Honouring Excellence: Hamish Saxton and the BEIA Outstanding Award

Honouring Excellence: Hamish Saxton and the BEIA Outstanding Award

By Author

Published on October 3, 2023

Hamish Saxton, Chief Executive of Hawke’s Bay Tourism, has been named the recipient of the Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA) Outstanding Contributor Award for 2023. The award was presented at the BEIA Conference, held at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Marlborough on September 20th.

BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins expressed the industry's gratitude and admiration for Hamish Saxton's significant contributions. She noted that each year, one exceptional individual is chosen to be celebrated by the industry for their dedication and achievements.

Saxton has been at the helm of Hawke’s Bay Tourism for the past four years, during which he has played a pivotal role in its success. Before taking up his role in Hawke’s Bay, he spent 13 years at Tourism Dunedin, six of which were as its Chief Executive. His international experience includes serving as Tourism Dunedin’s offshore manager in Australia and establishing a new cultural visitor experience in Toronto, Canada.

Lisa Hopkins commended Saxton for embodying his organisation’s mission statement, which is to "let's get on with it." Despite facing significant challenges, including the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle and the global pandemic, Saxton has been instrumental in ensuring that Hawke’s Bay remains a vibrant business events destination. His efforts have also contributed to the recognition of the business events sector as a valued contributor to the economy and the community.

In addition to his recent accolade, earlier this year, Hawke’s Bay received the prestigious honour of being named the latest Great Wine Capital of the World, joining an exclusive group of 12 worldwide. Saxton and his team at Hawke’s Bay Tourism were recognized for their substantial role in achieving this global recognition, which is crucial for the economic recovery of the industry and the broader region.

The BEIA Outstanding Contributor Awards were presented with appreciation to long-standing supporters David Hall and Hunter’s Wines.

New Zealand Business Events Week is set to continue until Friday, featuring policy and business forums in Wellington and Auckland, as well as the Tourism New Zealand National Awards. This event, spearheaded by the peak industry body BEIA, aims to elevate the importance of the business events sector in New Zealand. The location for next year’s conference will be in New Plymouth, Taranaki, and the dates will be released shortly.

Image source - Tourism Ticker


NILE Hospitality to Launch Rajkot’s First International Branded Hotel with Radisson Hotel Group

NILE Hospitality to Launch Rajkot’s First International Branded Hotel with Radisson Hotel Group

By Author

Published on May 25, 2026

NILE Hospitality has announced the upcoming opening of Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Rajkot, marking a significant milestone in Rajkot’s hospitality landscape as the city’s first internationally branded hotel.

The launch further strengthens NILE Hospitality’s growing portfolio of internationally managed properties while reinforcing its long-term strategic collaboration with Radisson Hotel Group. The upcoming property represents the seventh operational partnership between the two organisations and is expected to be the first among several Park Inn & Suites developments planned across emerging Indian markets.

Located in one of Gujarat’s fastest-growing commercial hubs, the hotel will feature 55 contemporary rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, and modern banquet facilities spread across approximately 2,500 sq. ft., catering to business meetings, social gatherings, and events.

The property will operate as an exclusively vegetarian hotel, reflecting regional culinary preferences and evolving traveller expectations in the Gujarat market.

The opening is expected to significantly elevate Rajkot’s hospitality ecosystem by introducing globally benchmarked service standards to a city witnessing strong industrial, commercial, and infrastructure-driven growth. Rajkot continues to emerge as a key business centre in Gujarat with thriving engineering, automobile, manufacturing, and SME sectors, creating increasing demand for professionally managed branded hospitality offerings.

Speaking on the development, Vikram Singh Chauhan said, “The hospitality landscape in Rajkot continues to undergo significance in line with the long-term development of its diverse economy and potential. Introducing Rajkot’s first international branded hotel, along with NILE’s long-established presence in Gujarat and Radisson’s world-class distribution network, will put us in a great position to contribute to the ongoing growth and diversification of the city’s hospitality sector.”

He further added that the collaboration with Devdwarika LLP as promoters reinforces the company’s commitment towards offering premium accommodation experiences for both leisure and business travellers seeking globally recognised hospitality standards.

The project highlights the growing importance of emerging urban markets within India’s hospitality expansion story, with branded hotel operators increasingly targeting high-growth commercial cities beyond major metros.


Ramee Group of Hotels Expands East India Footprint with Upcoming Hotel in Gaya

Ramee Group of Hotels Expands East India Footprint with Upcoming Hotel in Gaya

By Hariharan U

Published on May 25, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has announced its upcoming hospitality project in Gaya, further strengthening the group’s growing presence across East India. The expansion aligns with the company’s broader strategy of entering high-potential destinations driven by spiritual tourism, leisure travel, and business demand.

Recognised as one of India’s most significant pilgrimage destinations, Gaya continues to attract strong domestic and international footfall, supported by improving tourism infrastructure and enhanced connectivity. The city’s growing hospitality demand has made it an important market for hotel brands looking to expand into emerging travel hubs.

The upcoming property is being designed to offer a blend of comfort, convenience, and contemporary hospitality experiences. The hotel will feature well-appointed guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, banquet facilities, and an open-to-sky jacuzzi experience aimed at both leisure and spiritual travellers.

The property is also expected to position itself as a preferred venue for weddings, conferences, corporate events, and social gatherings with nearly 4,000 sq. ft. of dedicated banquet space.

Speaking on the expansion, Saurabh Gahoi said, “East India remains a key focus market in the company’s expansion plans, with Gaya emerging as a strategic hospitality destination due to its religious importance, growing tourism landscape, and improving infrastructure. The property aims to offer a seamless and guest-centric experience for both pilgrimage and business travellers.”

He further highlighted that increasing tourism activity and rising demand for quality accommodation continue to strengthen Gaya’s position as a promising growth market for the hospitality sector.

The launch marks another step in Ramee Group’s ongoing India expansion strategy as the company continues to build a diversified hospitality portfolio across business, leisure, and pilgrimage-led destinations. The group remains focused on delivering thoughtfully designed hospitality experiences backed by service excellence and guest comfort.


IHCL Goa Celebrates Cultural Diversity Through Inclusive Hospitality Initiatives

IHCL Goa Celebrates Cultural Diversity Through Inclusive Hospitality Initiatives

By Hariharan U

Published on May 25, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) Goa marked World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on 21 May by reinforcing its commitment towards inclusive hospitality, cultural preservation, and community-driven experiences across its Goa properties.

Recognised globally by UNESCO and the United Nations, the day highlights the importance of cultural diversity, dialogue, mutual respect, and inclusion in building stronger communities and sustainable societies.

Through a range of initiatives spanning regional cuisine, local artisan collaborations, traditional celebrations, and cross-cultural employee engagement programmes, IHCL Goa continues to integrate cultural diversity into its hospitality experiences.

Key initiatives include the Tribal Food Festival hosted in association with the Tata Steel Foundation at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Goa, regional food festivals at Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, cross-cultural team activities at Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, and local artisan collaborations at Taj Cidade de Goa.

The company also continues to celebrate Goa’s rich cultural traditions through events and festivities including Sao Joao celebrations, Carnival parades, and cake mixing ceremonies hosted across its hotels in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Ranjit Phillipose said Goa has always represented a confluence of cultures, traditions, and stories from across the world, adding that IHCL Goa remains focused on creating hospitality experiences where diversity is celebrated through people, cuisine, service, and local engagement.

He further highlighted that cultural diversity within hospitality is not only about coexistence, but also about encouraging learning, dialogue, and meaningful human connections among guests, employees, and communities.

IHCL Goa’s initiatives reflect the growing importance of culturally immersive and locally rooted hospitality experiences within India’s luxury tourism sector, while also supporting regional communities, traditions, and talent.

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