The Hotel Association of India (HAI) has rolled out a landmark mentorship program, an industry-first initiative tailored exclusively for the Indian hotel sector. The move comes as the hospitality industry sees rapid growth, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, spanning nearly 50 locations.

This structured platform aims to bridge the widening talent gap, while supporting sustainable growth across the sector. Its key focus areas include leadership development, career progression, enhancing organisational culture, and improving both employee attraction to hospitality and their long-term engagement.

The operational framework has been crafted by a team of domain experts from HAI member hotels, ensuring the program is deeply aligned with industry realities.

At the program’s launch, Union Minister of Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hailed the initiative as a turning point for Indian tourism,“The Hotel Association of India’s innovative program marks a significant step towards establishing India as a global tourism powerhouse, with an ambitious goal of creating a $3 trillion tourism economy by 2047. As the demand for tourism continues to surge, the need for talented and visionary leaders in hospitality has never been greater”, he said, adding that the program will shape professionals ready to lead the sector’s future.

KB Kachru, President of HAI and Chairman, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, described the program as being rooted in the guru-shishya tradition, offering personalised mentorship that fosters a lasting commitment to hospitality leadership.“The government and industry aim to create around a million branded hotel rooms to meet the India Tourism Vision 2047. This will require adding about 100,000 middle to senior management hotel managers to the current pool”, Kachru noted.

The initiative will be integrated into member hotels’ brand culture, enabling them to nurture future leaders and strengthen India’s standing as a world-class hospitality destination

As India prepares to celebrate its 79th Independence Day, Ambience Mall, Gurugram has transformed into a canvas of patriotism with “Humare Rakshak”, an evocative installation paying homage to the courage, precision, and dedication of the Indian Armed Force and in particular, the heroes of Operation Sindoor.

In creative collaboration with Space Story 360, the installation showcases scale models of India’s defence powerhouses, including the S-400 missile launcher, Akash, BrahMos, and Pichora missiles, alongside fighter jet replicas of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Rafale, MiG, and Mirage 2000. All pieces are meticulously constructed from upcycled materials such as scrap metal, FRP, and crushed glass, embodying both symbolic significance and environmental responsibility.

Suspended tricolour geometric ceiling hangings form a vibrant patriotic canopy, while the flowing arc of the Indian flag ties the display together evoking unity, sacrifice, and soaring national pride.

"We saw this Independence Day not just as an opportunity to decorate, but as a platform to unite and empower. With ‘Humare Rakshak’, we aimed to honour not only the defence forces but also the values they stand for—precision, resilience, and unwavering service", said Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group. "Every element, from the war memorial-style installation to the waste fabric workshop, was designed to reflect purposeful patriotism. At Ambience Group, we remain committed to creating experiences that inspire, uplift, and honour the spirit of the nation".

Adding a hands-on sustainability element, visitors can join a waste fabric workshop to create handcrafted tricolour keychains. This initiative not only promotes craft revival but also raises awareness about fabric waste, bridging tradition with eco-consciousness.

With “Humare Rakshak”, Ambience Mall, Gurugram reinforces its identity as more than a retail hub, it becomes a cultural platform where design, sustainability, and national pride converge to create meaningful impact.

Saya SouthX, the flagship high-street commercial project in Greater Noida West, is gearing up for a grand launch this Christmas with an exciting roster of international and national brands.

Occupying 70,000 sq. ft. of prime F&B space, the project will soon welcome a 7,250 sq. ft. McDonald’s flagship, the 10,000 sq. ft. Sunburn Café from Mumbai (marking its first NCR outlet), Badaami Restaurant, Castle’s Barbeque, and a 20,000 sq. ft. multi-cuisine food court.

Entertainment will be headlined by a three-screen Cinepolis multiplex and a 20,000 sq. ft. gaming arena by Funky Island & Blaaze. Additional anchor brands, a hypermarket, and over 1,00,000 sq. ft. of leading retail outlets will complete the experience.

Strategically located with three-side open frontage, Saya SouthX offers ample parking, high visibility, and access to a catchment area of over 5 lakh residents within a 3 km radius. The Occupancy Certificate (OC) process is already underway, with brand fit-outs commencing in the next fortnight.

"Saya SouthX is envisioned as a one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Greater Noida West," said Vikas Bhasin, MD, Saya Group. "With these global and national brands onboard, we are confident of delivering an unmatched visitor experience by Christmas".

Saya SouthX also integrates business hospitality with 336 units of BIZTOP Business Class Suites, to be managed by a leading hotel chain. The Saya Group is offering a limited-period investment window for the few remaining pre-leased retail spaces, ideal for investors seeking assured rental returns in a booming commercial market.

Alongside Saya SouthX, the group is also developing Saya Piazza in Sector 131, Jaypee Wish Town, Noida — a 1.72-acre project combining luxury retail, landscaped plazas, and curated dining zones.

About Saya Group:
With 25 years of experience in luxury real estate, Saya Group has delivered over 5.37 million sq. ft. of premium residential and commercial projects, including 2.37 million sq. ft. of high-street retail in Noida and Greater Noida West. From villas and high-rise residences to landmark retail hubs, the group is known for blending luxury, convenience, and design innovation.