascott to enhance guest experiences and brand loyalty."

She further added "Looking ahead, Ascott will be stepping up our loyalty engagement with corporate accounts, to create compelling ASR offerings for business travellers as well as the companies they represent. We are also broadening the ASR ecosystem with more strategic partnerships such as airlines and airports, to reward members with more perks to enrich their stay experiences with Ascott. In line with ASR's brand promise to Stay Rewarded, we remain focused on deepening connections with our members to deliver them the best experiences while supporting the long-term profitability of Ascott's business," 

Beyond traditional rewards, Ascott is curating premium experiences for its members. ASR will offer exclusive access to events such as the French Open in Paris and Chelsea Football Club’s Famous CFC event in Bangkok. Through its Ascott Privilege Signatures series, members have already enjoyed VIP access to Wimbledon and the Singapore Night Race. These partnerships highlight ASR’s shift from a standard points-based programme to a holistic lifestyle and travel experience.

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Looking ahead, Ascott plans to enhance corporate engagement by introducing ASR benefits tailored for business travellers and their companies. It is also expanding collaborations with airlines and travel brands to offer perks such as Priority Airport Lounge access and frequent flyer miles.

In celebration of ASR’s sixth anniversary, members can earn 24,000 bonus points for bookings made between April 1 and May 31, 2025, along with complimentary airport lounge passes. This special offer is limited to the first 300 bookings through the ASR mobile app or website.

With a focus on seamless technology, curated rewards, and strategic growth, Ascott continues to strengthen its position as a leader in the global hospitality industry.


Sanskriti University Hosts Special Convocation for 35 International Graduates

Sanskriti University Hosts Special Convocation for 35 International Graduates

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

In a heartfelt celebration of academic excellence and cultural unity, Sanskriti University, Mathura, hosted a grand convocation ceremony exclusively for its international students. The event reflected the university’s strong commitment to global education, diversity, and inclusive growth.

The ceremony began with the arrival of the Academic Procession, followed by the national anthem, lamp lighting, and Saraswati Vandana, setting a dignified and traditional tone.

Dr. Rainu Gupta, Dean of Academics, welcomed the gathering with warm words:

“Today is not only a moment of pride for our international students but also for Sanskriti University. Their dedication and academic perseverance serve as a beacon of inspiration.”

Dr. Sachin Gupta, Chancellor of Sanskriti University, officially opened the convocation and remarked:

“Our international students are ambassadors of knowledge, culture, and values. They embody the mission of Sanskriti University and will contribute meaningfully to their societies.”

A total of 35 students from countries such as Namibia, Myanmar, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Ghana, and Sudan received their academic degrees across disciplines like Engineering, Management, Basic Sciences, and Nursing.

The event was graced by Mr. R.N. Trivedi, Registrar of Sanskriti University, alongside senior deans and faculty members. Their presence reinforced the collective effort behind the academic journey of these students.

This special convocation was more than a formal ceremony, it was a powerful symbol of education without borders. With graduates from diverse cultures, languages, and backgrounds, the event sent a strong message of unity, knowledge-sharing, and peaceful progress.

Sanskriti University continues to emerge as a hub of globally relevant education, nurturing students who will go on to make meaningful contributions across the world.


Evoke Experiences Announces Rann Utsav 2025 – The Tent City, Embracing Culture, Sustainability and Expansion

Evoke Experiences Announces Rann Utsav 2025 – The Tent City, Embracing Culture, Sustainability and Expansion

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Evoke Experiences has officially unveiled the return of Rann Utsav – The Tent City, set to run from 23 October 2025 to 4 March 2026, in the heart of Gujarat’s White Rann. This iconic desert festival continues to capture India’s cultural essence through an immersive celebration of local traditions, scenic landscapes, and community spirit.

For the 2025 season, Evoke Experiences will manage not only the operations of The Tent City but also its branding, entertainment, and guest experience verticals. The seamless integration of hospitality and storytelling aims to provide visitors with a truly memorable and authentic journey into the soul of Kutch.

This year’s edition places strong emphasis on sustainability. Key initiatives include:

  • Eco-friendly tents and efficient waste management
  • Installation of plastic crusher machines
  • LED lighting across the Tent City
  • Desert-wide cleanliness drives

These initiatives highlight Evoke’s dedication to responsible tourism while preserving the fragile desert ecosystem.

The cultural fabric of the festival is being enriched with live art demos, open-air film screenings, personalised celebration zones, and hands-on traditional craft workshops, offering travellers meaningful interactions with local artisans and communities.

Expanding the experience beyond the White Rann, Rann Utsav 2025 will now include Mandvi, a charming coastal town, and offer curated packages that extend to Dholavira, the ancient Harappan city. These additions offer a more holistic cultural and historical journey through Gujarat.

To kick off the season, Evoke Experiences has also announced the Evoke Incredible Flash Sale, available from 11 to 13 July 2025, offering flat 25% off across multiple destinations:

  • Rann Utsav – The Tent City (23 Oct 2025 – 4 Mar 2026)
  • White Rann – The Tent City, Dholavira (15 Oct 2025 – 4 Mar 2026)
  • Evoke Rambagh, Ayodhya (opening Oct 2025)
  • Statue of Unity Tent City – 1
  • Year-round Evoke Dholavira
  • Kuno and Gandhi Sagar Forest Retreats (dates to be announced)

This early-bird sale gives travellers first access to India’s top experiential stays before peak season demand.

With its renewed focus on culture, sustainability, and regional expansion, Rann Utsav 2025 – The Tent City promises a magical escape where tradition meets innovation under the starlit sky of Kutch.


Cygnett Hotels Signs Ninth Property in Northeast with Cygnett Park Guwahati

Cygnett Hotels Signs Ninth Property in Northeast with Cygnett Park Guwahati

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of its ninth property in Northeast India, with the launch of Cygnett Park Guwahati. The new hotel will be developed in partnership with SRKS Hospitalities Private Limited and is scheduled to open in July 2026.

Strategically located at the border of Guwahati and Meghalaya, the hotel offers easy connectivity, just 45 minutes from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and 15 minutes from Guwahati city centre. This makes it a prime choice for both business and leisure travellers.

This announcement comes close on the heels of Cygnett’s recent expansion in Arunachal Pradesh with Cygnett Park Itanagar, reflecting the brand’s focused growth across India, especially in the culturally rich and emerging Northeast region.

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Cygnett Park Guwahati will feature 108 contemporary rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant with alfresco seating, a rooftop specialty outlet, a dedicated vegetarian restaurant, a chic bar, and banqueting and conference facilities spread over 9,000 sq. ft. Guests can also enjoy wellness offerings such as a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, and recreational areas.

The new property aims to become a preferred venue for corporate gatherings, destination weddings, and vacationers, aligning with the Indian Government’s renewed push to grow the tourism sector in the Northeast.

“We were among the first branded hotel chains to enter the Northeast and are on track to reach a 2,000-key footprint in the region by 2029,” said Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts. “With over ₹4.3 lakh crore worth of investments announced at the Rising Northeast Summit 2025, the hospitality sector in the region is poised for robust growth.”

The Cygnett Park brand is known for its green, wellness-focused hospitality with a touch of affordable luxury. The upcoming Guwahati property will also feature Cygnetture culinary excellence, offering diners a chance to savour flavours inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the Northeast.

With eight hotels already in operation or under development in the Northeast, the brand is now targeting 12–15 new properties annually across India, with the Northeast identified as a key growth area in its 100-hotel expansion strategy.

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