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.


Manglam Group to Invest ₹350 Crore in Sheraton Hotel on Jaipur–Ajmer Highway

Manglam Group to Invest ₹350 Crore in Sheraton Hotel on Jaipur–Ajmer Highway

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 25, 2026

Manglam Group, one of Rajasthan's leading real estate developers, has announced the signing of a Sheraton Hotel with Marriott International in Jaipur. The upcoming project will feature 220 keys and is being developed with an investment of approximately ₹350 crore across more than 3 lakh sq. ft. on the Jaipur–Ajmer Highway.

The development marks Manglam Group's third collaboration with Marriott International and is part of the company's broader ₹1,000 crore hospitality investment roadmap aimed at strengthening its presence in Rajasthan's growing tourism and hospitality sector.

The agreement was signed by Amrita Gupta, Director of Manglam Group and CEO of Manglam Spa and Resorts, and Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International. The signing ceremony was attended by David Marriott, Chairman of the Board, Marriott International, and N. K. Gupta, Founder and Chairman of Manglam Group.

David Marriott visited Jaipur along with senior members of Marriott's global and regional leadership teams. The delegation was welcomed with a specially curated programme showcasing Rajasthan's rich culture and heritage through traditional performances and artisan displays.

Strategically located on the Jaipur–Ajmer Highway (NH-48), the hotel will benefit from strong connectivity to Ajmer, Pushkar, Kishangarh and Jaipur International Airport. The location is also close to Mahindra World City SEZ, a major business and industrial hub that continues to drive corporate travel and MICE demand in the region. With increasing residential and commercial development along the corridor, Ajmer Road is emerging as a key destination for premium hospitality projects.

The Sheraton Hotel is being designed as a luxury hospitality destination that blends premium accommodation with contemporary guest experiences. Inspired by Jaipur's vibrant culture, artistic traditions and heritage, the property will feature thoughtfully designed interiors and experiences that celebrate Rajasthan while maintaining Sheraton's globally recognised standards of hospitality.

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Sharing her thoughts on the project, Amrita Gupta, Director of Manglam Group and CEO of Manglam Spa and Resorts, said, “Jaipur is no longer simply a place the world visits. It is becoming the place the world chooses for its most important moments, from weddings to business. At Manglam, our vision has always been to create hospitality that carries the soul of Rajasthan onto a global stage, and the Sheraton Hotel sits at the very heart of that ambition. Sheraton is a name families across India have trusted with their biggest celebrations for generations, and to bring it to Ajmer Road is to offer that legacy in the heart of the country’s wedding capital. Through this hotel, we hope to do far more than host guests. We want to carry Jaipur’s culture, craft and warmth to the world, and to place this city firmly on the global map for celebration, leisure and business alike.”

Speaking on the partnership, David Marriott, Chairman of the Board, Marriott International, said, "My grandparents founded Marriott on the belief that taking care of associates leads to better guest experiences, and ultimately long-term success. Over the years, we have also learned that meaningful growth is built on strong partnerships and shared values. We are pleased to collaborate with Manglam Group on Sheraton Hotel and look forward to bringing together Sheraton's globally recognised hospitality standards and Manglam's vision for creating exceptional hospitality experiences in Rajasthan."

The addition of Sheraton further strengthens Manglam Group's hospitality portfolio in Jaipur. Along with Westin Jaipur on Delhi Road and Fern by Marriott in Jagatpura, the new hotel reinforces the Group's strategy of establishing a presence across Jaipur's major growth corridors while supporting the city's position as a preferred destination for weddings, leisure travel, business tourism and large-scale events.


NIFCO India Chooses Inspira City for Its Fourth Manufacturing Facility

NIFCO India Chooses Inspira City for Its Fourth Manufacturing Facility

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

Inspira Realty, a real estate development company under Inspira Global, has announced the addition of NIFCO India Pvt. Ltd. to its flagship industrial and warehousing development, Inspira City, located in Shendra MIDC, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

As part of the agreement, NIFCO India has secured a long-term lease for an industrial plot measuring 2,23,561 sq. ft. The site will house the company's fourth manufacturing facility in India, strengthening its production network and supporting future growth plans in the country.

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Headquartered in Japan, NIFCO Inc. is a globally recognised manufacturer of plastic fasteners, clips and functional components for the automotive industry, with operations in more than 30 countries. In India, the company serves as a key Tier-1 supplier to leading automotive OEMs. The new plant is expected to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and help meet the growing requirements of India's expanding automotive sector.

The development is also a significant milestone for Inspira City, with NIFCO becoming the third Japanese company to establish operations within the industrial park. The addition follows the presence of NHK Springs Co. Ltd. and Aisin Automotive India Pvt. Ltd., further strengthening the park's reputation as a preferred destination for global manufacturers.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Managing Director, Inspira Global, said, "NIFCO's decision to establish its fourth India facility at Inspira City is a strong endorsement of the infrastructure and ecosystem we are building. Beyond the transaction itself, we are particularly encouraged by the growing interest from Japanese manufacturers, who are among the world's most demanding industrial occupiers. Their presence validates our vision of creating a globally competitive manufacturing destination in the heart of Maharashtra."

Uday Shankar, MD, NIFCO India, said, "India continues to be a strategically important market for NIFCO, driven by the sustained growth of the automotive sector and evolving customer requirements. The establishment of our fourth manufacturing facility reflects our commitment to strengthening local production capabilities and supporting our OEM partners more effectively. Inspira City's infrastructure readiness, strategic location, and connectivity made it a compelling choice for our next phase of expansion in India."

The latest agreement adds to a growing list of investments at Inspira City, which continues to attract both domestic and international companies from sectors including automotive, engineering, logistics and allied industries. With several land parcels currently under discussion, Inspira Realty remains focused on supporting Maharashtra's growth as a leading industrial and manufacturing investment destination.


Amritara Hotels Expands Presence in Varanasi with Launch of Amritara The Samagam

Amritara Hotels Expands Presence in Varanasi with Launch of Amritara The Samagam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 23, 2026

Amritara Hotels has strengthened its presence in Varanasi with the launch of Amritara The Samagam, a riverside retreat located at the confluence of the Ganga and Gomti rivers. The property marks the group's second hotel in the destination and reflects its continued focus on offering deeper and more meaningful travel experiences within culturally significant locations.

Situated in Kaithi village, around 35 kilometres east of Varanasi city, the retreat is surrounded by one of the region's oldest sacred landscapes. The area is home to the historic Markandey Mahadev Temple, a revered Shiva shrine that has stood on the riverbank for centuries.

Offering a quieter alternative to the bustling ghats of Varanasi, the property allows guests to experience evening aarti ceremonies in a more peaceful setting. The surrounding landscape is also known for its natural beauty, with freshwater dolphins occasionally visible in the river and serene riverside walks that offer a close connection with nature.

The launch reflects Amritara Hotels' decision to deepen its presence in Varanasi rather than expand into a new destination. The company believes that the future of hospitality lies in understanding and interpreting destinations with strong cultural and spiritual significance rather than simply increasing geographic reach.

Amritara's first property in the city, Amritara Suryauday Haveli, offers guests an experience immersed in the vibrant energy of Kashi, with its ghats, rituals, and spiritual traditions. In contrast, Amritara The Samagam has been designed for travellers seeking a slower and more reflective journey.

Guests at the new retreat can explore lesser-known spiritual experiences, including aarti ceremonies at the Markandey Mahadev Temple, boat rides along the confluence of the Ganga and Gomti rivers, and opportunities to discover the region's rich natural surroundings.

Together, Amritara Suryauday Haveli and Amritara The Samagam offer visitors two distinct perspectives of Varanasi, one rooted in the energy and devotion of the ancient city, and the other in the tranquillity and spiritual depth of its surrounding countryside.

With this addition, Amritara Hotels continues to strengthen its portfolio of experiential stays while catering to travellers seeking authentic cultural, spiritual, and nature-based experiences.

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