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.

Cygnett Hotels Expands in Uttar Pradesh with New Signings in Kanpur and Vrindavan

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India's fastest-growing hospitality chains, has announced its latest expansion in Uttar Pradesh with the signing of Cozzet Kanpur and Cygnett Inn Vrindavan. These strategic additions strengthen the group’s presence in key Tier-II and religious tourism markets, aligning with its larger goal of establishing a 100-hotel portfolio across India.

Cozzet Kanpur, a brownfield project, is scheduled to open by the end of 2025. The hotel will offer 40 well-appointed rooms, two banquet halls with a combined capacity of up to 10,000 guests, a 60-cover all-day dining restaurant, and a lounge bar—making it an ideal venue for weddings, MICE events, and business stays in the industrial capital of North India.

Cygnett Inn Vrindavan is expected to welcome guests by early 2027. Designed for both business and leisure travellers, the property will feature 60 rooms, an 80-cover restaurant, a rooftop swimming pool, a gym, and banquet facilities accommodating 600–800 guests. With this signing, Cygnett’s total inventory in Vrindavan will rise to 100 rooms, following the earlier addition of Cozzet Vrindavan.

“Uttar Pradesh is a critical market in our strategy as we work toward building a 100-hotel network. We plan to launch 10–12 properties across the state in the next 2–3 years,” said Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.

Both properties will be located near prominent tourist and cultural attractions—Kanpur, known for its industrial strength and historic landmarks, and Vrindavan, the divine city in Braj Bhoomi, renowned for its association with Lord Krishna.

This growth complements Cygnett’s expanding portfolio, which already includes a presence in Ayodhya, further anchoring its position in both spiritual and commercial travel destinations.

Cozzet represents the brand’s smart, value-driven segment, designed for savvy modern travellers, while Cygnett Inn offers full-service comfort and reliability with a midscale focus—each promising warm hospitality and Cygnetture service.

For more information, visit: www.cygnetthotels.com

Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection Hosts Elegant Cocktail Dinner for India’s Top Wedding Planners in New Delhi

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

In a celebration of luxury hospitality and creative collaboration, Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection hosted a sophisticated cocktail dinner on June 18 at Dear Donna, New Delhi, bringing together India’s leading wedding planners and select media from premier wedding publications.

Set in a graceful white and gold theme, the evening offered an intimate environment to explore the world of destination weddings in Dubai, as envisioned by the Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, comprising Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, V Hotel Dubai – Curio Collection by Hilton, and Al Habtoor Palace.

More than just opulent accommodations, the collection showcased its wide-ranging offerings for weddings—from breathtaking banquets and tailored hospitality to curated entertainment experiences like La Perle, Dubai’s spectacular live show. Attendees had the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities with the Dubai-based team.

Jihane Chakhrouf, Complex Director of Groups, Catering, and Events, remarked,

“India remains a vital market for our destination weddings. This evening strengthened our bonds with the top minds in the Indian wedding industry. We look forward to co-creating unforgettable wedding experiences that seamlessly combine our world-class hotels with Dubai's vibrant lifestyle offerings.”

Carolina Campita, Complex Assistant Director of Marketing, added,

“The Indian wedding planning community is celebrated globally for their unparalleled creativity. Bringing them together allowed us to highlight the essence of Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection and showcase Dubai's exceptional entertainment options. From relaxing spa retreats to spectacular entertainment, our aim is to deliver luxury and enjoyment not only for the bride and groom but for all guests.”

This exclusive evening not only spotlighted the collection’s luxurious venues but also emphasized its deep commitment to the Indian wedding market—positioning Al Habtoor City as a premier destination for bespoke weddings that fuse culinary richness, captivating entertainment, and curated lifestyle experiences.

Marriott India Plants the Seeds of a Greener Future: 100,000 Trees and Counting

By Author

Published on June 19, 2025

In an era where corporate responsibility and environmental consciousness are more than just buzzwords, Marriott India has taken a bold step forward—transforming words into meaningful, measurable action. On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, Marriott India proudly announced the achievement of a monumental milestone: 100,000 trees planted across the country.

With a growing portfolio of 150+ hotels, this initiative was more than a one-day campaign—it was a unifying mission. Rooted in the vision of long-term ecological sustainability and inspired by the success of last year’s “Two Trees per Room” program, Marriott India’s latest green stride stands as a compelling testament to how the hospitality industry can be a powerful agent of change.

A Legacy That Grows with Every Tree

Last year’s initiative laid the groundwork. With over 32,600 trees planted by 4,900 passionate volunteers, the “Two Trees per Room” drive showed Marriott’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. Building on that solid foundation, 2025 witnessed the idea blossom into a national green movement—one that reflects Marriott’s belief that environmental responsibility must be woven into the very fabric of hospitality.

This year, each Marriott hotel in India took ownership of localized tree-planting drives in collaboration with reputable reforestation partners and community leaders. These weren’t symbolic gestures. Trees were planted strategically to revive ecosystems, restore biodiversity, and combat climate change, while also generating employment and awareness at the grassroots level.

From Corporate Vision to Community Action

“This isn’t just about trees—it’s about legacy,” said a Marriott India spokesperson. “By planting 100,000 trees, we are not only giving back to nature but also nurturing future generations. This initiative is a reflection of our values—of growing responsibly, sustainably, and inclusively.”

Each property embraced the mission with unique fervor. In Bengaluru, for instance, Aloft Bengaluru Whitefield joined the movement with commendable zeal. Under the leadership of General Manager Mr. Hafizullah Baig, 24 spirited volunteers came together to plant 300 trees, reinforcing the belief that local action can lead to national transformation.

“We are proud to be part of a company that not only talks about sustainability but lives it,” Baig shared. “Every sapling we planted today is a promise—for cleaner air, cooler cities, and a healthier planet.”

Beyond the Green Horizon: Marriott’s Broader Eco Vision

While the 100,000-tree milestone is momentous, it is far from the finish line for Marriott India. The brand continues to champion a 360-degree approach to sustainability, with initiatives spanning:

Energy-efficient operations using smart automation and green building standards
Waste management systems that reduce, recycle, and repurpose
Responsible sourcing of food and materials that support ethical and eco-conscious suppliers
Local community engagement programs that uplift while educating

Through these collective efforts, Marriott India is not just participating in change—it’s leading it.

Hospitality that Heals the Earth

Marriott India’s environmental journey is redefining what it means to be a responsible hospitality brand in the 21st century. At a time when climate anxiety is real and urgent, the company’s green vision offers hope, direction, and impact. It’s a reminder that the hospitality sector—so often associated with comfort, luxury, and indulgence—can also be a steward of conservation, compassion, and consciousness.

As the sun set on World Environment Day 2025, tens of thousands of trees stood tall across India—silent sentinels of Marriott’s pledge to protect the planet. A commitment rooted in soil, nourished by intent, and destined to flourish for generations to come.

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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

Most Read In News

Cygnett Hotels Expands in Uttar Pradesh with New Signings in Kanpur and Vrindavan

Most Read In News

Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection Hosts Elegant Cocktail Dinner for India’s Top Wedding Planners in New Delhi

Most Read In News

Marriott India Plants the Seeds of a Greener Future: 100,000 Trees and Counting

A Legacy That Grows with Every Tree

From Corporate Vision to Community Action

Beyond the Green Horizon: Marriott’s Broader Eco Vision

Hospitality that Heals the Earth

Most Read In News