Dusit International, the Thailand-based hospitality group, has announced its continued expansion in India with the signing of a hotel management agreement for Dusit Princess Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The agreement has been signed with Atmosphere, a luxury real estate and hospitality development company focused on destination-led projects.

The upcoming development will be located in the Tehri Garhwal region near Rishikesh, one of India’s most prominent destinations for spirituality, wellness, and adventure tourism. Scheduled to open in 2031, the project is envisioned as an upscale mixed-use development combining contemporary hospitality with wellness-driven experiences inspired by the Himalayan landscape.

Dusit Princess Rishikesh will feature approximately 300 keys, including hotel rooms and luxury duplex villas. Designed to appeal to both leisure and business travellers, the property will offer a wide range of facilities including an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, business centre, outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, yoga room, and multipurpose event spaces.

The development will also include an expansive clubhouse offering additional lifestyle amenities such as a spa, infinity pool, restaurant with 250 covers, squash court, mini-plex, bowling alley, and indoor recreational facilities, positioning it as a comprehensive lifestyle destination in the region.

According to Dusit International, the signing reinforces its long-term strategy to expand thoughtfully across India, focusing on destinations aligned with growing demand for wellness, leisure, and experience-led travel. The company highlighted Rishikesh as a natural fit for its brand philosophy, given its blend of spirituality, nature, and tourism potential.

Speaking on the announcement, Siradej Donavanik, Vice President – Development (Global) at Dusit International, said India remains a key strategic market for the group. He noted that the company aims to build in destinations that align with evolving traveller preferences and strong market fundamentals, with a focus on wellness-oriented hospitality experiences.

Sanchit Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of Atmosphere, said the collaboration with Dusit International reflects a shared vision of creating luxury hospitality destinations that integrate nature, wellness, and elevated living experiences. He expressed confidence that Dusit Princess Rishikesh will emerge as a distinctive retreat in Uttarakhand’s growing luxury hospitality landscape.

The signing follows the opening of dusitD2 Fagu Shimla in 2024 and further strengthens Dusit International’s development pipeline in India as it continues to expand its presence across emerging leisure and wellness destinations

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, recognized as India’s first eco-friendly hotel, celebrated World Environment Day with a range of green initiatives aimed at encouraging environmental awareness and sustainable living among guests and visitors.

The hotel used the occasion to promote simple yet meaningful actions that help individuals reconnect with nature and adopt greener habits in their daily lives. Through engaging activities and community participation, the celebrations reflected The Orchid’s continued commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality.

As part of the initiative, the hotel’s Green Team distributed planters to guests in the lobby, encouraging them to bring home a touch of greenery and contribute to a healthier environment. The gesture was well received by guests and added an eco-conscious element to the day’s celebrations.

The hotel also organized a plantation activity for young guests, giving children an opportunity to plant saplings while learning about the importance of caring for the environment. The activity combined education with hands-on participation, making sustainability both accessible and engaging for the younger generation.

By turning the celebration into a platform for environmental awareness, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai highlighted how collective efforts and conscious choices can contribute to a greener future.

For the hotel, sustainability extends beyond annual observances and remains an integral part of its operational philosophy. Over the years, The Orchid has implemented several measures designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high hospitality standards.

Some of the hotel's key sustainability initiatives include water-saving Geberit flush tanks, aerators in taps and showers to reduce water consumption, natural sunlight atriums that lower electricity usage during the day, and in-house vermicomposting systems that convert wet waste into eco-friendly compost. The property also follows dedicated waste management practices, uses environment-friendly construction methods, and incorporates energy conservation measures throughout its infrastructure.

Speaking about the initiative, Varun Sahani, Senior Vice President, Kamat Hotels India Limited, said, “World Environment Day is a reminder that even small actions can create a meaningful impact on our environment. At The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, sustainability has always been at the heart of our hospitality philosophy. Through initiatives like planter distribution and plantation activities for children, we aim to encourage our guests and the younger generation to become more conscious towards nature and greener living. As India’s first eco-friendly hotel, we remain committed to promoting sustainable practices every day.”

Over the years, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai has demonstrated that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. Its continued focus on resource conservation, environmental awareness, and community engagement reflects its commitment to creating a positive impact for future generations.

Through its World Environment Day celebrations, the hotel not only planted saplings but also encouraged greater awareness and responsibility towards building a greener and more sustainable future.

ITC Grand Central Mumbai marked World Environment Day with a series of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability, environmental awareness, and responsible living. The activities reflected the hotel's ongoing commitment to integrating eco-conscious practices into its hospitality experience while encouraging guests, associates, and employees to adopt greener habits.

A key highlight of the celebrations was the hotel's Kitchen Garden, which continues to support sustainable hospitality through the cultivation of fresh herbs and produce. The garden features a variety of ingredients, including cherry tomatoes, chillies, coriander, mint, basil, and ajwain, helping promote responsible sourcing and the use of locally grown produce in culinary operations.

To raise awareness about biodiversity and the importance of green spaces, the hotel introduced informative name plaques for trees and plants located across the property. These plaques provide details about each plant's ecological significance, environmental benefits, and contribution to a healthier ecosystem, creating educational touchpoints for visitors and team members.

As part of its efforts to encourage sustainable food choices, ITC Grand Central Mumbai also introduced a specially curated Green Meal at the staff cafeteria. The initiative highlighted the benefits of mindful consumption and plant-forward dining while encouraging employees to make environmentally conscious food choices.

Extending the message of sustainability beyond the hotel premises, guests and associates were presented with Tulsi saplings. The gesture symbolised wellness, resilience, and a collective responsibility towards building a greener future.

Employees from various departments also took part in an environment-themed drawing competition, using creativity to share their perspectives on conservation and the role individuals can play in protecting the planet.

Further strengthening its sustainability efforts, the hotel partnered with Ugaoo to host a dedicated green showcase featuring a selection of plants and gardening solutions. The initiative gave guests and employees an opportunity to explore and purchase indoor and outdoor plants, encouraging greener homes, workplaces, and everyday lifestyles.

Through these activities, ITC Grand Central Mumbai reaffirmed its commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship. By promoting awareness, encouraging sustainable choices, and fostering a stronger connection with nature, the hotel continues to support a more environmentally conscious future.