Hyatt Hotels is stepping up its growth plans in India, with a focus on introducing new brands, exploring partnerships, and expanding its overall presence in the country. The company is looking to bring brands like The Standard and UrCove to India as part of its broader strategy.

Currently, Hyatt operates 55 properties in India with around 10,500 keys. The brand already has 9 of its global brands in the country, and this number is expected to increase to 10 with the upcoming launch of The Destination in Jaipur later this year.

Sharing insights at the Hotel Investment Conference, South Asia (HICSA) 2026, David Udell, Group President, Asia Pacific, Hyatt, said, "We have 36 brands globally, of which we currently have 9 in India that will go up to 10 with the addition of The Destination in Jaipur expected this year. India is our top market presenting opportunities for all our brands. Over the next couple of years, we are looking at both organic and inorganic growth in the country, focusing on creating distinctive, experience-led destinations,"

Hyatt is also in discussions with partners to introduce The Standard and UrCove brands in India. Stephen Ho, President Greater China and Growth, Asia Pacific, Hyatt, said, "Currently, we are exploring and talking with our different partners for introducing The Standard and UrCove brands in India,"

As part of its expansion approach, the company is considering acquisitions in collaboration with financial institutions and developers. It is also exploring the possibility of setting up a fund similar to the Atona Impact Fund in Japan, which supports property acquisitions and development projects.

In terms of its immediate pipeline, Hyatt plans to add five new properties this year, including locations in Bhopal, Bengaluru, and Lansdowne, along with The Standard in Jaipur.

Looking ahead, the company aims to cross 110 properties in India by 2030. With strong confidence in the market, Hyatt’s strategy focuses on building unique, experience-driven destinations while expanding across key locations in the country.

Day 2 of the Little Andaman Pro 2026 brought exciting action across surfing and stand-up paddleboarding events, adding to the growing popularity of the championship in India’s surfing calendar. Hosted by the Andaman & Nicobar Tourism in association with the Surfing Federation of India, the event has attracted top talent from across the country and beyond.

The championship continues to receive strong support from the Andaman & Nicobar Tourism Department, playing a key role in promoting adventure sports and positioning the islands as a global destination for surfing and water-based activities.

One of the key highlights of the day came from the Secondary Bank, where the SUP Technical Finals took place. In the Men’s category, Sekar Pachai secured the National SUP Championship 2026 title with a winning time of 10:05.02, finishing ahead of Rajesh D (10:26.39) and Dinesh Selvamani (10:37.33). In the Women’s category, Arthi claimed the top spot with a time of 13:53.20, followed by Vijayalakshmi Irulappan (14:06.01) and Nishi (20:58.96).

In Surfing Men’s Open – Round 2, Yogesh A delivered a solid performance with a score of 10.17, winning his heat by 1.74.

The competition stepped up further in Surfing Men’s Open – Round 3, where Ramesh Budihal recorded the highest score of the day with an impressive 16.00, winning his heat by a margin of 11.83. Sanjay Selvamani also performed strongly with a score of 13.50 (won by 5.03), while Srikanth D secured 11.67 (won by 2.17) in their respective heats.

In the Surfing Women’s Open Quarterfinals, top surfers continued their strong run. Kamali Moorthy scored 10.34 (won by 4.91), Shrishti Selvam registered 7.47 (won by 2.4), and Sugar Shanti Banarse stood out with a leading score of 12.84 (won by 8.64), each topping their heats.

With the competition now moving towards its final stage, Day 3—the grand finale—is expected to bring intense action. The schedule includes Surfing Men’s Open Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals; Surfing Women’s Open Semifinals and Finals; SUP Sprint Men’s Semifinals and Finals; and the SUP Sprint Women’s Final.

Blending sport, culture, and community, the Little Andaman Pro 2026 continues to draw attention, building strong momentum as it heads towards an exciting finish set against the scenic backdrop of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Event Overview:

• Event: Little Andaman Pro 2026 – National Surf & SUP Championship.
• Dates: 9 – 12 April 2026.
• Location: Little Andaman, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Divisions: Senior Division (Surfing & Stand-Up Paddle).
• Organised by: Surfing Federation of India.
• Presented by: Andaman & Nicobar Tourism.

Sayaji Hotels has expanded its presence in India’s growing cities with the launch of Enrise by Sayaji, Amravati, a new hospitality destination aimed at enhancing the city’s business and social scene. Located on NH-6, Nagpur Highway, the hotel brings together modern design, spacious event venues, and attentive service, setting a fresh standard for hospitality in the Vidarbha region.

Amravati, known for its cultural roots and spiritual importance, is steadily gaining attention as an emerging educational and commercial hub in Maharashtra. With strong road and rail connectivity and close access to Nagpur, the city is seeing a rise in business travel and large social gatherings, making it a suitable location for this new development.

The property features 82 well-designed rooms across categories such as Grande, Grande Twin, Executive Grande, and Premium Grande. Each room is created to offer a comfortable and refined stay for both business and leisure travellers.

One of the key highlights of the hotel is its large banqueting and event setup, making it among the biggest event destinations in the region. The property offers eight flexible venues, including indoor spaces like Mahal, Jewel, and Solitaire, along with outdoor areas such as Vrindavan and Vatika. It also features a dedicated amphitheatre, ideal for wedding pheras and cultural events. With the ability to host up to 2,000 guests, the hotel is well-suited for weddings, corporate events, and large celebrations.

Adding to the experience is Momentt, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, which serves a range of multi-cuisine dishes in a warm and welcoming setting.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Ajay Kanojia, Director of Operations, Sayaji Hotels, said,

"With Enrise by Sayaji, our vision is to bring thoughtfully designed hospitality experiences to emerging cities that are on the cusp of growth. Amravati is a market with immense potential, and this property reflects our commitment to delivering scale, quality, and consistency across every touchpoint - from rooms and dining to large-format events."

Mr. Swapnil Soni, Director, Maniratna Group LLP, added, "We are delighted to partner with Sayaji Hotels to bring a landmark hospitality destination to Amravati. This property has been envisioned as a space where the city can celebrate its biggest moments - from weddings to community events, while also catering to the evolving needs of modern travellers."

With its strategic location, large venues, and signature Sayaji hospitality, Enrise by Sayaji, Amravati is expected to become a key destination for travellers and locals alike, offering a balanced mix of comfort, scale, and memorable experiences.