Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced an ambitious roadmap under the banner of “Evolution 2025”, unveiled at its annual leadership conclave hosted at Cygnett Inn Airport, Jaipur. The initiative outlines a bold vision designed to transform the hospitality experience in India, driven by technology, sustainability, wellness, and expansion across Tier II, Tier III, and metropolitan cities.

The conclave, an annual platform for innovation and strategy, brought together mentors, leaders, and industry stakeholders to align on the brand’s future in a rapidly evolving travel landscape.

At the core of Evolution 2025 is technology adoption. Cygnett Hotels will introduce seamless digital check-ins, AI-powered guest personalization, and smart room features that adapt to individual preferences, offering guests a balance of convenience and comfort.

Equally central is the company’s sustainability commitment. New eco-friendly practices will be rolled out across its hotels to minimize environmental impact while enhancing guest experience, affirming the brand’s stance that “sustainability is a responsibility, not a choice.”

Recognizing the growing demand for well-being, Cygnett will expand its wellness portfolio, introducing rejuvenating spa therapies, health-focused dining, and holistic lifestyle offerings tailored to modern travelers.

The brand is also reimagining its properties with flexible, adaptive spaces, venues designed to transform from business hubs by day into vibrant social celebration spaces by evening. Alongside this transformation, Cygnett is investing in advanced training and engagement tools to help staff anticipate guest needs and deliver personalized, memorable stays.

On the expansion front, Cygnett announced a robust pipeline of new properties across India, with a strategic focus on Tier II & III cities in addition to metro hubs. The portfolio will feature a mix of upscale hotels, mid-market properties, and resorts, targeting both leisure and business travelers.

“The hospitality industry is at the cusp of one of its greatest transformations. At Cygnett Hotels, we are not just responding to these changes, we are driving them. Evolution 2025 marks our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences where quality, comfort, and innovation meet,” said Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder and Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.

Adding momentum to this vision, Cygnett has entered into a strategic alliance with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which will introduce La Quinta by Wyndham and Registry Collection Hotels to India. The partnership is expected to deliver more than 60 new hotels across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal over the next decade.

Through Evolution 2025, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts aims to position itself at the forefront of the hospitality industry’s transformation, merging vision, agility, and responsibility to craft experiences that truly matter.

India’s food processing and ingredients sector is on an impressive growth path, projected to double by 2030 with an 8.8% CAGR. At the same time, the country’s food-tech segment is expanding at 14% CAGR, surpassing global benchmarks. Alongside this, the food processing equipment market is expected to reach USD 1.5 billion by 2033, while packaging machinery is set to cross USD 6.6 billion by 2030.

The growth story took center stage at the inaugural edition of Anuga FoodTec India and Anuga Select India 2025, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. The event witnessed the presence of international dignitaries, including H.E. Ahmad Al Ahmari (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia), H.E. Zozo Binti (D.R. Congo), H.E. Labane Gideon (Consul General of South Africa), H.E. Donnawit Poolsawat (Consul General of Thailand), Bastian Mingers (VP, Food Portfolio, Koelnmesse GmbH), and Milind Dixit (MD – India & SAARC, Koelnmesse Pvt Ltd).

Highlighting India’s strengths, Mr. Seetharaman Raghupathi, Executive Director, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) said, “India’s food and beverage sector is growing rapidly, backed by 180 million hectares of arable land, food processing valued at ₹75 trillion, and food expenditure making up over 40% of consumer spend. Dairy contributes 25% of this sector, with India producing one-fourth of the world’s milk, worth ₹12 trillion. With 17 million farmers across 235,000 villages, 35% of whom are women, dairy cooperatives return 75% of the consumer rupee, channelling ₹2.1 billion daily into the rural economy. Initiatives like White Revolution 2.0, which aims to establish 75,000 new cooperatives by 2028–29, will further boost this growth”.

The twin expos are hosting over 1,100 exhibitors across 55,000 sqm, with participation from 65 countries, and are expected to attract 60,000 visitors across three days. Covering the entire food and beverage value chain, the events serve as a platform for cutting-edge innovations, global collaborations, and knowledge exchange.

Organized by Koelnmesse India, these exhibitions are designed to accelerate South Asia’s F&B growth by fostering innovation and building international trade partnerships.

About Anuga FoodTec India:

 Anuga FoodTec India is part of Koelnmesse’s portfolio of world-leading trade fairs in food and beverage processing. The event extends the global reputation of Anuga FoodTec and ProSweets Cologne into the Indian market. With its strong international network, Koelnmesse continues to deliver bespoke events across key markets worldwide.

About Anuga Select India:

Anuga Select India is Koelnmesse’s leading trade fair focusing on food and beverage markets, connecting global players with India’s fast-growing sector. It draws on the strength of renowned international events like Anuga and ISM, while enabling regional partnerships across multiple continents.

Government of India's think tank NITI Aayog has recommended the introduction of a single-window clearance system for homestay registrations to unlock the potential of alternative accommodation in India’s growing tourism industry.

The proposal comes as part of its report, Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways, released by Vice Chairman Suman Bery. The report highlights that the registration process should be simplified, requiring only essential documents such as ownership proof, applicant identification, and GST registration.

To ensure better coordination, the Aayog has also suggested the establishment of a central nodal agency that would streamline communication between departments, stakeholders, and policymakers. This unified approach would help in policy implementation, marketing, and resource allocation.

The report stresses that financial incentives should be destination-focused, promoting tourism development at regional levels instead of focusing only on individual homestay amenities. It further recommends collaborative marketing by state governments to showcase unique regional offerings and support lesser-known destinations through homestays that provide authentic, community-driven experiences.

At the 18th CII Annual Tourism Summit, Suman Billa, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, echoed the need to expand tourism infrastructure to address rising demand. He outlined a three-pronged strategy for states, granting infrastructure status, rationalizing norms, and simplifying clearances. He also emphasized the importance of increasing international tourism and promoting India globally.

Reports indicate that India’s homestay market reached Rs 4,722 crore in 2024, reflecting strong recovery post-pandemic. The sector’s growth has been driven by booming domestic tourism and changing travel preferences toward experiential stays and unexplored destinations.

The Aayog emphasized the importance of transparent, light-touch regulatory frameworks to ensure safety, protect heritage, and promote inclusive and sustainable growth. With domestic tourism driving recovery and alternative accommodations gaining traction, homestays represent a major economic opportunity for India’s tourism future.