Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 12, 2025
The Ascott Limited (Ascott), part of CapitaLand Investment, is making a strong move in the leisure hospitality space, expanding its global resort portfolio to about 50 properties across sought-after destinations. This growth comes through an asset-light approach, with 11 new signings in the past 10 months secured under management and franchise agreements. The signings reflect a strategic focus on the rising demand for experiential travel and contribute to around 5% of Ascott’s portfolio of more than 1,000 properties worldwide.
A key driver of this growth is Ascott’s multi-typology brand strategy, which adapts popular brands such as Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection and The Unlimited Collection for resort settings. This approach allows Ascott to deliver locally attuned guest experiences while meeting the evolving expectations of its expanding Ascott Star Rewards membership.
Recent additions span prime leisure spots in Phuket, Bali, Labuan Bajo, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Sam Son, Gangneung and Marjan Island. Highlights include the upcoming Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort, the brand’s debut in Phuket, just 150 metres from Patong Beach. The resort will feature 254 rooms, extensive leisure facilities, event spaces and a 227-unit branded residence. In Vietnam, developments include Somerset Nha Trang, Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc, and HARRIS Resort Cam Ranh – each designed with premium amenities for leisure and business travellers alike.
Indonesia will see properties like lyf Labuan Bajo, opening in 2027 with vibrant communal spaces and curated experiences for younger travellers, and Oakwood Jimbaran Villas and Residences Bali, offering direct access to Jimbaran Beach’s famous sunsets and seafood culture. The UAE’s Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection on Marjan Island is set to bring luxury stays with 539 rooms, a spa, specialty dining, and event spaces.
South Korea’s Oakwood Gangneung will cater to leisure-led extended stays on the scenic east coast, while other resort additions include ski retreats, beachfront escapes and wellness-led properties across key global markets.
Industry trends suggest a bright outlook for Ascott’s resort strategy. Global leisure travel spending is projected to triple to US$15 trillion by 2040, with strong contributions from emerging markets like India and China. The resort segment, valued at over US$300 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at an 18.2% CAGR through 2030.
According to Ms Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, the combination of Ascott’s flexible operational model and brand adaptability positions it to capture these opportunities while delivering value for property owners and memorable stays for guests. Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised that the resorts enrich the Ascott Star Rewards programme, creating a deeper connection with members and encouraging cross-destination travel.
With more than 20 new resorts scheduled to open in the next three years, Ascott is cementing its place as a lifestyle hospitality leader in both established and emerging leisure destinations worldwide.
The Wedding Company Partners with Shagun Vivah Utsav 2026 to...
The Wedding Company partnered with Shagun Vivah Utsav 2026, ...
HOSPI Sigma™: A UK-Accredited Programme Making Hospitality T...
India’s hospitality industry is entering a defining growth p...
Barista Coffee Launches ‘Main Hoon Mango’ Summer Menu
Barista Coffee Company is welcoming the summer season with t...
Aditya Birla Group Launches Flint, a Grill-Forward Café at NCPA
Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH), the hospitality ar...
Published on April 7, 2026
City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, and Walkers Tours have joined hands with FitsAir to introduce direct passenger flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo. This move is set to make international travel easier for travellers from Gujarat while opening up better access to Sri Lanka’s popular leisure destinations.
Operated by FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s first private international airline, the new route will run three times a week. The service is aimed at meeting the growing demand for overseas holidays from Gujarat, offering a smooth and direct travel option to Colombo.
With this improved connectivity, travellers can explore a range of premium stays under Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, including Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, and Cinnamon Red Colombo.
Gujarat is steadily growing as an important source market for Sri Lanka, supported by strong cultural connections and increasing interest in international travel. The launch of these direct flights is expected to strengthen tourism between Ahmedabad and Colombo, positioning Sri Lanka as a preferred short-haul destination.
Located in the heart of Colombo, City of Dreams Sri Lanka brings together entertainment, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences. Travellers can also opt for curated holiday packages that include stays at Cinnamon properties along with multi-destination itineraries across Sri Lanka, such as cultural trips to Kandy and beach getaways.
Nayana Mawilmada, President – Leisure & Property, John Keells Holdings, said, “We are delighted to strengthen our presence in the Indian market, particularly in Gujarat, which continues to show strong potential for outbound travel. This strategic partnership and the introduction of direct connectivity from Ahmedabad make it significantly easier for travellers to experience the unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and cultural richness that City of Dreams Sri Lanka and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts have to offer.”
Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President – Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, added, “Ahmedabad is an important and fast-growing market for us. With the launch of these direct flights, we are excited to welcome more travellers from Gujarat to Colombo. From the immersive experiences at City of Dreams Sri Lanka to the diverse hospitality offerings across Cinnamon properties, we look forward to delivering memorable stays tailored to Indian guests.”
Nalaka Amaratunga - Chief Executive Officer, Destination Management Sector, Walkers Tours commented, “This partnership marks an important milestone in enhancing connectivity between Ahmedabad and Colombo. By combining direct flights with thoughtfully curated travel packages, we aim to offer a seamless and enriching Sri Lankan holiday experience for travellers from Gujarat.”
Starting from 15 May, 2026, flights will operate three times a week between Ahmedabad and Colombo. Specially curated travel packages by Cinnamon, which include return airfare, a two-night stay with breakfast at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, and private airport transfers, offering a convenient and value-driven travel option.
Travel Schedule – Effective from 15th May
Ahmedabad → Colombo: 03:40 – 06:50
Ahmedabad → Colombo: 10:45 – 13:55
Colombo → Ahmedabad: 23:25 – 02:35
Colombo → Ahmedabad: 06:30 – 09:40.
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has introduced Google’s Find Hub share item location feature to make baggage recovery smoother and more efficient. The move adds an optional layer of support for guests dealing with delayed or missing baggage.
With this feature, guests using a compatible tracker tag or Bluetooth device can create a secure and temporary link that shares the location of their baggage. This link can be attached while reporting a lost or delayed bag, allowing Saudia’s ground teams to access real-time location details and speed up the recovery process.
The shared access is time-bound and automatically expires after seven days. Guests can also stop sharing the location at any point, ensuring they stay in complete control of their information throughout the process.
This update works alongside Saudia’s existing baggage handling systems, giving travellers better visibility and added reassurance during their journey. It is designed to make the experience more transparent while keeping things simple and user-friendly.
Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said: “Our focus is on giving guests confidence and reassurance throughout their journey. Initiatives like this reflect our broader commitment to clarity, transparency, and ensuring guests feel informed and in control at every stage of the experience. It is about strengthening trust and providing peace of mind through thoughtful, guest-centered decisions.”
By rolling out this feature, Saudia becomes one of the first airlines globally to adopt such technology, highlighting its focus on digital innovation and improved guest experiences.
The feature has been built with privacy in mind. Location details are shared only for baggage recovery purposes and remain accessible to the airline for a limited time. Once the process is completed or the guest decides to stop sharing, access is automatically removed.
Guests can use this feature by ensuring their device and tracker accessory are compatible and updated to the latest supported software versions.
By Author
Published on April 6, 2026
InterGlobe Enterprises’ lifestyle hospitality brand Miiro has strengthened its European presence with the opening of Miiro Spittelberg, marking its second property in Vienna.
Located in the historic Spittelberg District, just behind the MuseumsQuartier, the hotel is set within one of the city’s most culturally vibrant neighbourhoods. Known for its cobbled streets, artisan heritage, independent galleries, and lively café culture, the area offers an authentic window into Vienna’s contemporary creative scene.
Miiro Spittelberg features 132 guestrooms and suites, designed with a blend of warm neutrals, bold accents, natural textures, and soft lighting. Staying true to Miiro’s ‘Brilliantly Considered’ design philosophy, the rooms are crafted to provide a calming yet refined atmosphere, complete with plush beds, rainfall showers, cosy reading nooks, and premium toiletries.
The hotel’s design combines sleek modern lines with creative details, offering guests a space that feels both stylish and comfortable. Whether exploring Vienna’s iconic landmarks or unwinding within the property, the experience is designed to feel immersive and connected to its surroundings.
Dining at the hotel reflects a seamless all-day concept inspired by European café culture with an Italian twist. The experience is anchored by Poco, an Italian-inspired urban pizzeria and bar, adding a vibrant social element to the property.
Art plays a central role in the hotel’s identity, highlighted by an immersive ceiling mural that encourages personal reflection. This is complemented by a curated collection of works by Austrian and international artists displayed throughout the space. Additional amenities include a library, a 24-hour gym, and Miiro’s signature Refresh Room.
Commenting on the opening, Neena Gupta said, “The opening of Miiro Spittelberg marks an exciting milestone as we continue to grow Miiro in culturally rich European cities. Vienna’s artistic spirit and deep-rooted heritage make it a natural home for not just one but two of our properties, and the neighbourhood of Spittelberg reflects the lively, local energy we seek to celebrate.”
With this launch, Miiro continues to expand its footprint across Europe, with a growing portfolio spanning cities such as Paris, Barcelona, London, Gstaad, and Vienna, while InterGlobe’s broader international presence extends to destinations including Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, and Melbourne.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!
Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.
By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Advertise With Us
We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.