Fathmath Thaufeeq Appointed as New CEO of Visit Maldives

Fathmath Thaufeeq Appointed as New CEO of Visit Maldives

By Author

Published on December 27, 2023

In a significant move for Maldives tourism, the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), also known as Visit Maldives, has welcomed Fathmath Thaufeeq as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Thaufeeq steps into this role succeeding Thoyyib Mohammed, who has been a key figure in guiding the country's tourism, especially during challenging times.

With a Master's in Business Administration from the University of West England, Thaufeeq is not new to leadership roles. Her previous positions include Admin and Procurement Manager at WAMCO and HR & Admin Manager at Jalboot Maldives. These roles, along with her work at ALIA and the Environmental Protection Agency, have equipped her with a diverse skill set, making her an ideal leader for MMPRC.

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Thaufeeq is enthusiastic about her new role. She believes in the power of partnerships and is committed to working closely with industry partners to achieve new heights in tourism. She is open to discussions and collaborations, aiming to promote top-notch tourism practices in the Maldives.

MMPRC, under Thaufeeq's leadership, continues its mission to promote the Maldives globally. The Corporation is active in 15 key markets, including India, where it is represented by Think Strawberries. Their strategy includes travel trade shows, brand campaigns, digital marketing, and media engagement, all aimed at showcasing the Maldives' beauty and hospitality to the world.


Paisabazaar Launches PB Pass with Collinson, Unlocking 1,800+ Airport Lounges Globally

Paisabazaar Launches PB Pass with Collinson, Unlocking 1,800+ Airport Lounges Globally

By Hariharan U

Published on July 2, 2026

Paisabazaar has announced the launch of PB Pass, a new complimentary airport lounge access benefit developed in partnership with Collinson International, a global leader in airport experiences and loyalty solutions.

The new program provides users access to over 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences across more than 800 airports worldwide, powered by the LoungeKey network.

PB Pass has been designed to reward customer engagement on the Paisabazaar platform. Users who pay their credit card bills through the Paisabazaar app will get a chance to participate in a monthly “Spin the Wheel” contest, where selected winners receive a complimentary PB Pass.

In addition, the benefit is also extended to new credit card customers. Users who apply for a credit card via Paisabazaar and activate it, followed by their first bill payment through the app, will be eligible to receive a PB Pass as an assured reward.

Each PB Pass allows seamless access to airport lounges or travel experiences through a QR code-based system, eliminating the need for additional memberships or registrations. The network includes lounges such as Travel Club Lounge at Don Mueang International Airport in Thailand, Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, and Rose Lounge at Vietnam’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Speaking on the launch, Santosh Agarwal, CEO of Paisabazaar, said the initiative aims to deliver value beyond acquisition and enhance customer engagement across the lifecycle. He noted that airport lounge access remains one of the most valued credit card benefits, and PB Pass makes it more accessible and convenient.

Rom Remy, Managing Director for South and Southeast Asia at Collinson International, highlighted growing travel demand in India and the increasing importance of lounge access as a premium travel benefit. He added that the partnership with Paisabazaar will help enhance travel experiences through the LoungeKey global network.

While lounge access is typically restricted by card tiers, spending thresholds, and usage caps, PB Pass introduces an additional simplified access model through a QR-based system and broader network coverage, complementing existing credit card benefits


GOPIZZA Appoints Mahesh Reddy as India Co-Founder, Targets 100 K-Food Stores by 2026

GOPIZZA Appoints Mahesh Reddy as India Co-Founder, Targets 100 K-Food Stores by 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on July 2, 2026

GOPIZZA has appointed Mahesh Reddy as Co-Founder of its India business, recognising his role in building the South Korean food-tech brand into one of its strongest international markets as the company prepares for its next phase of expansion.

Reddy, who has served as CEO of GOPIZZA India since the brand entered the country in 2022, brings more than 26 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Under his leadership, the company has grown to more than 60 stores, making it one of India's largest Korean quick-service restaurant chains.

The appointment comes as GOPIZZA expands its K-Food Platform strategy, which brings together its flagship GOPIZZA brand, Korean street-food concept Gochujang, and dessert brand Dalkomi under a single roof.

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Speaking on the development, Mahesh Reddy said the company's vision extends beyond pizza to creating a complete Korean food ecosystem in India. He noted that the integrated format will allow consumers to experience Korean cuisine and culture together through a single dining destination.

Central to this strategy is the company's "3-in-1 Hub Model," which combines all three brands within one outlet. The format has already been tested through company-owned pilot stores in South India and is now being prepared for nationwide expansion. According to the company, the model is designed to improve operational efficiency while increasing revenue per square foot.

Commenting on the appointment, Jay Lim, Founder and CEO of GOPIZZA, said Mahesh Reddy has been instrumental in establishing India as one of the company's most successful international markets. He added that the new role reflects the confidence in Reddy's leadership as GOPIZZA scales its presence across the country.

To support its growth plans, GOPIZZA is rolling out a Master Franchise strategy targeting experienced food-service operators and investors. The company plans to expand beyond South India into markets including Delhi NCR, Pune, and Ahmedabad. Franchise partners will gain access to all three brands through a single agreement, supported by GOPIZZA's proprietary plug-and-play kitchen technology.

The company has set a target of establishing 100 integrated K-Food Platform stores across India by the end of 2026, further strengthening its presence in the country's rapidly growing quick-service restaurant market.


FOO Opens New Contemporary Asian Restaurant in Bengaluru’s Indiranagar

FOO Opens New Contemporary Asian Restaurant in Bengaluru’s Indiranagar

By Hariharan U

Published on July 2, 2026

FOO has strengthened its presence in Bengaluru with the launch of its newest restaurant in Indiranagar, marking the brand's third outlet in the city and its largest Bengaluru opening to date.

Located in one of Bengaluru’s most vibrant dining and nightlife destinations, the new restaurant has been designed as a social dining space that combines contemporary Asian cuisine, signature beverages, and immersive interiors.

Spanning 2,660 sq. ft., FOO Indiranagar features a bold design palette with deep red tiles, a cobalt-blue entrance, warm timber finishes, natural stone, metallic accents, and curated artwork. At the heart of the restaurant is a fluted stone bar designed to encourage relaxed lunches, evening gatherings, and celebratory dining experiences.

The menu showcases FOO’s signature Pan-Asian offerings, featuring more than 100 varieties of Asian tapas inspired by culinary traditions from across the continent. Guests can enjoy handcrafted sushi, dim sum, Nikkei-inspired dishes, and a selection of small plates designed for sharing.

The beverage programme complements the menu with cocktails crafted using Asian ingredients such as yuzu, miso, sake, and house-infused spirits. Signature creations include the Foo King, Pickled Picante, and the popular Foo Queen, alongside a curated sake selection and non-alcoholic beverages.

The Indiranagar outlet also introduces Foo Brew to Bengaluru for the first time. The brand’s signature Japanese rice beer has been developed to pair with Asian flavours, offering guests a crisp and refreshing accompaniment to dishes ranging from sushi and dim sum to the restaurant’s signature tapas.

Speaking on the launch, Ryan Tham and Keenan Tham, Founders of Pebble Street Hospitality, said Indiranagar’s evolving food culture made it a natural choice for the brand’s next destination. They added that the restaurant has been designed as a neighbourhood space where guests can enjoy everything from quick meals to extended evenings with friends and family.

The new opening reflects FOO’s continued expansion in Bengaluru, reinforcing its focus on bringing together bold Asian flavours, design-led spaces, and hospitality experiences centred around community and shared dining.

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