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.


The Design Company: Where Luxury Meets Living

The Design Company: Where Luxury Meets Living

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2025

The Design Company is a premier design studio redefining the art of architecture, interiors, and landscapes for discerning clients. Based in Bengaluru,  Known for its seamless blend of artistry and precision, the firm creates environments that capture timeless elegance, functional sophistication, and a deep connection to their surroundings. Every project is a personalised journey, shaped by the client’s vision and elevated by the studio’s uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship, detail, and enduring quality.

From bespoke residences to signature hospitality spaces, The Design Company designs not just spaces, but experiences, environments that look exceptional and feel unforgettable.

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At the heart of The Design Company’s success are Sweety R. Nahar and Milind Mantravadi, Founders & Principal Designers, whose expertise in design ideation and flawless execution has set new benchmarks in the industry. Under their leadership, the firm breathes life into every structure it touches, an orchestration of natural light, bespoke materials, and exquisite proportions in perfect harmony.

 Sweety R. Nahar, Founder of The Design Company Says :

“Luxury is not about excess, it’s about intention. Every line, every texture, every shade is chosen to tell a story worth living.”

The Design Company offers a multidisciplinary expertise in Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Design, and Home Styling, delivering a complete and cohesive design experience.

  • Architecture: Innovative yet timeless, their buildings respect the environment, harmonise with surroundings, and stand the test of time.

  • Interiors: Curated spaces that reflect personality, blending textures, colors, and materials for beauty and practicality.

  • Landscapes: Green spaces that connect people to nature, focusing on sustainability, native planting, and seasonal beauty.

Every project is approached as a unique narrative, tailored to the client’s lifestyle and aspirations. From modern urban residences to luxury commercial spaces and serene outdoor retreats, The Design Company integrates form, function, and beauty in every detail.

Clients are treated as collaborators in a creative journey, with a transparent and personalised process ensuring each choice resonates with their vision. Customer satisfaction isn’t just a metric, it’s the foundation of every project.

As trends shift and lifestyles evolve, The Design Company remains committed to its core philosophy: design that inspires and endures. With a growing portfolio across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors, the studio continues to push creative boundaries while staying rooted in its passion for meaningful, sustainable design.

Milind Mantravadi, Founder of The Design Company Says:

“Design is not just about what you see, it’s about how you feel when you experience it. Our job is to make that feeling unforgettable.”

For those seeking more than just a beautiful space, for those looking for a place that tells their story, The Design Company is where the journey begins.

For more details:

Instagram: @thedesigncompany_india
Email: sweetynahar.tdc@gmail.com / milind.tdc@gmail.com


Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2025

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) announced its financial results for Q1 FY26, recording a net profit of Rs 13 crore. Revenue from operations stood at Rs 154 crore, a 14% increase year-on-year, while operating EBITDA grew 16% YoY to Rs 45 crore. The company maintained an industry-leading occupancy of 92%, reaffirming its leadership in the hospitality sector.

ASPHL’s growth is fueled by expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. The company recently signed an MoU to acquire and manage four leisure properties in Goa, Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala, adding 138 rooms under its brand. These steps align with ASPHL’s strategy to broaden its presence in high-potential tourism destinations and double its key count to 5,750 over the next five years.

Flurys, ASPHL’s iconic bakery and confectionery brand, now operates 102 outlets nationwide, reflecting the company’s focus on expanding its market presence while integrating modern amenities with rich cultural heritage.

Commenting on the performance, Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, said,

"We have delivered an extraordinary and best-ever Q1, setting a strong momentum for the year ahead. With topline growth of 14% and EBITDA growth of 16%, we recorded India’s highest occupancy of 92% and maintained leadership in RevPAR in the upper-upscale segment. ARR improved by 13% and RevPAR increased by 12%. With nearly 600 new rooms added, including a 41% rise in our asset-light model, and nationwide Flurys rollout, we are poised to scale faster, enhance margins, and deliver exceptional shareholder value."

ASPHL’s strong performance in Q1 FY26 underscores its strategic focus on market expansion, operational excellence, and premium guest experiences.


Hotel Association of India Launches First-Ever Industry Mentoring Program

Hotel Association of India Launches First-Ever Industry Mentoring Program

By Hariharan U

Published on August 17, 2025

The Hotel Association of India (HAI) has rolled out a landmark mentorship program, an industry-first initiative tailored exclusively for the Indian hotel sector. The move comes as the hospitality industry sees rapid growth, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, spanning nearly 50 locations.

This structured platform aims to bridge the widening talent gap, while supporting sustainable growth across the sector. Its key focus areas include leadership development, career progression, enhancing organisational culture, and improving both employee attraction to hospitality and their long-term engagement.

The operational framework has been crafted by a team of domain experts from HAI member hotels, ensuring the program is deeply aligned with industry realities.

At the program’s launch, Union Minister of Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hailed the initiative as a turning point for Indian tourism,“The Hotel Association of India’s innovative program marks a significant step towards establishing India as a global tourism powerhouse, with an ambitious goal of creating a $3 trillion tourism economy by 2047. As the demand for tourism continues to surge, the need for talented and visionary leaders in hospitality has never been greater”, he said, adding that the program will shape professionals ready to lead the sector’s future.

KB Kachru, President of HAI and Chairman, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, described the program as being rooted in the guru-shishya tradition, offering personalised mentorship that fosters a lasting commitment to hospitality leadership.“The government and industry aim to create around a million branded hotel rooms to meet the India Tourism Vision 2047. This will require adding about 100,000 middle to senior management hotel managers to the current pool”, Kachru noted.

The initiative will be integrated into member hotels’ brand culture, enabling them to nurture future leaders and strengthen India’s standing as a world-class hospitality destination

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