IHCL Signs MoU for Hospitality Skilling Centre in Goa

IHCL and Goa Government Partner for India’s Largest Hospitality Skilling Centre

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 3, 2025

In a landmark move for Goa’s tourism industry, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has partnered with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Goa, to set up India’s largest hospitality skilling centre. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Goa Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant, Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL, and key government officials.

Empowering Youth Through Skill Development

This initiative is designed to equip youth with essential hospitality skills, creating new employment avenues in Goa’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector. The skilling centre will offer specialized training programs and workshops, covering key areas like:

Front Office Operations
Housekeeping Services
Food Production
Food & Beverage Service

To ensure practical industry exposure, the program will also feature internships in corporate hospitality settings, bridging the gap between education and employment.

Leadership Statements

Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO of IHCL, emphasized IHCL’s commitment to Goa’s hospitality landscape, stating:

“Continuing our pioneering leadership in Goa for over five decades, IHCL is dedicated to developing a skilled workforce. This centre, aligned with our ESG+ framework of Paathya, will bridge the employability gap and strengthen Goa’s vibrant tourism industry.”

Goa’s Chief Minister, Shri Pramod Sawant, highlighted the state’s dedication to tourism-led employment growth, saying:

“Goa has long been a hub for tourism, and this initiative by IHCL will create new job opportunities for our youth. This MoU reflects our commitment to building a sustainable tourism ecosystem with India’s leading hospitality company.”

IHCL’s Commitment to Talent Development

Under its Paathya ESG+ framework, IHCL operates 47 skilling centres across India, focusing on empowering youth and enhancing employability. This new initiative in Goa further strengthens IHCL’s efforts to nurture future hospitality professionals, ensuring a skilled and ready workforce for the evolving industry.

With Goa’s tourism sector booming, this partnership marks a significant step in shaping India’s next generation of hospitality professionals.

ITC Hotels Unveils Storii Narindera Orchards, Kufri: A Soulful Mountain Retreat

By Hariharan U

Published on October 22, 2025

ITC Hotels has expanded its premium Storii brand with the launch of Storii Narindera Orchards, Kufri, an experiential mountain retreat set amidst apple orchards with stunning views of the Dhauladhar ranges. The property blends the natural beauty of the Shimla Hills with refined hospitality, offering guests an immersive, soulful escape.

Storii Kufri features elegantly appointed rooms overlooking the valley, a spa with curated wellness experiences, and multiple dining options. Guests can indulge in Himachali delicacies and global cuisine at Daran Valley, enjoy open-air terrace dining with light bites and handcrafted beverages at Café Mehral, relax with teas and desserts at Baag View, or savour premium cocktails at Raspippin Bar. The Baghal Room serves as the signature banquet space, ideal for weddings, corporate retreats, and social gatherings.

“ITC Hotels Limited has a very strong presence in Himachal Pradesh and with the addition of Storii Narindera Orchards, Kufri, we further strengthen our footprint in the state. The property is inspired by the region’s rich heritage and culture, celebrating local artistry thoughtfully blended with contemporary comforts,” said Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited.

“Our dream was to create more than a hotel, we envisaged a destination that reflects the essence of Shimla Hills. We welcome guests to discover not just a stay, but a story that celebrates the region and the spirit of true hospitality,” said Udayvir Singh Punta, Owner of Storii Narindera Orchards, Kufri.

Visitors can enjoy orchard walks, curated treks, bonfire evenings, and wellness treatments at the spa and salon. Located just a short drive from Shimla, the retreat is positioned as a premier choice for leisure getaways, corporate retreats, and destination weddings.

With Storii Narindera Orchards, Kufri, ITC Hotels continues to expand its portfolio of premium experiential destinations, combining regional authenticity with modern luxury.

If you want, I can also draft a shorter social media-friendly version highlighting the scenic location, wellness offerings, and curated dining at Storii Kufri.

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands in Maharashtra with New Resort in Mahabaleshwar

By Hariharan U

Published on October 22, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of its newest property, Lemon Tree Resort, Saj by the Mountain, Mahabaleshwar. The resort will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, the management arm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited.

This signing marks an important milestone in the brand’s expansion across Maharashtra, further strengthening its leisure and resort portfolio. Known for offering vibrant, comfortable, and value-driven stays, Lemon Tree continues to attract both business and leisure travellers across India.

The upcoming Lemon Tree Resort, Saj by the Mountain will feature:

78 well-appointed rooms offering scenic views
A restaurant and a bar serving curated local and global cuisines
A banquet hall for events and celebrations
A swimming pool and spa for recreation and relaxation

Speaking on the signing, Vilas Pawar, CEO – Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With this signing, we will expand our leisure portfolio in Maharashtra, a state where we currently have 15 operational and 11 upcoming properties, in addition to this one. While growing our footprint across cities of all tiers, this partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of offering refreshing and comfortable stays across all destinations.”

The addition of the Mahabaleshwar resort highlights Lemon Tree’s strategic focus on premium leisure destinations, complementing its strong city presence. As the travel and tourism landscape continues to evolve, the brand aims to deliver distinctive experiences rooted in comfort, warmth, and value.

Sheraton Hyderabad Relaunches Jade Ballroom After Extensive Redesign

By Hariharan U

Published on October 21, 2025

Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel has announced the relaunch of its signature banquet space, the Jade Ballroom following an extensive redesign. The transformed venue combines contemporary elegance with the city’s cultural heritage, setting a new benchmark for events and celebrations in Hyderabad.

Speaking about the relaunch, Subhankar Bose, General Manager, Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel, said, “The relaunch of Jade Ballroom represents our commitment to offering Hyderabad an exceptional venue that honours tradition while embracing innovation. This space is designed to create magical moments for our guests — whether they are celebrating life’s milestones or hosting distinguished business events.”

The reimagined Jade Ballroom now offers 4,500 sq. ft. of flexible, pillarless meeting space, complemented by a 2,500 sq. ft. pre-function area. With a total capacity of up to 600 guests, it ranks among Hyderabad’s largest and most adaptable event venues.

Designed for versatility, the ballroom’s column-free architecture ensures unobstructed sightlines, allowing seamless transitions between intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. The space can also be divided into Jade 1 and Jade 2, offering flexibility for simultaneous events or customized layouts.

The enhanced pre-function area, ideal for cocktail receptions, networking sessions, or registration zones, features independent access for added exclusivity. State-of-the-art audio-visual systems and advanced lighting technology have also been integrated, ensuring every event is executed with sophistication and precision.

With its blend of timeless design, modern technology, and spacious versatility, the new Jade Ballroom reaffirms Sheraton Hyderabad’s position as a premier destination for weddings, social celebrations, and corporate events in the city.

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IHCL and Goa Government Partner for India’s Largest Hospitality Skilling Centre

Empowering Youth Through Skill Development

Leadership Statements

IHCL’s Commitment to Talent Development

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ITC Hotels Unveils Storii Narindera Orchards, Kufri: A Soulful Mountain Retreat

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Lemon Tree Hotels Expands in Maharashtra with New Resort in Mahabaleshwar

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Sheraton Hyderabad Relaunches Jade Ballroom After Extensive Redesign

Most Read In News