GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Triumph: Ras Al Khaimah's Unforgettable New Year's Bash

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Triumph: Ras Al Khaimah's Unforgettable New Year's Bash

By Author

Published on January 4, 2024

Ras Al Khaimah, known for its legendary New Year's Eve fireworks, soared to new heights by not just illuminating the night sky but setting two GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS. The spectacular celebration featured the 'Longest chain of aquatic floating fireworks' spanning 5.8km and the 'Longest straight-line drones display' covering an impressive 2km.

The eight-minute-long extravaganza, held along a 4.5km stretch of Ras Al Khaimah's waterfront, mesmerised over 50,000 spectators. Combining 1,050 LED drones, aquatic floating fireworks, and acrobatic pyro planes, the celebration showcased groundbreaking techniques that seamlessly blended the elements of the desert, sea, and mountains, all choreographed to specially composed music.

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, expressed delight at breaking two GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS, setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration. The festivities, which fully booked hotels across the Emirate, not only brought the community together but also marked the highest-ever annual number of visitors in 2023, propelling Ras Al Khaimah closer to its goal of attracting over 3 million annual visitors by 2030.

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The celebrations weren't just about records; public viewing areas with family activities, food trucks, live entertainment, and the ticketed event experience, SoundFest, featuring global live bands, made it the most visited show to date.

Ras Al Khaimah's New Year's Eve Organizing Committee, in collaboration with various entities, ensured a seamless event, reinforcing the Emirate's status as a dynamic and record-breaking tourism destination.


Conrad Bengaluru Appoints Itha Das as Director of Sales Conference and Events

Conrad Bengaluru Appoints Itha Das as Director of Sales Conference and Events

By Hariharan U

Published on March 23, 2026

Conrad Bengaluru has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Itha Das as Director of Sales Conference and Events, reinforcing the hotel's commitment to delivering exceptional event and catering experiences across corporate, social, and MICE segments.

Das brings considerable depth to the role, with a career built around high-impact events, strategic partnerships, and tailored event solutions that consistently deliver results. Her previous role as Associate Director of Sales at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway saw her lead strategic sales initiatives and expand business opportunities across corporate events, conferences, and social celebrations. Before that, she held the position of Senior Sales Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore, further sharpening her expertise in premium hospitality environments.

In her new role at Conrad Bengaluru, Das will oversee catering and MICE operations with a focus on driving business growth, strengthening client relationships, and curating memorable event experiences for both corporate and social gatherings. She will also work closely with the sales and operations teams to develop event solutions that respond to evolving client needs in a city where the demand for premium meetings, conferences, and weddings continues to grow.

Das shared her excitement about the new role. "I am delighted to join Conrad Bengaluru and be part of a team that is renowned for delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. I look forward to leveraging my experience to strengthen the hotel's catering and MICE offerings and create memorable events for our guests and partners."

For Conrad Bengaluru, this appointment signals a clear intent to sharpen its positioning as the go-to destination for premium events in the city. With Das's track record and the hotel's existing reputation, that's a goal that looks well within reach.


Cygnett Hotels Appoints Sujan Ganguly as Area Director – Operations & Pre-Opening

Cygnett Hotels Appoints Sujan Ganguly as Area Director – Operations & Pre-Opening

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 23, 2026

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Sujan Ganguly as Area Director – Operations & Pre-Opening, India & Nepal. This move comes as the company continues to grow its presence across key markets in the region and strengthen its leadership team.

Sujan Ganguly brings over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, with strong expertise in hotel operations and performance management. He has worked with several well-known brands over the years, including Ginger Hotels, Royal Orchid Hotels, Lords Hotels & Resorts, Fortune Hotels, Taj Hotels, Golden Tulip Hotels, Sarovar Hotels, and Peerless Hotels, building a solid track record across different segments.

Known for his people-focused leadership style, he has handled multiple aspects of hotel management, including operations, pre-opening processes, brand development, and revenue optimisation. His approach has consistently focused on building strong teams and improving operational systems across properties.

In his new role, Sujan Ganguly will oversee operational performance and lead pre-opening initiatives for Cygnett Hotels & Resorts across India and Nepal. His responsibilities will include ensuring smooth operations, maintaining brand standards, and enhancing the overall guest experience across the company’s growing portfolio.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, "We are delighted to welcome Sujan Ganguly to the Cygnett family. His extensive experience across leading hospitality brands and his deep understanding of hotel operations will be a valuable asset as we continue to scale our presence across India and neighbouring markets. Sujan's leadership will play an important role in strengthening operational excellence and ensuring that every new Cygnett property opens with the standards and efficiency that our brand stands for."

The appointment comes at a time when Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is actively expanding, with several properties under development and new openings planned across emerging destinations in India and neighbouring regions.


Novotel Jodhpur Appoints Rajinder Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

Novotel Jodhpur Appoints Rajinder Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 20, 2026

Novotel Jodhpur has announced the appointment of Rajinder Singh as its new Food & Beverage Manager, strengthening its leadership team in the culinary and dining segment.

With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Rajinder brings solid expertise in handling end-to-end food and beverage operations across well-known hotel brands. He has worked closely on enhancing guest experiences, improving operational efficiency, and leading teams to maintain consistent service standards. His experience also includes involvement in pre-opening projects, revenue strategies, and developing new dining concepts.

In his new role, Rajinder will oversee all food and beverage operations at Novotel Jodhpur, including restaurants, banquets, and in-room dining. His focus will be on building a stronger culinary identity for the hotel, introducing fresh and innovative offerings, and ensuring a high level of guest satisfaction, in line with the brand’s standards.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Ritesh Mudgal, General Manager, Novotel Jodhpur, said, “We are delighted to welcome Rajinder to our leadership team. His rich experience and passion for hospitality will play a key role in enhancing our food and beverage offerings. We are confident that his vision and leadership will further elevate the dining experience for our guests.”

Speaking on his new role, Rajinder Singh said, “I am excited to join Novotel Jodhpur and be part of a brand that stands for quality and innovation. I look forward to creating memorable dining experiences and contributing to the continued success of the hotel.”

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