CG Hospitality and Marriott Launch Series by Marriott with The Fern in India

CG Hospitality and Marriott Launch Series by Marriott with The Fern in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 28, 2025

CG Hospitality Global, the hospitality division of CG Corp Global and majority stakeholder in Concept Hospitality Private Limited (CHPL), has partnered with Marriott International to launch Series by Marriott — a new midscale and upscale collection brand. The launch is powered by the affiliation of The Fern brand portfolio, a widely respected eco-sensitive hotel chain in India, managed by CHPL.

This landmark agreement adds up to 84 Fern-branded hotels with approximately 6,000 rooms to Marriott’s India presence, making it one of the country’s most significant multi-unit transactions in hospitality. CHPL currently operates over 120 hotels across 90 cities, with 40 more in the pipeline.

The deal also includes a strategic equity investment by Marriott in CHPL, along with an exclusive long-term co-branding agreement for The Fern, The Fern Residency, and The Fern Habitat in India. These brands will continue to preserve their regional charm while gaining access to Marriott’s global distribution platforms, digital systems, and the powerful Marriott Bonvoy™ loyalty program, which boasts over 237 million members.

Founded in 1996, CHPL has become one of India’s leading hotel management companies. This partnership aligns with CG Hospitality’s vision of promoting regionally-rooted, globally-scaled hospitality brands.

“This strategic collaboration represents more than just a portfolio expansion—it’s the alignment of two shared visions to redefine the mid-market hospitality landscape,” said Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director & CEO, CG Corp Global & CG Hospitality Holdings. “With this partnership, we're now setting our sights on taking The Fern to 500 hotels by 2030, and arguably making it the biggest brand in this segment in India. Marriott's global scale and loyalty ecosystem will be a powerful catalyst in achieving this ambitious vision.”

Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, echoed the excitement:

“Series by Marriott furthers our commitment to delivering lodging offerings in the right place at the right price with basics done well. This deal helps meaningfully expand Marriott's leading position in India. The Fern portfolio is highly regarded and embodies the spirit of our new Series by Marriott brand.”

The collaboration aims to bring sustainable and responsible hospitality to the forefront, particularly in India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and culturally rich destinations.

CG Hospitality currently manages 195 hotels, resorts, and wellness properties across 12 countries and 127 destinations, and continues to act as a global enabler for Indian hospitality brands.

Additionally, CG Hospitality and Marriott recently announced the conversion of The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines into an Autograph Collection resort — a key move in bringing wellness-based luxury to international markets.

With this bold new partnership, both CG Hospitality and Marriott International signal a renewed commitment to scaling hospitality in India responsibly, while empowering Indian-origin brands to shine on the global stage.


Bizzcom Solutions Expands to the U.S. with New Operations in New Jersey and New York

Bizzcom Solutions Expands to the U.S. with New Operations in New Jersey and New York

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 17, 2025

Bizzcom Solutions, one of India’s leading PR and communications agencies, has officially expanded its global footprint with the launch of its operations in New Jersey and New York, marking a bold step into the U.S. market.

The newly launched offices will cater to a wide range of high-growth industries including Education, Hospitality, IT, Healthcare, Wealth Management, Fashion, and Wellness, offering the agency’s full spectrum of services—from digital PR and brand storytelling to media relations and influencer outreach.

“At Bizzcom Solutions, we believe in building brand narratives that transcend borders,” said Praveen Tiwari, Founder of Bizzcom Solutions. “Our decision to expand into New Jersey and New York stems from the growing demand for integrated communications strategies in some of the world’s most competitive markets. Our team is excited to help U.S.-based clients create impactful connections with their audiences.”

The expansion is not just about market entry, but about delivering localized, sector-specific strategies that resonate with American audiences. With a solid track record in India across startups, SMEs, and multinational clients, Bizzcom brings a reputation for results-driven PR campaigns, strategic branding, and powerful digital communication.

As part of its U.S. strategy, Bizzcom Solutions will:

  • Set up dedicated teams for each focus sector to provide domain expertise.

  • Build partnerships with local media, influencers, and content creators to develop authentic brand narratives.

  • Offer a comprehensive suite of services including thought leadership campaigns, brand storytelling, crisis communication, and strategic media outreach.

Additionally, Bizzcom’s U.S. operations are expected to create cross-border opportunities for Indian companies and institutions looking to expand internationally—effectively bridging brand communication between the two markets.

With this strategic move, Bizzcom Solutions positions itself as a global communication partner for brands looking to scale with purpose and precision.


Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council Expresses Deep Condolences Following Ahmedabad Air Tragedy

Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council Expresses Deep Condolences Following Ahmedabad Air Tragedy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 15, 2025

The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. Bound for London Gatwick, the flight was carrying 242 passengers, with initial reports confirming over 100 fatalities and many more injured after the aircraft descended into a residential and hostel zone near Meghani Nagar.

Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of THSC and Former President of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), extended heartfelt condolences to the families impacted.

“This tragedy has not only shaken communities but also cast a shadow over the spirit of travel and exploration that unites us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, the brave rescue workers, and the medical staff tirelessly working on the ground. We stand in solidarity and commit to supporting relief and rehabilitation efforts in any way we can,” she said.

Reflecting on the wider implications of such disasters, Mrs. Mayal stressed the importance of safety and preparedness within the travel and hospitality industry.

“Incidents like these serve as stark reminders that safety is the foundation of a resilient tourism sector,” she noted.
“When tragedy strikes, it disrupts not just lives but also the confidence of travelers, the livelihoods of those dependent on tourism, and the overall image of a destination.”

THSC reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing crisis management across the industry and announced that it is actively exploring the integration of emergency response modules into its certification programs, equipping hospitality professionals with the skills needed to respond effectively during such unforeseen events.

“The Ahmedabad crash is a solemn reminder of the interdependence between safety, preparedness, and public trust in travel,” added Mrs. Mayal.

As the nation comes to terms with the loss, THSC stands united with all affected and will continue to advocate for stronger safety measures, staff training, and cross-sector coordination to uphold the highest standards of traveller security and confidence.


Sodexo Joins Hands with Medanta Indore to Redefine Hospital Dining Experience

Sodexo Joins Hands with Medanta Indore to Redefine Hospital Dining Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 15, 2025

Sodexo, a global leader in sustainable food services and workplace experiences, has officially partnered with Medanta Hospital, Indore, to enhance the overall dining experience for patients and visitors. This collaboration is part of Medanta’s broader commitment to providing patient-centric, high-quality healthcare where nutrition and wellness play a central role in recovery and comfort.

Drawing on its deep expertise in healthcare nutrition and culinary innovation, Sodexo will now manage all food service operations at Medanta Indore. This includes customised, nutrition-forward meal programs designed in collaboration with the hospital’s medical teams, ensuring they meet diverse dietary requirements and support better health outcomes.

image

A dedicated team of professional chefs, nutritionists, and service experts will work together to deliver meals that are not only balanced and safe but also crafted to aid healing. Speaking on the occasion, Sharad Misra, Chief Operating Officer, Health & Care Segment, Sodexo India, shared:

This partnership reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centric food services that align with Medanta’s healthcare excellence. From balanced meals and seamless digital ordering to modern visitor dining spaces, our focus is on promoting recovery and well-being through thoughtful, reliable food experiences.”

image

Dr. Sanjay Geed, Medical Director, Medanta Hospital, Indore, added:

“At Medanta, we believe healing is holistic. The right nutrition is essential for faster recovery and patient comfort. Sodexo’s expertise in healthcare dining enables us to provide customised meals that complement our clinical care. We’re confident this collaboration will raise the bar for patient experience and integrated care.”

Introducing So’Eze: A Digital Shift in Hospital Dining

A key highlight of the partnership is the rollout of Sodexo’s So’Eze app—a user-friendly digital platform that allows patients and visitors to browse menus, place meal orders, and receive updates in real time, enhancing convenience and efficiency across the hospital.

What’s on the Menu?

The Sodexo-Medanta experience includes a variety of tailored services:

  • Aarogyum – Specialised in-patient meals designed for recovery and tailored nutrition.

  • YOO Café – A relaxed dining space for visitors offering a healthy and comforting menu.

  • Food Carts – Mobile units across the hospital that offer grab-and-go meal options.

  • Health Check Lounge Services – Custom meals for those undergoing preventive health check-ups.

This long-term partnership is a step forward in redefining the hospital food landscape—blending Sodexo’s operational and culinary excellence with Medanta’s clinical reputation. Over time, Sodexo aims to continue innovating in the food service space, helping Medanta deliver an integrated and holistic healing environment focused on comfort, nutrition, and recovery.

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.