IHG Signs Deal for First Garner Hotel in Türkiye, Set to Open in 2025

IHG Signs Deal for First Garner Hotel in Türkiye, Set to Open in 2025

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 30, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of its first Garner-branded hotel in Türkiye. The project comes under a franchise agreement with FRT Turizm, with support from AB Consulting led by Ahmet Bilgin. Set to open in 2025, the hotel will feature 126 guest rooms spread across four separate buildings and will be located near the International Istanbul Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports.

This franchise agreement comes just a month after IHG introduced the Garner brand to the Turkish market during its Turkish Investor Day. Garner, a midscale conversion brand, focuses on offering comfortable, relaxed stays at affordable prices while providing guests with essential amenities in convenient locations.

Garner has quickly gained popularity with hotel owners worldwide due to its flexible design standards, which accommodate different footprints, and its ability to minimize pre-opening costs. The brand allows investors to move swiftly from conversion to operational status, making it a highly attractive option in the midscale space. To date, Garner has seen 79 signings and four hotel openings globally.

Each Garner property benefits from IHG’s extensive support, including digital services, a global sales organization, award-winning distribution systems, and the IHG One Rewards loyalty program, which has over 130 million members. These resources help investors maximize returns and ensure operational efficiency throughout the hotel’s lifecycle.

Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development for Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed optimism about the brand’s expansion, stating, “With the first Garner hotel being signed just a month after we introduced the brand to our Turkish investors, it is promising to see the continued confidence our owners have in IHG’s brands. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without our trusting relationship with FRT Turizm and the support of Ahmet Bilgin and his company AB Consulting.”

The new Garner hotel will be an ideal location for transient travelers, thanks to its proximity to the new Istanbul International Airport, which welcomes over 64 million passengers annually. The brand’s promise of “easy-going stays that get you on your way” aligns perfectly with the needs of travelers in such a busy area.

FRT Turizm board members Fırat Çelebi and Vedat Çelebi added, “Hearing about the Garner brand during IHG’s Investor Day, we knew it would seamlessly fit into our location in Arnavutkoy. We look forward to welcoming travelers to the first Garner in Türkiye once we open our doors next year and becoming the first choice for all transit guests looking for a quick, convenient stay before heading to the airport.”

Türkiye continues to be an important market for IHG, where it currently operates 31 hotels across five brands, including Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and the Holiday Inn brand family. The company also has a robust development pipeline, with 12 more properties expected to open in the coming years.


ITC Hotels Strengthens Rajasthan Presence with Signing of Welcomhotel Jaipur

ITC Hotels Strengthens Rajasthan Presence with Signing of Welcomhotel Jaipur

By Hariharan U

Published on June 20, 2026

ITC Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a management agreement for a 140-key Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels in Jaipur, marking another significant step in the company’s expansion strategy across key state capitals and high-demand hospitality markets.

The upcoming property will strengthen ITC Hotels’ presence in Rajasthan, a state renowned for its rich cultural heritage, royal architecture, and thriving tourism sector. Jaipur, in particular, continues to attract domestic and international travellers, while remaining one of India’s most sought-after destinations for weddings, celebrations, and business events.

Designed to blend contemporary comfort with the city’s historic charm, Welcomhotel Jaipur will feature well-appointed guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, and a lounge bar. The hotel will also offer extensive event infrastructure, including more than 15,000 square feet of indoor banqueting space and 22,000 square feet of landscaped outdoor venues, positioning it as a preferred destination for MICE events and destination weddings.

Guests will have access to wellness and spa facilities, further enhancing the overall hospitality experience.

Commenting on the development, Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels Limited, said Jaipur represents a unique blend of heritage and growing demand for premium hospitality experiences. He noted that the project aligns with the company’s focus on strengthening its presence in high-visibility destinations across India.

Directors of Ashraya Hotels and Resorts Anil Agarwal, Sunil Agarwal, and Peyush Agarwal said the partnership aims to bring world-class hospitality experiences to Jaipur while celebrating Rajasthan’s cultural legacy.

The signing follows ITC Hotels’ recent expansion announcements in Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, and Hyderabad, reinforcing its long-term commitment to growing its hospitality portfolio across emerging and established markets in India.


MRG Group Expands Hospitality Footprint with Launch of Goldfinch Panjim Goa

MRG Group Expands Hospitality Footprint with Launch of Goldfinch Panjim Goa

By Hariharan U

Published on June 20, 2026

MRG Group has announced the launch of Goldfinch Panjim Goa, further strengthening its hospitality presence in one of India's most sought-after leisure destinations. Located in the heart of Panjim and overlooking the scenic Mandovi River, the new property joins the growing Goldfinch Hospitality portfolio across the country.

Designed for both business and leisure travellers, Goldfinch Panjim Goa offers 98 guestrooms, including seven suites, equipped with modern amenities and contemporary comforts. The hotel combines elegant interiors, green surroundings, and a central location to provide guests with a comfortable and convenient stay experience.

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The property's dining offering is anchored by Banjara, the all-day dining restaurant serving a mix of global cuisine and locally inspired dishes that celebrate Goa's rich culinary heritage.

Commenting on the launch, K. Prakash Shetty said the opening reflects the group's continued commitment to expanding its hospitality footprint in high-potential markets while focusing on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and guest-centric experiences.

Gaurav Shetty added that Goa remains one of India's most iconic travel destinations and the launch marks another important milestone in the company's hospitality growth journey.

The launch reinforces MRG Group's long-term expansion strategy, with the company targeting more than 3,500 hotel keys by 2035. The group currently operates several hospitality assets across India, including Goldfinch-branded hotels and partnerships with global hospitality brands.

For more information about the group, visit MRG Group.


International Yoga Day Finds Its Home at Four Seasons Resort Maldives

International Yoga Day Finds Its Home at Four Seasons Resort Maldives

By Hariharan U

Published on June 19, 2026

As the world celebrates International Yoga Day on June 21, wellness takes centre stage at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, where yoga, nature, and holistic healing come together in one of the Indian Ocean’s most serene settings.

Nestled within the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, the island resort has long been recognised for its immersive approach to wellbeing. Surrounded by turquoise waters and vibrant marine life, the resort offers a tranquil environment where guests can disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with themselves.

At the heart of the wellness experience is AyurMa, the resort’s dedicated wellness sanctuary whose name translates to “Mother of Life” in Sanskrit. Designed around the principles of holistic healing, AyurMa blends yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and mindful living to create personalised wellness journeys.

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For International Yoga Day, guests can participate in a range of yoga experiences tailored to individual needs. Developed in collaboration with S-VYASA University, the resort’s Yoga Therapy programme addresses concerns such as stress management, spinal health, flexibility, and overall wellbeing. Guests can also explore unique experiences including AntiGravity Yoga, Aqua Float Yoga, and Pregnancy Yoga, each designed to make the practice accessible and engaging.

The island setting further enhances the experience, with yoga sessions conducted in open-air pavilions overlooking the lagoon. Guests can also take part in Rahumathuge Vaguthu, a sunset Earth Blessing ceremony that combines mindfulness with gratitude, creating a deeper connection to nature and community.

Complementing the yoga programme is AyurMa’s comprehensive Ayurveda offering, including personalised consultations, Shirodhara treatments, traditional oil therapies, and a Government of Maldives-accredited Panchakarma programme. Guided by Dr. Arun K. Tomson, these therapies are designed to support the body’s natural healing processes and restore balance.

This International Yoga Day, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers more than a wellness retreat—it presents an opportunity to embrace mindfulness, healing, and self-discovery in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural settings.

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