HICSA 2024: Blending Culinary Arts with Hotel Investment in Bengaluru

HICSA 2024: Blending Culinary Arts with Hotel Investment in Bengaluru

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 1, 2024

For the first time in its 19-year run, the Hotel Investment Conference - South Asia (HICSA) is adding a delicious twist to its annual event, embracing a culinary theme that promises to spice up the proceedings. Hosted by Hotelivate, this year's conference is scheduled to unfold at the JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort and Spa from April 2-4, 2024, and will be a treat for both hospitality professionals and food enthusiasts alike.

Manav Thadani, the founder chairman of Hotelivate, announced the theme 'Savouring South Asia: Innovations in Food Tech and Design,' focusing on exploring the culinary future of South Asia and integrating technology in the hospitality and F&B sectors. This unique edition aims to delve into the potential of creating a sustainable, innovative, and technologically advanced hospitality ecosystem.

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The conference will feature a Culinary Carnival, a grand celebration of food that will bring together renowned chefs, food vendors, and hoteliers. Attendees will have the chance to indulge in a wide range of dishes, from local street food to gourmet creations, prepared by celebrated restaurants from across India. Notable hospitality brands such as Marriott International, ITC Hotels, and Hyatt International, among others, will be showcasing their top culinary offerings.

As HICSA celebrates its 19th anniversary, it continues to serve as a premier platform for discussing investment prospects, trends, and networking opportunities within South Asia's thriving hospitality industry. This year, global CEOs like Sebastian Bazin of Accor, Mark S. Hoplamazian of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and Federico J. Gonzalez of Radisson Hotel Group are confirmed to participate, bringing invaluable insights into the conference.

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The HICSA 2024 also includes the 'HICSA Hotels of the Year Awards' and the 'General Manager of the Year Awards,' celebrating outstanding hotel developments and the hard work of general managers in the hospitality industry.

Set against the backdrop of Bengaluru, India's Silicon Valley, this year's HICSA is poised to offer a dynamic and flavorful exploration of the intersection between technology and hospitality, all while celebrating the rich culinary heritage of South Asia.


Royal Orchid Hotels Launches Regenta Ranjit Avenue in Amritsar

Royal Orchid Hotels Launches Regenta Ranjit Avenue in Amritsar

By Hariharan U

Published on February 15, 2026

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) has announced the launch of its newest property, Regenta Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, further strengthening its footprint in Punjab. With this opening, the group now operates five properties in the city, reinforcing its focus on high-growth urban and religious tourism destinations.

Strategically located at SCO 47-50, Ranjit Avenue, the hotel offers convenient access to Amritsar’s key landmarks. It is situated just 7 km (around 10 minutes) from the iconic Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh. The property is also 15 km from Shri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport and 5.5 km from the Amritsar Railway Station, making it accessible for both domestic and international travellers.

The hotel features 37 thoughtfully designed rooms that blend contemporary comfort with regal elegance, offering guests a serene stay experience.

Dining at the property includes three distinct venues. Pinxx Kitchen & Lounge serves as the signature all-day dining restaurant, where global flavours meet the authentic tastes of Amritsar. Mix Bar offers a chic setting with a curated selection of expertly crafted beverages, while Kitty Lounge provides an exclusive space for private gatherings and intimate social events.

For meetings and celebrations, the hotel boasts expansive banquet venues with regal detailing. A highlight is “Celebration – The Party Hall,” a 4,500 square feet space with 16-foot ceilings, ideal for grand events and corporate functions. Guests can also unwind at the rooftop swimming pool, adding a leisure edge to the property’s offerings.

Commenting on the launch, Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said, “The opening of Regenta Ranjit Avenue marks a significant milestone in our strategy to strengthen our presence in India’s most iconic cultural and spiritual hubs. As our fifth property in Amritsar, this launch reinforces our commitment to the region and our ‘Vision 2030’ expansion roadmap. We aim to provide a sanctuary of 'Regal Hospitality and Eternal Serenity' that reflects the city's rich heritage while offering the modern, high-quality service our guests expect.”

With this addition, Royal Orchid Hotels continues to deepen its presence in key Indian markets, aligning growth with destinations that attract both leisure and pilgrimage travellers.


Vikram Kamats Hospitality and HPCL Join Hands to Build Pan-India Food and Fuel Ecosystem

Vikram Kamats Hospitality and HPCL Join Hands to Build Pan-India Food and Fuel Ecosystem

By Hariharan U

Published on February 15, 2026

In a move set to reshape India’s highway and city travel experience, Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited has announced a strategic partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to build an integrated food and fuel ecosystem across the country.

Under the agreement, Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited will establish South Indian restaurants and takeaway outlets at select HPCL fuel stations. The initiative aims to provide travellers with access to clean, hygienic, and familiar food options while on the move.

The collaboration seeks to transform fuel stations into dependable rest and refresh points, where customers can refuel their vehicles, access well-maintained washrooms, and enjoy quality meals, all at a single stop. The rollout will begin with Maharashtra as the pilot state, followed by a phased expansion across highways, cities, and urban hubs nationwide.

The partnership was formally signed by Murali Krishna V. Vadrevu, Executive Director at HPCL, and Pankaj Deokar, Vice President – Operations at Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited, underlining the shared intent to scale the model in a structured and sustainable manner.

With HPCL’s extensive network of fuel stations across India, the initiative is positioned to cater to a broad segment of highway travellers, daily commuters, families, fleet operators, and business travellers. Kamats restaurants will introduce travel-friendly food solutions, including specialised packaging for quick, hygienic grab-and-go dining, tailored to the needs of Indian road travel.

Commenting on the development, Vikram Kamat, Founder of Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited, said, “For decades, Indian travellers have associated fuel stops with necessity alongside comfort. This partnership allows us to change that narrative. Through coming together with HPCL, we are creating spaces where people can pause, eat well, and travel better. Our focus has always been on food that is honest, hygienic, and familiar, and this collaboration allows us to take that experience to where India travels every day, on its highways and city roads.”

The companies have emphasised a step-by-step, scalable growth model, prioritising consistent food quality, service standards, and operational discipline over rapid expansion. The focus remains on building a dependable, long-term customer experience.

With this partnership, Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited and HPCL aim to set a new benchmark for India’s travel infrastructure, turning fuel stations into well-rounded destinations that serve the everyday needs of modern Indian travellers.


JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Crafts a Multi-Sensory Valentine’s Celebration

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Crafts a Multi-Sensory Valentine’s Celebration

By Hariharan U

Published on February 11, 2026

This Valentine’s season, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar brings together its expansive culinary and wellness portfolio to create a celebration that goes beyond a single evening, positioning the hotel as a complete destination for romance, indulgence and meaningful connection.

 Across venues including EL, Romano’s, BarQat, JW Café, AUTMJW Lounge and the Spa by JW, guests can explore a thoughtfully curated mix of experiences ranging from craft-led cocktails and indulgent buffets to classic Italian dinners and restorative couple wellness rituals. At the rooftop lounge EL, modern mixology takes centre stage against a sunset-lit skyline, complemented by live violin performances, a limited-edition cocktail menu and interactive moments with the bar team, along with an inclusive handwritten note exchange that allows guests to leave messages of love or kindness for fellow patrons.

JW Café adds to the spirit with a specially designed Valentine’s dinner buffet, a Love Wall for personal wishes and Zodiac-inspired cocktails, while Romano’s offers couples a refined Italian dining experience rooted in warmth, elegance and lingering conversations. BarQat approaches the celebration through a poetic lens, pairing a curated set menu and emotion-inspired cocktails with interactive elements like the Tree of Love, where handwritten notes gradually form a living tribute to shared sentiments.

 AUTM – JW Lounge rounds off the week with comforting signature hot chocolate styles, while the Spa by JW introduces exclusive couple therapies, including a 90-minute personalised massage or a 120-minute ritual combining massage, scrub and couple bath. Together, these experiences transform JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar into a seamless Valentine’s retreat centred on togetherness, indulgence and lasting memories

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