Culinary Tourism: Drawing Visitors through Mall/High Street Dining and Hospitality

Culinary Tourism: Drawing Visitors through Mall/High Street Dining and Hospitality

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 23, 2024

Culinary tourism is rapidly becoming a key driver in the tourism industry, with an increasing number of travelers seeking unique and memorable dining experiences. Malls and high streets are capitalizing on this trend by transforming into culinary destinations, offering diverse and immersive gastronomic adventures. This strategy not only enhances the visitor experience but also boosts foot traffic and revenue for retail and hospitality businesses.

The Rise of Culinary Tourism

Culinary tourism focuses on exploring local cuisines, dining experiences, and food-related activities as a significant part of travel. According to the World Food Travel Association, culinary travelers spend about 25% of their travel budget on food. This shift has prompted many commercial centers to integrate high-quality dining options and culinary events into their offerings.

Malls and High Streets as Culinary Destinations

Omaxe Chowk, located in the heart of Delhi, aims to be a hub for culinary tourism by showcasing India's rich culinary heritage. "Our vision is to recreate the charm of Chandni Chowk's street food within a modern and comfortable environment. Visitors can enjoy authentic local delicacies while exploring the historical and cultural essence of Old Delhi," says Jatin Goel, Executive Director, Omaxe Group. The operational food brands at Omaxe Chowk's Dawatpur include Popeyes, Burger King, Hongs Kitchen, Pizza Hut, Vaango, Spicenama, Eat Co., Amritsari Chennai Express, Chat Town, Jung Bahadur Kachori, KDH Chat, Vezley, Chicago Pizza, KFC, Chinese Wok, Dominos, Rolls Mania, Wow Momo, and Wow China.

Pacific Malls, with multiple locations across India, have embraced the culinary tourism trend by offering a variety of dining options ranging from fine dining to food courts with international cuisines. "We believe that a great dining experience is crucial to the overall appeal of our malls. By bringing together diverse culinary traditions, we aim to attract food enthusiasts and create a vibrant community space," states Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director of Pacific Malls. Notable food brands at Pacific Malls include Spezia Bistro, Punjab Grill, United Coffee House, Chili's, Birch By Romeo Lane, Neoba, House of Royal, Indus Flavour, and QDs.

Reach 3Roads, a mixed-use development in Gurugram, combines retail, dining, and entertainment to create a holistic experience for visitors. "Our focus is on creating an environment where people can come together to enjoy great food and social activities. Culinary events and festivals are a significant part of our strategy to engage the community and attract tourists," shares Nandini Taneja, VP, Reach Group. The dining options at Reach 3Roads include Sagar Ratna, Starbucks, Haldiram's, Chaayos, McDonald's, Badmaash Kebabi, Hong's Kitchen, Dunkin', and Moti Mahal.

Urban Square Mall in Udaipur is positioning itself as a premier culinary destination in the region. "We are curating a mix of local and international dining options to cater to the tastes of both residents and tourists. Our goal is to make Urban Square Mall a landmark for food lovers in Udaipur and for those also visiting Udaipur," says Uddhav Poddar, Managing Director of Bhumika Group, developers of Urban Square Mall. The mall features a variety of food brands including Kailash Parbat, Starbucks, Pind Balluchi, Keventers, Wow Momos, Subway, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Baskin Robbins. Additionally, they're excited to announce the upcoming opening of Lemon Tree Hotel and PVR INOX, further enhancing the visitor experience.

Creating Memorable Culinary Experiences

To attract and retain visitors, malls and high streets are incorporating various elements into their culinary offerings. Diverse food options, including local, regional, and international cuisines, cater to different tastes and preferences. Themed food festivals celebrate specific cuisines, seasons, or cultural traditions, drawing in crowds. Interactive food experiences, such as cooking classes, food tastings, and chef meet-and-greets, engage visitors actively. Aesthetic and comfortable ambiance enhances the overall dining experience, while promotions and partnerships with food bloggers, chefs, and influencers help to promote dining options and attract food enthusiasts.

Culinary tourism is transforming malls and high streets into vibrant culinary hubs, creating memorable experiences for visitors. As this trend continues to evolve, these commercial centers will be pivotal in shaping the future of travel and dining.


Stone Water by Zuper Opens Bali-Inspired Resort in Karjat

Stone Water by Zuper Opens Bali-Inspired Resort in Karjat

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

Set amidst flowing river waters and open natural surroundings, Stone Water by Zuper has officially opened its doors, introducing a fresh destination escape near Mumbai. Designed as a Bali-inspired retreat, the resort blends nature, thoughtful architecture, luxury living, and recreation, positioning itself as a standout hospitality offering in Karjat.

The resort features 126 well-designed rooms spread across five distinctive categories, each created to offer a close connection with nature while maintaining modern comfort. Options range from The Whispering Brook, an earth-sheltered stay opening to sweeping river views, to The Cascade Private Pool Cottages, where warm lights glow through surrounding forest greens. Guests can also choose Silver Spring Pool Access rooms with direct pool entry, or the TwinLeaf Pool Cottage, ideal for families and groups seeking private poolside stays.

Dining is a key highlight at the property. A signature restaurant set beside a legacy old banyan tree offers relaxed open-air dining, while a stylish café and bar caters to casual indulgence. Adding to the experience is a boho-inspired pool bar overlooking the river, creating a lively yet laid-back setting for evenings with handcrafted cocktails. For events and celebrations, the resort offers two indoor banquet halls, a poolside lawn, and a large river-facing lawn designed for weddings, social gatherings, and grand occasions.

One of the resort’s most anticipated features is its upcoming exclusive river canopies, positioned right in the middle of the flowing river. These private spaces promise a rare stay experience, surrounded by panoramic views and the calming sound of water, making them truly one of a kind in the region.

Recreation is equally well thought out, with facilities including pickleball courts, paddle courts, bowling alleys, and other activity zones. The mix of leisure, adventure, and social spaces allows guests to strike the right balance between relaxation and energy-filled experiences.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ajay Badekar, Director of Stone Water by Zuper, said, "This is how dreams turn into reality. Stone Water Resort & Spa is a sanctuary of peace and serenity where guests can create their own moments rather than wait for someone else to make them. This is where nature and design co-exist in absolute harmony & it is not just a destination, but an experience designed to be cherished for a lifetime."

The property is managed by Zuper Hotels & Resorts, a well-known name in Maharashtra’s resort and boutique hospitality space. With over 14 years of experience, Zuper manages premium properties across the state and plays an active role in weddings, corporate events, and large-scale celebrations.

With its layered pools, river-centric design, luxury stays, and vibrant lifestyle offerings, Stone Water by Zuper marks a new chapter in experiential hospitality near Mumbai, offering guests an escape that feels immersive, refreshing, and memorable.


Suba Hotels Limited Strengthens Click Hotels Presence with Three New Signings

Suba Hotels Limited Strengthens Click Hotels Presence with Three New Signings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

Suba Hotels Limited has announced the addition of three new properties under its popular Click Hotels brand. The newly signed hotels will be located in Hyderabad, Ujjain, and Visakhapatnam. With these signings, the company now manages a total of 35 hotels under the Click Hotels portfolio.

Sharing his thoughts on the expansion, Managing Director Mansur Mehta said, "Our brand Click Hotels has been gaining a lot of popularity and acceptance with both guests and owners. We are extremely happy with the response, and the entire team at Suba Hotels will strive hard to ensure that the Click Hotels brand receives more recognition and accolades from everyone."

Commenting on the milestone, CEO Mubeen Mehta congratulated the team and said, "I congratulate the entire team on such a wonderful achievement. It truly shows the utmost commitment of the team. Such results are possible due to dedicated teamwork." He further added that this growth reflects the steady and fast-paced expansion of the Suba Group.

Providing more details about the newly signed properties, VP Operations Abinash Ashok said, "The Click Hotel, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, is a 48-room property and is being developed in association with Multiverse Hotels. The Click Hotel, Ujjain, comprises 53 rooms, and The Click Hotel, Visakhapatnam, is a 32-room hotel developed in association with Abhiram Hotels & Resorts and Indus Group."

Suba Hotels is among India’s largest and fastest-growing domestic hotel chains in the mid-market space. The company operates across upscale, upper midscale, midscale, and economy segments. With a strong presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, Suba Hotels continues to grow through smart market strategies, an asset-light approach, and a focus on delivering quality guest experiences at accessible price points.


United Hospitality Management India expands portfolio with Garner Bhidawi

United Hospitality Management India expands portfolio with Garner Bhidawi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 24, 2026

United Hospitality Management (UHM), a global leader in luxury and mixeduse hospitality management, has entered into a franchise agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts for Garner Bhidawi. This signing forms a key part of UHM’s ambi;ous growth plans in India and follows its recent acquisition of the boutique brand Rosastays.

United Hospitality Management – India will manage the 45-key hotel, which is scheduled to open in 2027. The property, to developed by Modest Structures Private Limited, will offer modern rooms suited for both short and extended stays, focusing on delivering quality hospitality at an accessible price point. With this addition, Garner Bhidawi becomes the fourth Garner brand property in India. Garner is a midscale conversion brand that prioritises comfort and meaningful experiences.

UHM formally entered the Indian market in Q4 2025 through the acquisition of Rosastays. This move significantly strengthened the group’s footprint in the country, adding 17 opera;onal proper;es across key leisure destinations including Goa, Kasauli, Nainital, Pushkar, and Shimla.

Commenting on the development, Deepika Arora, Managing Director, United Hospitality Management – India, said:

“Our focus in India is on building a diversified and future-ready hospitality portfolio through strategic partnerships and disciplined management. The addi;on of Garner Bhiwadi strengthens our presence in emerging industrial and business corridors, while allowing us to apply United Hospitality Management's opera;onal exper;se to a format that delivers strong owner returns and consistent guest experiences.

As we expand following our entry into the Indian market, we are selectively identifying locations where professional management, global brand systems and local market understanding can collectively unlock long-term value. Garner Bhiwadi reflects this approach and reinforces our commitment to scaling thoughtfully across key growth markets.”

With more than 30 years of exper;se and over USD 1 billion in assets under management, UHM oversees a growing global portfolio across Europe and the Middle East. Its portfolio includes partnerships with global brands such as Marriott, Accor, Hyatt, and Wyndham, along with its own lifestyle ecosystem featuring over 20 specialty food and beverage brands and the award-winning wellness brand, ‘Serenity – The Art of Well Being’.

IHG’s newest midscale conversion brand, Garner, builds on the group’s leadership in the midscale segment. It offers quality stays at an accessible price point, designed around relaxed and flexible experiences. Garner is aimed at value-conscious travellers who priori;se comfort and meaningful experiences, supported by IHG’s global enterprise systems and rewards programme.

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