Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is expanding its presence in Odisha with the signing of Cozzet VICASA Gopalpur, a 50-room brownfield hotel located around 800 metres from Gopalpur Sea Beach. The property is scheduled to open in March 2027, with several rooms offering sea views.

The signing supports Cygnett’s plans to grow through brownfield conversions and asset-light management opportunities across Tier II, Tier III and emerging micro-markets. The move comes as domestic travel continues to grow and more travellers look for professionally managed accommodation beyond major cities.

According to HVS ANAROCK's India Hospitality Industry Overview 2025, Tier III and IV markets accounted for 44% of hotel keys signed and 55% of properties signed during 2025, highlighting the growing role of emerging destinations in India’s hospitality sector.

Located along Odisha’s southern coastline, Gopalpur is developing as a coastal leisure destination, combining beach tourism and weekend travel with access to the region’s natural and cultural attractions. The upcoming hotel is expected to cater to leisure travellers, families, weekend guests, weddings and small corporate groups.

Commenting on the signing, Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, “India's hospitality growth is increasingly being driven by emerging cities, pilgrimage centres and leisure micro-markets. Gopalpur fits strongly into this strategy. Through brownfield conversions such as Cozzet Vicasa Gopalpur, we can bring quality existing assets into a professional brand, distribution and operating ecosystem while creating long-term value for hotel owners.”

A Contemporary Coastal Stay

Cozzet VICASA Gopalpur will feature 50 guest rooms, including sea-view rooms, along with approximately 2,500 sq. ft. of banquet and event space that can accommodate around 180–200 guests. The hotel will also feature a rooftop restaurant serving regional delicacies and global cuisine in a relaxed coastal setting, adding to its appeal for both leisure and social gatherings.

Cozzet’s Smart, Safe & Sensible Approach

Positioned in the value-driven hospitality segment, Cozzet by Cygnett follows its “Smart, Safe & Sensible” hospitality philosophy. The brand focuses on clean and comfortable rooms, modern amenities and dependable service at an accessible price point.

With branded economy accommodation still having relatively low penetration across India, Cygnett sees considerable potential for organised hotel brands in emerging cities and destinations. Cozzet by Cygnett currently has a development pipeline of more than 600 keys, with hotels at different stages of development and pre-opening across destinations including Noida, Ayodhya, Amritsar, Jaipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Gopalpur signing further strengthens Cygnett’s plans to build a scalable network across regional business centres, pilgrimage destinations, coastal leisure markets and other emerging micro-markets where demand for quality branded accommodation continues to grow.

ITC Hotels Limited has signed a management agreement for Storii Havelock, a 22-key boutique retreat in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), expanding its presence into the Andaman & Nicobar Islands under the Storii by ITC Hotels brand.

Set amid the natural beauty of the Andaman Islands, the property will offer guests an intimate island retreat surrounded by beaches, clear waters, tropical landscapes and rich marine biodiversity. The hotel is planned around the laid-back character of the destination, giving travellers a setting to enjoy the island’s natural surroundings.

Storii Havelock will feature well designed rooms and suites, along with an all-day dining restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and kids' play area. The facilities are planned to offer guests a comfortable stay while keeping the island experience at the centre.

Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, "Swaraj Deep (Havelock Island) has emerged as one of India's most sought-after leisure destinations, drawing travellers with its unparalleled natural beauty and distinctive experiences. The signing of Storii Havelock reflects our strategy of expanding across high-potential leisure markets through properties that are rooted in their surroundings. We look forward to introducing the Storii brand to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands."

Arjun Kapoor, Director, M/s Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts Private Limited, said, " We are pleased to collaborate with ITC Hotels on this project. Swaraj Deep continues to attract travellers seeking a blend of nature, adventure and relaxation. We are confident that Storii Havelock will create a compelling hospitality offering that reflects the true spirit of the Andaman Islands.”

The signing marks the entry of the Storii brand into the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and adds another leisure destination to ITC Hotels’ growing portfolio. With its boutique format and island setting, Storii Havelock is positioned to offer travellers an authentic retreat while supporting the continued growth of the region’s hospitality landscape.

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has opened Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj, marking the third hotel entrusted to the company by owner Rakesh Rawat within 12 months. The new property is also ALIVAA’s second hotel in the Dharamshala–McLeod Ganj belt.

The latest opening highlights the growing confidence of hotel owners in ALIVAA’s management platform. Following the management of Rawat’s properties in McLeod Ganj and Manali, the third mandate adds to the company’s presence in Himachal Pradesh while strengthening its relationship with the owner.

For a hotel management company, repeat partnerships can be an important measure of performance, as they reflect an owner’s experience with the company’s operations, commercial results and day-to-day management.

Set against the Dhauladhar ranges, Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj offers a boutique hospitality experience that combines contemporary comforts with the cultural character of Himachal Pradesh. The hotel features thoughtfully curated accommodations, personalised service and local experiences designed for leisure travellers looking for an authentic mountain getaway.

Vikramjit Singh, Founder & Chairman & Managing Director, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, said:

“The opening of Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj represents another important milestone in our expansion journey. While every new hotel is significant, what makes this launch particularly meaningful is the trust our partners continue to place in us. Having Mr. Rakesh Rawat entrust ALIVAA with three properties within a single year is a strong endorsement of our operating philosophy, our commercial capabilities and our commitment to creating long-term value for hotel owners. Relationships built on trust remain the foundation of our growth.”

Akash Bhatia, Chief Executive Officer, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, said:

“Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj reflects our vision of delivering high-touch hospitality supported by revenue management and distribution excellence. Every property we manage benefits from a centralized commercial strategy, sophisticated revenue optimization and strong market positioning, allowing owners to maximize returns while preserving each hotel’s unique identity. Mr. Rawat’s decision to expand his partnership with us for a third property within a year is the strongest validation of our business model and we remain focused on accelerating growth across India’s leading leisure and business destinations.”

For Rakesh Rawat, Owner, Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj, the decision to partner with ALIVAA again follows the performance of his existing properties under the company’s management.

“Over the past year, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has consistently demonstrated professionalism, transparency, and a strong understanding of what it takes to operate successful hotels in competitive leisure markets. After seeing the performance of my existing properties under their management, partnering with them for a third hotel was an easy decision. I am confident that Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj will benefit from the same operational excellence and commercial expertise while offering guests an exceptional hospitality experience.”

With the opening of Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj, ALIVAA continues to expand its presence across leisure and business destinations while building its hotel management portfolio through repeat owner partnerships.