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.


Karanveer Singh and Pawan Mudgal of Amritara Hotels & Resorts Win Outstanding Leadership Awards 2025

Karanveer Singh and Pawan Mudgal of Amritara Hotels & Resorts Win Outstanding Leadership Awards 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 22, 2025

Amritara Hotels & Resorts’ leaders, Mr. Karanveer Singh and Mr. Pawan Mudgal, have been honored with the Outstanding Leadership Awards 2025 by MakeMyTrip. The event, hosted by MakeMyTrip in Gurgaon on 7th August 2025, recognized individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.

The award celebrates visionary leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry. Both leaders have played pivotal roles in driving Amritara Hotels & Resorts to new heights in customer satisfaction, revenue growth, and brand positioning.

Mr. Karanveer Singh, with his expertise in revenue management and strategic planning, has been instrumental in elevating the performance of Amritara properties, consistently ensuring top rankings in competitive markets. His innovative approach towards pricing, distribution, and customer engagement has set new benchmarks for the brand.

Mr. Pawan Mudgal, with his extensive leadership experience and sharp business acumen, has been a driving force in strengthening Amritara’s market presence. His ability to align teams with the brand’s vision and his relentless pursuit of operational excellence have contributed immensely to the group’s success.

Speaking on the recognition, the awardees expressed their gratitude to MakeMyTrip and dedicated the honor to the hard work and dedication of the Amritara Hotels & Resorts team.

"This award is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the collective efforts of our incredible team at Amritara Hotels & Resorts. Together, we are committed to redefining hospitality with innovation, authenticity, and exceptional guest experiences," said Mr. Singh and Mr. Mudgal in a joint statement.

The Outstanding Leadership Award 2025 reinforces Amritara Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to excellence and further strengthens its position as one of India’s leading hospitality brands.


Akasa Secures ₹1,200 Crore Investment to Fuel Global Expansion Plans

Akasa Secures ₹1,200 Crore Investment to Fuel Global Expansion Plans

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 22, 2025

Akasa, India’s youngest airline, has successfully completed a fresh investment transaction of about ₹1,200 crore, welcoming new investors such as Premji Invest, 360 ONE Asset, and the investment office of Ranjan Pai. The Jhunjhunwala family, an existing investor, also infused additional capital into the airline.

The airline, which began operations three years ago, announced that the closure of this funding round followed the receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals. Despite facing losses like most startup airlines, Akasa has ambitious plans for expansion, with a fleet of 30 aircraft currently in service and 190 Boeing 737s on order.

Akasa termed this investment a “significant milestone” in its growth journey and shared its aspiration to be among the top 30 airlines in the world by the end of this decade. The funds will be directed toward expanding operations, enhancing customer experience, and investing in safety, reliability, and advanced technology.

Vinay Dube, founder and CEO of Akasa, expressed gratitude to both new and existing investors, saying, “We warmly welcome our new investors to the Akasian family and deeply appreciate their confidence in our team. Their support affirms our vision and strengthens our ability to scale sustainably while keeping customers and employees at the heart of our operations. We remain especially grateful to the Jhunjhunwala family for not just helping us take flight but for their continued belief in our dream to redefine air travel in India.”

Manoj Jaiswal of Premji Invest highlighted the growth potential of Indian aviation, stating, “We are excited to partner with Akasa, India's fastest growing airline, in its next phase of growth. We believe Indian aviation industry has strong growth potential, domestically and beyond. Team Akasa is brilliantly positioned to execute on this opportunity.”

Umesh Agrawal, fund manager of 360 ONE Asset, added, “We are elated to partner with Akasa Air at a time when India’s aviation sector is poised for tremendous growth. This investment will support Akasa Air’s mission to build a customer centric airline.”

Shyam Powar, chief investment officer at Claypond Capital, also expressed confidence, saying, “What excites us is not just the scale of the opportunity, but the passion and purpose with which the team is building this airline. We are proud to back Akasa and look forward to supporting them in their journey to build a world class airline from India.”

Currently, Akasa serves 23 domestic and six international cities, and has flown over two crore passengers since its inception.


Nouveau Design Group Revives 700-Year-Old Fort Barwara into Six Senses Resort

Nouveau Design Group Revives 700-Year-Old Fort Barwara into Six Senses Resort

By Hariharan U

Published on August 22, 2025

Against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills, the 700-year-old Fort Barwara has found a new life as Six Senses Fort Barwara, thanks to an extraordinary restoration by Nouveau Design Group and Panika. Spearheaded by Principal Architect Manish Mehta, the project stands as a remarkable example of adaptive reuse, honouring the spirit of Rajasthan’s royal past while reimagining it for today’s world of sustainable luxury.

Originally built in the 14th century, the fort had weathered centuries of battles and time. For Mehta and his team, the mission was clear, to revive its essence, not just its structure. “The fort represented not just stone and mortar but the soul of Rajasthan’s architecture. Our responsibility was to revive its spirit”, says Mehta.

Staying true to the fort’s original character, the design preserves battlements, domes, arched walkways, and courtyards, weaving them into a modern hospitality experience. The Zanana Mahal (ladies’ quarters) now houses a serene Six Senses spa, while the Mardana Mahal (men’s quarters) has been reimagined as the lobby and bar. Across 48 suites, temples, and dining areas, guests encounter Mughal-style courtyards, jharokhas, and jalis that echo the fort’s architectural soul.

Every detail reflects authenticity, stone sourced from nearby quarries, Rajasthani marble, lime-washed walls, handmade carpets, and antique-finished fittings, all crafted to blend seamlessly with the fort’s heritage.

Sustainability anchors the project. Thick stone walls and passive cooling reduce energy needs, while rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and organic gardens align with Six Senses’ eco-conscious ethos. The resort is fully plastic-free, complemented by discreetly integrated modern comforts like fibre-optic connectivity and smart water systems.

Lighting design adds to the fort’s majesty, using warm tones to highlight its sculptural elements, while the central Mughal-style courtyard doubles as a stage for reflection and cultural performances.

“This fort was built to endure war and climate”, notes Mehta. “Our sustainability measures honour that resilience through future-ready design”.

Today, guests arrive not as conquerors but as participants in the fort’s ongoing story, a space where Rajput strength meets modern elegance. With its sensitive yet forward-thinking transformation, Six Senses Fort Barwara sets a benchmark in heritage conservation and sustainable luxury.

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