Ascott Unveils Oakwood Erode Resort: A Milestone in Indian Hospitality Expansion

Ascott Unveils Oakwood Erode Resort: A Milestone in Indian Hospitality Expansion

By Author

Published on December 28, 2023

CapitaLand Investment Limited's lodging unit, The Ascott Limited, is set to make a mark in India with the signing of a management agreement for Oakwood Erode Resort in Tamil Nadu. The collaboration with Sensation Hospitality Avenues LLP, the hospitality arm of Sensation Infracon, signifies a strategic move in Ascott's expansion across India.

Located in the vibrant city of Erode, Oakwood Erode Resort aims to redefine luxury and comfort. The signing ceremony, graced by Hoshang Garivala, Country General Manager, Ascott International Management India Pvt. Ltd, along with representatives from Sensation Infracon, marks a significant step in bringing unparalleled hospitality to esteemed guests.

Erode, strategically positioned on the banks of the Kaveri River and surrounded by the Western Ghats, has emerged as a key investment destination for the hospitality sector. Its connectivity through the Bangalore-Coimbatore-Kerala route and ongoing infrastructural development have enhanced its appeal as a travel and business hub.

Scheduled to be operational by December 2026, Oakwood Erode will be situated in Periyasemure, Sathy Road, offering a modern façade, 90 rooms, diverse dining options, and versatile meeting spaces. The hotel is poised to cater to the varied needs of both leisure and business travelers.

Hoshang Garivala expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled to unveil our latest addition in the vibrant city of Erode in collaboration with Sensation Infracon. The new property epitomizes elegance, offering guests an oasis of tranquility and sophistication. This property embodies our unwavering commitment to redefining luxury and delivering exceptional hospitality."

Khushbu Kumari, Partner at Sensation Hospitality Avenues LLP, shared the enthusiasm, saying, "We are excited to bring the Oakwood Resort brand to Erode, a city known for its cultural heritage and economic significance. Our aim is to elevate the hotel to high international standards and offer guests an exceptional stay experience while exploring the scenic beauty of the state."

As Ascott continues to strengthen its presence in India, Oakwood Erode Resort emerges as a testament to its commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences. The hotel's strategic location and focus on blending regional charm with contemporary amenities align with the rich cultural legacy of Erode, promising an extraordinary stay for every guest. Cheers to the new era of luxury in the heart of Tamil Nadu!


FIFA World Cup 2026: Paraguay Stuns Germany as Late-Night Food Orders Rise in India

FIFA World Cup 2026: Paraguay Stuns Germany as Late-Night Food Orders Rise in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 1, 2026

Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup 2026 history by defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the Round of 32 clash ended 1-1 following 120 minutes of play.

The victory marks Paraguay's biggest-ever World Cup triumph. The South American side, which last reached the quarter-finals in 2010 and had not qualified for the tournament since, booked its place in the Round of 16 with a memorable performance.

Paraguay took the lead late in the first half through a header from Julio Enciso, before Kai Havertz equalised for Germany in the 52nd minute. The match remained level through extra time, forcing a penalty shootout. Jose Canale converted the first sudden-death penalty, while goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves to seal Paraguay's historic victory.

In another Round of 32 fixture, Brazil edged past Japan with a 2-1 victory to progress to the next stage. Morocco also booked its place in the Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

While football fans continue to enjoy thrilling knockout action, the tournament is also influencing late-night food habits in India. With FIFA World Cup matches being played at 12.30 am, 3.30 am and 6.30 am IST, food delivery platforms and restaurant chains have witnessed a rise in overnight orders.

According to data shared by Swiggy Food Marketplace, nearly half of all late-night food orders placed between 11 pm and 3 am during June 11 to June 24 were made between 11 pm and midnight, making it the busiest hour for deliveries on match nights.

Football fans largely preferred comfort food, with pizzas, burgers, fries and beverages topping the order list. The most popular items included Pepper Barbecue Chicken Pizza Mania, Crispy Chicken Burger Peri Peri Meal, Crispy Veg Burger Peri Peri Meal and Garlic Breadsticks.

Among metro cities, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai recorded the highest number of late-night football-related orders, while Surat, Thiruvananthapuram and Patna emerged as the leading cities among India's growing markets.


Emirates Becomes First Airline Cargo Carrier to Deploy Boeing 777-300ERSF

Emirates Becomes First Airline Cargo Carrier to Deploy Boeing 777-300ERSF

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 1, 2026

Emirates has reached a major milestone in its cargo operations by becoming the first airline cargo carrier to deploy the Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft. The newly inducted aircraft, A6-EBK, will begin commercial operations with its inaugural flight from Hong Kong to Dubai, carrying more than 100 tonnes of cargo.

The Boeing 777-300ERSF adds significant capacity to the Emirates SkyCargo fleet, offering 100 tonnes of payload capacity and 811 cubic metres of cargo volume. Compared with the Boeing 777-F production freighter, the converted aircraft provides 25% more cargo volume and accommodates 47 pallet positions, including 10 additional pallet positions. This makes it well suited for transporting high-volume shipments such as e-commerce goods, which currently account for around 20% of global air cargo tonnage and are expected to continue growing.

Commenting on the milestone, Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo's Divisional Senior Vice President, said, "The induction of the first converted Emirates Boeing 777-300ERSF into operational service represents the next step in the expansion of our fleet and operational agility. We are optimising our fleet assets by converting older Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft to meet the growing demand for air cargo capacity to transport goods rapidly across the world."

"Combined with our growing fleet of Boeing 777-F production freighters, we have already been able to scale our global freighter network from just over 40 destinations in February this year to 62 destinations currently and growing. We are providing our global customers with scalable cargo capacity and ultimate flexibility and connectivity when moving cargo to and through our hub in Dubai."

The Boeing 777-300ERSF is the sixth freighter to join Emirates SkyCargo since March 2026, following the induction of five Boeing 777-F production freighters.

As part of its fleet expansion plans, Emirates SkyCargo is set to receive five additional Boeing 777-F aircraft and one more converted Boeing 777-300ERSF by December 2026. The carrier also plans to induct three more converted Boeing 777-300ERSFs into its fleet during 2027.

The continued expansion of Emirates SkyCargo's fleet and network supports the airline's strategy to strengthen global trade by connecting businesses with key production hubs and expanding its cargo network across six continents. The carrier's freighter network has already grown from just over 40 destinations in February 2026 to 62 destinations, with further expansion planned.


Sector 144 JP Nagar Brings Live FIFA World Cup Screenings to Bengaluru

Sector 144 JP Nagar Brings Live FIFA World Cup Screenings to Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 1, 2026

Football fans in Bengaluru have a new destination to enjoy the excitement of the FIFA World Cup as Sector 144 in JP Nagar is hosting live screenings of every match throughout the tournament.

Guests can catch all the on-field action on multiple high-definition screens, making it the perfect place to cheer for their favourite teams while soaking in the lively atmosphere with fellow football enthusiasts. From thrilling goals to nail-biting finishes, Sector 144 promises an engaging match-day experience every night.

Adding to the excitement is The King of Pours craft beer menu, featuring signature brews including Billie's Wit, Beat It Hefe, Off The Wall Stout, Dangerous IPA and Mango Jam NEIPA. The beverage selection is complemented by a range of bar bites and sharing plates, making it an ideal spot for friends and football fans to gather during the tournament.

With live football, refreshing craft beers and a vibrant ambience, Sector 144 offers a complete FIFA World Cup viewing experience for guests throughout the competition.

  • Venue: Sector 144, 4th Floor, Above Style Union, JP Nagar 7th Phase, Bangalore – 560078
  • Duration: Throughout the FIFA World Cup
  • Time: Onwards 10:30 PM
  • Live Screening: All FIFA World Cup matches on multiple high-definition screens.

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