Garner by IHG Expands Footprint in India with Third Hotel Signing

Garner by IHG Expands Footprint in India with Third Hotel Signing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 28, 2025

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of its third Garner hotel in India, further accelerating its expansion in the country’s high-growth midscale segment. The newly signed Garner Kutch in Gujarat is set to open in early 2026, following closely on the heels of earlier signings in Etawah and Kathua. This latest agreement, signed with Royal Buildspace LLP, underscores the brand’s growing appeal in emerging Indian markets.

Garner, IHG’s midscale conversion brand launched recently in the IMEA region, is tailored for today’s value-conscious travellers seeking consistent, high-quality stays. The brand focuses on comfort, convenience, and relaxed service, paired with flexible spaces and a sense of local charm. This makes it a perfect fit for India’s evolving hospitality landscape, where rising demand is reshaping expectations, particularly in secondary and tertiary markets.

The upcoming property in Kutch will be operated by Rosastays, a preferred third-party operator for IHG’s Garner brand in India. Rosastays is also set to operate the other two Garner properties in Etawah and Kathua, further cementing its collaborative role in scaling the brand across India. Garner Kutch will offer 40 well-designed rooms and a host of amenities including an all-day dining restaurant, swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, and event spaces. Located in one of Gujarat’s fastest-developing districts, the hotel is poised to attract both business and leisure travellers.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director for South West Asia at IHG, noted that the rapid pace of Garner’s growth reflects strong trust from owners in IHG’s conversion strategy. He highlighted Kutch’s promising economic trajectory as a fitting location for a brand like Garner, which offers high returns through an asset-light model. Jain emphasized that with partners like Rosastays and Royal Buildspace LLP, IHG is successfully unlocking the potential of underrepresented hospitality markets in India.

Deepika Arora, Director at Rosastays, shared that their focus remains on providing experience-driven stays that resonate with modern guests. She described Garner Kutch as an attractive option for travellers looking for reliable, comfortable, and locally inspired hospitality. With this third partnership under the Garner brand, Rosastays continues to reinforce its shared mission with IHG to elevate midscale hospitality in India’s leisure destinations.

Echoing this optimism, Deepak Chandnani, Partner at Royal Buildspace LLP, called Garner a brand that offers both strong character and operational support. He expressed confidence that the hotel will deliver a dependable and distinct stay experience, ideally suited for Kutch’s growing tourism and industrial landscape.

With a population of over two million, Kutch is fast emerging as a hotspot for tourism and industry in Gujarat. Events like the Rann Utsav and developments such as the upcoming DP World Special Economic Zone, located just 6 km from the hotel site, are expected to drive a steady rise in travel demand. Garner Kutch is strategically timed to meet this increasing need for quality accommodations.

With this latest signing, IHG continues to strengthen its foothold in India. The group currently operates 50 hotels across six brands and has a robust pipeline of 63 new properties expected to open in the next few years. The arrival of Garner Kutch signals a new chapter in IHG’s commitment to delivering trusted midscale hospitality experiences in India’s rising regions.


17 Injured After Air India Phuket–Delhi Flight Encounters Turbulence

17 Injured After Air India Phuket–Delhi Flight Encounters Turbulence

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2026

Air India Flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi, encountered severe turbulence during its journey on Tuesday, leaving 17 people injured, including 13 passengers and four cabin crew members. Despite the incident, the aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, where medical teams were immediately deployed to assist those onboard.

The flight, operated by an Airbus A320 (VT-EXO), was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.

According to Air India, the aircraft experienced a momentary change in altitude during the cruise phase before stabilising and continuing its journey safely to Delhi. Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 indicated that the aircraft descended by approximately 300 feet around 2.5 hours into the flight, while flying over Odisha.

Following the landing, medical teams attended to all passengers and crew as a precaution. Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals for detailed medical evaluation and treatment. Air India stated that all those admitted are stable and are receiving appropriate medical care, while the remaining passengers were provided with the necessary assistance and support.

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The Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, personally visited the injured passengers at Fortis and Medanta Hospitals to enquire about their condition and assure them of the government's full support. Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation also visited the hospitals and are coordinating closely with the airline and hospital authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care.

The aircraft has since been moved to the hangar, where the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been secured for detailed examination.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA said they are closely monitoring the situation, reiterating that passenger safety remains the highest priority and that all necessary measures are being taken.


Bikanervala to Open New Outlet at SPS Realty's Helios in Zirakpur

Bikanervala to Open New Outlet at SPS Realty's Helios in Zirakpur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 3, 2026

SPS Realty has announced that Bikanervala, one of India's most recognised food and sweets brands, will open a new outlet at its flagship commercial development, Helios, located on VIP Road in Zirakpur. The addition is set to strengthen the project's retail and food & beverage ecosystem while enhancing its appeal as a lifestyle destination.

The upcoming outlet will offer Bikanervala's wide range of traditional Indian sweets, snacks, and dining options, catering to residents, businesses, and visitors from Zirakpur and nearby areas. The brand's presence is expected to serve as a key food and beverage anchor within the commercial development.

Commenting on the association, Rohit Singla, Director, SPS Realty, said, "The addition of Bikanervala at Helios reflects our vision of creating a well-rounded commercial destination that brings together premium retail, food, and lifestyle experiences. We aim to curate a diverse ecosystem where businesses can thrive while offering visitors a complete experience under one roof."

Helios has been designed as SPS Realty's flagship commercial project, featuring contemporary architecture, premium commercial spaces, and a strategic location on VIP Road. The development comprises 177 premium retail and showroom spaces, offering high-visibility opportunities for established brands, entrepreneurs, and businesses.

The arrival of Bikanervala is expected to further strengthen Helios' growing tenant mix while enhancing customer engagement by adding a well-established food and beverage destination. With increasing urbanisation and rising demand for organised retail spaces in the region, the project is positioned to emerge as a preferred commercial hub in Zirakpur.

Through this partnership, SPS Realty continues its focus on developing commercial destinations that combine retail, dining, and lifestyle experiences while creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.


McDonald's India – North and East Crosses 200 McCafé Outlets, Partners with Tara Sutaria

McDonald's India – North and East Crosses 200 McCafé Outlets, Partners with Tara Sutaria

By Hariharan U

Published on August 3, 2026

McDonald's India – North and East has announced the expansion of its McCafé network to 200 outlets across North and East India, marking a significant milestone in the brand's coffee business. The expansion reflects the company's continued investment in making premium-quality coffee more accessible as India's café culture continues to evolve.

To commemorate the milestone, McDonald's India – North and East has partnered with Tara Sutaria as the face of McCafé, bringing its "Good Vibes Start with McCafe" platform to life through a new brand campaign celebrating everyday coffee moments and connections.

As part of the celebration, McCafé has also introduced a new Summer Range featuring Strawberry Matcha, Affogato, Salted Caramel Latte, Chai Latte, and Passion Fruit Cooler, expanding its beverage portfolio with refreshing and indulgent options designed for evolving consumer preferences.

Commenting on the milestone, Anant Agarwal, Vice-Chairperson, CPRL (McDonald's India – North and East), said, "At McCafé, our ambition is to build one of India's most loved and trusted coffee brands by making great coffee accessible to more consumers without compromising on quality or value. The milestone of 200 McCafé outlets reflects our continued investment in expanding our footprint and strengthening our beverage portfolio. As coffee culture continues to evolve in India, our refreshed 'Good Vibes Start with McCafe' platform, along with our collaboration with Tara Sutaria as the face of McCafé, reinforces our commitment to connecting with young consumers and making McCafé their preferred choice for everyday coffee occasions."

Sharing her thoughts on the association, Tara Sutaria said, "Coffee has always been an important part of my everyday routine, whether it's the first cup that starts my day, a mid-day pick-me-up or a quiet moment to unwind. Over the years, McCafé has become one of my go-to choices, whether I'm in India or travelling abroad, because I know I can always count on a great cup of coffee. McCafé's Cappuccino is one of my personal favourites whenever I'm looking for something indulgent. I'm delighted to be associated with a brand that shares my love for great coffee and celebrates the everyday rituals that make each cup special."

The new summer beverage range is now available across McCafé outlets in North and East India. Customers can also order through dine-in, Self-Ordering Kiosks (SOK), takeaway, drive-thru, delivery platforms, and the McDonald's App.

The campaign has been conceptualised by BBDO India, part of Omnicom Advertising India.

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