Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
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.
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.
IHCL’s Gateway Brand Reaches 50-Hotel Milestone with Hyderab...
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality co...
Roots Café Has Become Anahata Café and the Transformation Go...
Some rebrands are just a fresh coat of paint. The transforma...
Seoul Dak Opens in Oshiwara Andheri and Mumbai's Korean Food...
Mumbai's love for Korean food isn't slowing down, and Seoul ...
LOYA at Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai Celebrates Eid with a Festiv...
LOYA at Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai is welcoming the festive sp...
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on March 24, 2026
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) is celebrating four years of its Taj InnerCircle with NeuPass loyalty programme, inviting guests to enjoy memorable travel experiences and exclusive benefits across its hotel network.
Marking the milestone, the company has introduced special anniversary offers designed to give members more value during their stays. The initiative reflects IHCL’s continued focus on creating smooth and rewarding experiences for its guests across different brands.
Mr. Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL said, “Taj InnerCircle and NeuPass represent our commitment to creating thoughtful and seamless experiences across IHCL’s brandscape. As the programme completes four years, we are delighted to celebrate this journey with our members through specially curated anniversary offerings.”
As part of the celebrations, members can avail 20% savings on breakfast-inclusive stays, dining at in-house restaurants, and wellness services such as spa therapies and salon treatments. In addition, guests will also have the opportunity to earn 2X NeuCoins on bookings and eligible spends during their stay.
These benefits are available across IHCL’s portfolio, including Taj, Claridges Collection, SeleQtions, Gateway, Vivanta, Ginger, Tree of Life and amã Stays & Trails, giving members a wide range of experiences to choose from.
The offer is valid on stays booked between 20th March and 20th April 2026, for travel until 30th September 2026 across participating hotels.
With this celebration, IHCL continues to strengthen its loyalty programme by offering meaningful benefits, encouraging guests to explore more destinations while enjoying added value and comfort.
Published on March 23, 2026
Garner hotels, the midscale conversion brand from IHG Hotels & Resorts, has reached a major milestone by opening 100 hotels globally since its launch in August 2023. With this, Garner has become the fastest scaling brand in IHG’s history, reflecting strong demand from both owners and travellers.
The brand’s growth has been driven by its flexible and conversion-friendly model, which allows properties to open quickly while maintaining quality standards. Garner is focused on delivering value through essential stay experiences, making it a practical choice for guests looking for comfort and affordability.
Looking ahead, the brand has a pipeline of nearly 80 hotels, which is expected to significantly expand its global presence. Currently, Garner has open or pipeline properties across 12 countries, including key markets such as the US, Mexico, Italy, and Japan.
A key factor behind this growth is the rising demand for conversion properties, which accounted for 52 percent of all IHG room openings in 2025. Garner’s model offers benefits such as lower costs, flexible design standards, and faster turnaround times, with some hotels opening just over a month after signing.
The brand is built around the idea of offering “easy going stays that get you on your way,” focusing on what matters most to guests. This includes comfortable rooms, quality sleep, and a good breakfast, along with practical features like workspaces for business and leisure travellers.
Karen Gilbride, Global Vice President for Garner hotels at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said:
“Garner’s initial global success reflects IHG’s proven expertise in building and scaling conversion-ready brands that owners and guests trust. Beyond offering a high-quality alternative for value-conscious travelers, Garner’s flexible development model allows the brand to more quickly enter new global markets and deliver returns for owners. Even as we’ve reached some amazing initial milestones, we’re just starting to tap into Garner’s full growth potential and look forward to introducing its unique offering to more owners and travelers in the years ahead.”
In the Americas, Garner recorded strong momentum with multiple signings and openings in 2025, including its first property in Mexico and new hotels across the United States. The brand has also entered suburban Boston and the greater New York City area in 2026.
Across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, Garner opened 43 hotels in 2025, making it the most active IHG brand in the region. A large part of this growth came from a partnership with NOVUM Hospitality in Germany. The brand also expanded into Italy, Türkiye, and the UK, while making its debut in Japan with multiple openings in Osaka and Kyoto.
Further expansion included its entry into Southeast Asia with a launch in Thailand, along with its first five signings in India. Garner is also set to expand into Greater China later this year, continuing its global growth journey.
With a strong pipeline and growing presence across regions, Garner is set to further strengthen its position as a fast-growing brand in the global hospitality market.
FLY91 has completed two years of operations, marking a key milestone in its regional aviation journey. Since its launch in March 2024, the airline has flown over 4,81,802 passengers across India’s growing network of regional routes.
The Goa-headquartered airline has focused on improving connectivity between underserved cities, responding to the rising demand for direct travel options beyond major metro routes. Over the past two years, FLY91 has operated 9,569 flights and recorded 12,896 flying hours, steadily building its presence in the regional aviation space.
FLY91 began its operations on March 18, 2024, with its first flight connecting Manohar International Airport to Bengaluru, marking its entry into India’s aviation market. The airline currently operates from its main base at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, along with a secondary hub in Hyderabad.
Its network now covers nine destinations, including Goa, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Sindhudurg, Solapur, Agatti, and Jalgaon. The airline plans to expand this network to 15 destinations, strengthening its reach across emerging regional markets.
Operating as a regional airline, FLY91 uses ATR 72-600 aircraft, which are suited for short-haul routes and efficient connectivity. The airline has also grown its fleet to six aircraft, supporting its expansion plans.
Manoj Chacko, Founder, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91, said, “Completing two years of operations is a meaningful milestone for our team and partners. When we launched, the objective was clear: to connect underserved cities and enable easier, faster travel for people who often had limited options. The response from passengers across our network has been extremely encouraging. As we grow, our focus will remain on measured growth, disciplined expansion, operational reliability and building a regional airline that communities can depend on.”
The airline has seen strong demand on routes connecting smaller industrial centres with larger cities, with the Jalgaon–Pune route emerging as one of its busiest sectors.
Looking ahead, FLY91 plans to add more destinations such as Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Hubballi, Nanded, Dabolim, and Indore. This expansion aligns with the broader push to strengthen regional connectivity in India, supporting better mobility and economic growth across smaller cities.
With steady growth and a clear focus on regional routes, FLY91 continues to build its position in India’s evolving aviation landscape.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!
Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.
By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Advertise With Us
We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.