Hospitality Industry Poised for a Successful Summer Season in 2023

Hospitality Industry Poised for a Successful Summer Season in 2023

By Author

Published on June 30, 2023

Industry experts predict that the hospitality sector will experience significant improvement in 2023 compared to both 2022 and the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Despite soaring airfares and room tariffs, the Indian hospitality industry is set to have its best-ever summer season, with tourists continuing to visit popular destinations.

Aashish Gupta, Consulting CEO of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH), highlighted the widespread boom across destinations and tourism markets during this first full year after the Covid-19 pandemic. Travel activities are expected to be 20-30% higher on a month-to-month basis compared to pre-pandemic levels. Occupancies and average daily rates (ADRs) are projected to increase by 15-40%, varying based on location.

The positive trend in the hospitality industry extends to various metrics. The fourth-quarter GDP numbers for 2023 revealed a 9.1% real growth in trade, hotels, transport, communication, and services related to broadcasting. Occupancy rates for the sector in 2022 were 15-17% higher than in 2021 and only 5-7% lower than in 2019. Furthermore, consultancy firm HVS Anarock reported that India-wide occupancy is expected to reach 66% in 2023, with a 16-17% rise in average room rates (ARRs) driving the revenue per available room (RevPAR) to ₹4,690, an 18% increase from pre-pandemic levels.

Rajesh Magow, co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip observed positive trends in leisure travel ahead of the upcoming holiday season. The preference for relaxed itineraries and experience-led travel has resulted in increased bookings and average per-passenger spending.

Popular destinations, particularly those offering relief from the heat and city life, have seen a positive start to the summer season. However, higher airfares have affected the travel plans of budget consumers, while premium consumers are indulging in lavish leisure travel.

MakeMyTrip highlighted that long-haul destinations like Europe and short-haul destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Maldives, and the UAE are generating significant interest in international travel. In the domestic market, Goa, Kochi, Srinagar, Dehradun, and Leh are the most sought-after flight destinations. Mountain destinations are the preferred choice this summer, with Manali, Kashmir, Mcleod Ganj, Ooty, and Coorg ranking high.

With the surge in travel demand, Oyo plans to open 300 new hotels by August 2023 in popular mountain destinations such as Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital, Srinagar, Shimla, Ooty, and Darjeeling. Shreerang Godbole, Chief Service Officer at Oyo, expressed excitement about the growth and development of the Indian travel and hospitality industry in response to the increased travel demand.


Valentine’s Day 2026 Brings Island Romance to Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts

Valentine’s Day 2026 Brings Island Romance to Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 28, 2026

As Valentine’s Day moves away from grand gestures toward more personal and experience-led celebrations, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts and COLOURS OF OBLU invite couples to mark Valentine’s Day 2026 on secluded Maldivian islands where simplicity, connection and calm take centre stage. Set against the natural beauty of the Maldives, the celebrations are designed for couples seeking more than a conventional dinner.

On February 14, romance unfolds across two distinct island resorts, each offering its own mood and interpretation of love. At RAAYA by Atmosphere, Valentine’s Day is inspired by nature, creativity and understated elegance. Couples can choose between two thoughtfully curated dining experiences that reflect the island’s relaxed character.

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Along the shoreline at Raaya Life Beach, a special Valentine’s communal BBQ creates a lively yet easy-going atmosphere, combining grilled flavours, bubbles and the soothing sounds of the ocean. For couples seeking a more intimate setting, Seb’s Farm hosts an exclusive five-course dinner paired with champagne and wine. Live saxophone music adds warmth to the evening, making it ideal for those who enjoy romance with depth and personality.

For travellers drawn to a more contemporary celebration, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, the adults-only escape from COLOURS OF OBLU, presents a Valentine’s Day experience that blends intimacy with playful energy. Couples can enjoy a themed buffet dinner at Ylang Ylang or opt for a refined four-course set menu at Gaadiya 17, complete with sparkling wine and rosebuds.

Those looking for a private celebration can reserve a bespoke Beach Dinner under the stars, featuring a four-course menu, a bottle of sparkling wine and uninterrupted moments by the sea. The day’s celebrations continue with a vibrant pool party, adding a light-hearted and social touch to the overall experience.

Across Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts and COLOURS OF OBLU, Valentine’s Day 2026 is reimagined as an experience rather than a single occasion. With carefully chosen settings, curated flavours and a sense of ease, couples are encouraged to connect in ways that feel natural and meaningful, whether dining barefoot on the sand or beneath the Maldivian night sky.


Tokyo Skytree Town Celebrates Winter With Desserts, Lights and Seasonal Magic

Tokyo Skytree Town Celebrates Winter With Desserts, Lights and Seasonal Magic

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 28, 2026

As Tokyo settles into winter, TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN continues its seasonal celebrations with a thoughtfully curated lineup that blends comfort, visual beauty and cultural moments. Following its New Year festivities, the iconic precinct turns its focus to food-led indulgences, romantic illuminations and fleeting natural spectacles, inviting visitors to slow down and savour the quieter side of the season. Rooted in Japanese traditions and shaped by modern lifestyle experiences, the winter calendar unfolds around one of Tokyo’s most recognisable landmarks.

Winter begins on a sweet note with Strawberry and Chocolate Tokyo Solamachi 2026, an outdoor gourmet event celebrating two flavours eagerly awaited each year in Japan. The festival brings together strawberry-based desserts, rich chocolate creations and warming cheese comfort dishes, offering visitors the perfect accompaniment to crisp winter evenings. The Sky Arena is enhanced with floral wall installations and seasonal décor, creating an inviting visual pause within the city and a popular photo spot for those exploring the area.
Dates: January 15 – February 15, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last order at 8:00 PM)
Venue: Sky Arena, 4F, Tokyo Skytree Town
Entry: Free

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As Valentine’s Day approaches, Tokyo Solamachi adopts a more romantic atmosphere with Happy Valentine Tokyo Solamachi 2026. A collection of limited-period pop-up stores features chocolates and sweets from established Japanese chocolatiers, alongside brands making their debut. The experience is complemented by Tokyo Skytree’s seasonal illuminations, designed around themes of affection and gifting, adding warmth to winter evenings spent in the district.
Dates: January 23 – February 14, 2026
Venue: Various locations across Tokyo Solamachi
Special Lightings:
Valentine’s Day Lighting – “My Gift to You” (February 11–14)
White Day Lighting – “Thinking of You” (March 12–14)

One of the season’s most anticipated moments arrives with Diamond Fuji on February 3, 2026. This rare natural phenomenon occurs when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the summit of Mount Fuji, forming a glowing diamond-shaped silhouette. Tokyo Skytree is regarded as one of the city’s most striking vantage points to witness this event, which takes place only twice a year. Beyond its visual appeal, Diamond Fuji carries cultural meaning and offers visitors a moment of calm above the Tokyo skyline.
Date: February 3, 2026
Time: Around 5:00 PM
Viewing Location: Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck & Tembo Galleria

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With its blend of food festivals, romantic winter illuminations, cultural traditions and rare seasonal spectacles, TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN continues to present a layered winter narrative that appeals to travellers of all age groups. For visitors seeking both indulgence and reflection, the destination offers a memorable way to experience Tokyo during the colder months.

To learn more about event schedules and visitor access, please visit:
https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en
https://en.www.tokyo-solamachi.jp/


Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Unveils First Phase of Reimagined Water Villas

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Unveils First Phase of Reimagined Water Villas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 28, 2026

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has revealed the first phase of its resortwide design transformation, marking an important step in the resort’s evolution under Sun Siyam’s newly launched Luxury Collection. The five-star Maldivian resort has introduced a reimagined portfolio of overwater accommodation, setting a fresh design direction rooted in refined island luxury and local craftsmanship.

The newly reimagined Water Villas and Horizon Water Villas with Private Pool form the opening chapter of this transformation. Designed with a contemporary take on rustic Maldivian luxury, each villa offers an open-plan layout that frames uninterrupted ocean views. Spacious bathrooms feature bathtubs overlooking the lagoon, while private decks include multiple lounging areas, suspended hammocks, and intimate corners styled in soft green tones, creating a relaxed yet elevated living experience.

All Horizon Water Villas now feature a 22 sqm private pool with sunken seating, turning each space into a personal retreat suited for sunrise rituals, unhurried afternoons, and sunset views. Tailored experiences have also been curated for couples and honeymooners, ensuring stays feel personal and thoughtfully designed.

The overwater portfolio includes 40 Water Villas with Pool measuring 123 sqm, 16 Horizon Water Villas with Pool at 128 sqm, and 19 Sunset Horizon Water Villas with Pool, also spanning 128 sqm. Each category offers a seamless balance of comfort, privacy, and connection to the surrounding lagoon.

To guide the transformation, Sun Siyam appointed international interior design consultants Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, Founders and Creative Directors of London-based Studio Sixty7. Their design approach brings together muted tones, natural textures, and softly sculpted forms that reflect effortless barefoot luxury. Gently imperfect plastered walls, tactile finishes, and layers of breathable linen define the villas’ calm and inviting atmosphere. “Every element has been chosen to feel grounded and sensorial, inviting guests into a deep sense of calm.” said Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero.

Highlighting the intent behind the redesign, Resort Manager Abdulla Atham shared, “This transformation goes beyond aesthetics, it’s a careful orchestration of space, service excellence, and emotional detail. From villa layouts and in-villa experiences to the minibar selection, outdoor offerings, views, and quiet gestures from your butler, each moment is designed to immerse guests into the spirit of chic island living”.

With this unveiling, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi continues its journey toward becoming a destination defined by understated luxury and authentic island living, offering guests a refined yet deeply relaxed Maldivian experience.

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