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

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:

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“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.


Ramee Group of Hotels Unveils Special Independence Day Stay Package

Ramee Group of Hotels Unveils Special Independence Day Stay Package

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 6, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has announced a specially curated Independence Day stay package, available from 1 to 17 August 2026 across its properties, except Udaipur. Designed for leisure travellers and families, the limited-period offer combines festive touches with signature hospitality to create a memorable holiday experience.

Guests booking the package will be welcomed with a signature tricolour beverage on arrival, along with an exclusive Independence Day amenity. The stay also includes complimentary early check-in and late check-out, as well as a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, all subject to availability.

To make the celebration even more enjoyable, guests can savour a chef-curated three-course meal once during their stay, along with complimentary evening snacks. They can also enjoy 20% savings on food and beverages across participating hotel outlets.

Families travelling together will benefit from the offer, with up to two children below 12 years staying complimentary when sharing the existing bedding.

Available for a limited period, the Independence Day package reflects Ramee Group of Hotels' commitment to creating thoughtful and comfortable guest experiences, bringing together festive celebrations, dining, and family-friendly benefits under one offering.


Brigade Hospitality Rebrands MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre

Brigade Hospitality Rebrands MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre

By Hariharan U

Published on August 5, 2026

Brigade Hospitality has announced the rebranding of its MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre, marking the venue’s transformation into an emerging destination for arts, culture, and creative expression in Bengaluru.

The rebranding includes a refreshed logo and updated visual identity, reflecting the venue’s evolving role as a platform for cultural engagement. Over recent years, MLR Cultural Centre has expanded beyond traditional conferences and corporate events to host a diverse range of artistic experiences, including music, theatre, dance, literature, and performing arts.

The new identity recognises this journey and reinforces the venue’s commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences by bringing together artists, audiences, and creative communities.

The nomenclature and visual identity of Brigade Hospitality’s MLR Convention Centre in JP Nagar will remain unchanged.

Commenting on the rebranding, Gurmeet Singh, Assistant Vice President, Brigade Hospitality, said that the identity change reflects the transition the venue has undergone, with cultural activities becoming a stronger focus while continuing to accommodate conferences and corporate events.

He added that the vision is to establish MLR Cultural Centre as a space where artists, audiences, and ideas come together to celebrate India’s vibrant cultural fabric and create memorable experiences.

The rebranding marks a new chapter for MLR Cultural Centre as it strengthens its position as a leading destination for art, music, and cultural performances in Bengaluru and beyond.


WelcomHeritage Launches Kurki Palace in Jaipur, Celebrating Rajasthan’s Royal Legacy

WelcomHeritage Launches Kurki Palace in Jaipur, Celebrating Rajasthan’s Royal Legacy

By Hariharan U

Published on August 4, 2026

WelcomHeritage has expanded its presence in Rajasthan with the launch of WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace, a boutique heritage hotel in Jaipur that brings together royal Rajput traditions, architectural grandeur, and contemporary luxury hospitality.

Located within a peaceful residential enclave in Jaipur, the palace offers guests a serene retreat while providing convenient access to the city’s iconic forts, palaces, and cultural landmarks. Hosted by descendants of the renowned Ranbanka Rathore family of Kurki Fort, whose lineage traces back to the 23rd generation of saint-poet Mirabai, the property offers travellers an opportunity to experience Rajasthan’s living heritage.

Inspired by traditional Rajasthani havelis, WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace reflects a blend of Marwari, Mughal, and European architectural influences. The property features grand sandstone structures, stained-glass windows, antique artefacts, intricate craftsmanship, and family heirlooms that showcase the region’s rich artistic legacy.

The palace offers 34 luxurious accommodations, including one Maharaja Suite, four Maharani Suites, 18 Executive Mahal Rooms, and 11 Rawla Deluxe Rooms. Each room has been designed with handcrafted furnishings, regional artistry, and modern amenities to provide guests with an immersive heritage stay experience.

The property features four distinctive dining venues — Darbar – The Sky Lounge, Swarn Mahal, Badal Mahal, and Sugar Coated Café — offering curated culinary experiences inspired by Rajasthan’s flavours and artistic traditions.

Beyond accommodation and dining, WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace offers a range of wellness and leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, and curated relaxation spaces. The property also caters to destination weddings, private celebrations, and MICE events through elegant venues such as Darbar Banquet, Darbar Rooftop, and Badal Mahal.

With bespoke event services and parking capacity for up to 500 vehicles, the palace provides a regal setting for large-scale celebrations, corporate gatherings, and intimate occasions.

Aligned with responsible hospitality practices, the property incorporates solar energy into its operations, combining sustainability with heritage preservation.

Speaking on the launch, Ashutosh Chhibba, CEO, WelcomHeritage, said that WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace represents the brand’s vision of preserving India’s cultural legacy while creating contemporary hospitality experiences. He added that the property strengthens WelcomHeritage’s presence in Jaipur and offers travellers an authentic gateway to Rajasthan’s timeless charm.

Chhibba further noted that the launch marks WelcomHeritage’s 11th property in Rajasthan and takes the brand’s overall portfolio to 37 properties across India. He highlighted Rajasthan’s importance to the brand’s heritage hospitality journey and reiterated the company’s focus on creating destinations that travellers actively seek for unique cultural experiences.

Strategically located near Jaipur International Airport and Jaipur Railway Station, the palace provides easy access to major attractions including Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, and Nahargarh Fort, making it an ideal base for exploring Jaipur’s heritage and vibrant culture.

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