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.


GReaT Green Meetings: Great Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels Unveils Eco-Conscious Corporate Experience

GReaT Green Meetings: Great Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels Unveils Eco-Conscious Corporate Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 29, 2025

Great Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels has unveiled an innovative corporate initiative titled “GReaT Green Meetings”, blending sustainability with hospitality. Created in partnership with ECO INDEX, this one-of-a-kind offering is designed to provide corporate guests with a fully integrated eco-conscious meeting experience at the scenic Yercaud property.

The new concept reflects GRT Hotels’ growing focus on responsible tourism and climate action. It redefines business meets by incorporating carbon footprint calculations, a plant-based no-oil, no-boil menu, and carbon offsetting through tree planting, all aimed at reducing the environmental impact of traditional corporate events.

Key Features of GReaT Green Meetings:

  •  Carbon Footprint Calculation: The ECO INDEX application tracks emissions from travel, food waste, dry waste, and more, offering participants clear insights into their environmental impact.

  •  GReaT Raw Cuisine: A no-boil, no-oil culinary approach that aligns wellness with eco-conscious living.

  •  Sustainable Amenities: Everything from biodegradable toiletries to plastic-free setups ensure minimal ecological disturbance.

  •  Carbon Offsetting: Trees are planted within the resort premises for every event hosted, contributing to long-term carbon absorption.

  •  Plant Gifts: Each participant receives a plant sapling as a symbol of growth and sustainability.

The GReaT Raw Cuisine: Cooking for a Cooler Planet

This initiative also introduces a “No-Boil, No-Oil Revolution” — a low-impact cooking method that skips boiling and oil-based techniques, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Why It Matters

Conventional cooking methods involve:

  • Use of fossil fuels or electricity

  • Extraction and refinement of oils

  • Packaging, refrigeration, and food processing

These activities contribute heavily to carbon emissions. In contrast, no-oil, no-boil cooking requires minimal energy, aligning with a healthier and environmentally-conscious lifestyle.

Carbon Comparison: What does 70 kg CO₂e saving mean?

  •  Equivalent to driving a car for 280 km

  •  Charging 9,000 smartphones

  •  Saving  3 mature trees’ annual CO₂ offset

GReaT Green Menu Highlights

  • Neer More

  • Muringai Keerai Vadai

  • Vazahakkai Poriyal

  • Vellarika Thayir Pachadi

  • Aval Puliohara

  • Aval Sadham

  • Pacha Puli Rasam

With GReaT Green Meetings, Great Trails Yercaud invites businesses to not only connect and collaborate, but also contribute to a greener planet. This initiative is a thoughtful blend of innovation, tradition, and sustainability, setting a new standard for eco-conscious corporate hospitality in India.


Lemon Tree Hotels Expands in Gujarat with New Lemon Tree Premier in Surat

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands in Gujarat with New Lemon Tree Premier in Surat

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 29, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the signing of its latest property, Lemon Tree Premier, Surat, Gujarat, adding another jewel to its growing portfolio in the state. Managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels, the upscale property will feature 108 well-appointed rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, banquet space, meeting room, swimming pool, gym, spa, and other public areas designed for business and leisure travellers alike.

Strategically located, the hotel offers excellent connectivity with Surat Airport just 11 km away and Surat Railway Station approximately 9.5 km from the site. Well-connected by road, it ensures easy access to key hubs and transport options.

Known as the ‘Diamond City of India’ and the ‘Silk City’, Surat stands out globally for its diamond cutting and polishing industry and as a major center for silk and synthetic fabric production. Beyond its industrial prowess, the city exudes Gujarat’s rich cultural and historical heritage with landmarks like the Dutch Garden and Surat Castle, while the Tapi River adds to its picturesque charm. For culinary enthusiasts, vibrant street food hotspots such as Khaudra Gali promise an authentic taste of local flavours.

Speaking about the development, Vilas Pawar, CEO - Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, shared, “We are excited to expand further in the eastern part of the country. This opening will be in addition to our nine existing and seventeen upcoming hotels and resorts in the state. The rich culture and state's pro-business policies, infrastructure development and strategic location are a great draw for business and leisure travellers.”

This upcoming hotel strengthens Lemon Tree’s commitment to Gujarat, offering a distinctive blend of comfort and modern amenities while embracing the vibrant local ethos.


OYO’s SUNDAY Launches India’s First Japanese-Themed Hotel in Gurugram

OYO’s SUNDAY Launches India’s First Japanese-Themed Hotel in Gurugram

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 28, 2025

OYO’s premium hospitality brand, SUNDAY Hotel, has unveiled India’s first Japanese-themed hotel in Gurugram, offering a unique fusion of traditional Japanese design and contemporary Indian luxury. Located at M3M SkyLoft on New Golf Course Road Extension, this expansive 217-key property spans 50,000 sq. ft. and aims to redefine immersive hospitality experiences for business travelers and Japanese expatriates alike.

Designed with precision and cultural sensitivity, the hotel features a traditional Japanese Ofuro (soaking tub), a Japanese Hammam, and a 20-seater specialty restaurant serving authentic Japanese fare—ramen, donburi, sushi, tofu, onigiri, and more. A dedicated 54-room wing has also been reserved for long-stay Japanese guests, complete with Japanese-speaking staff to ensure seamless and personalized service.

As part of a joint venture between Oravel Stays and Softbank Group, SUNDAY Hotels are positioned as premium four- and five-star properties. This particular launch stems from a strategic MoU between Oravel and M3M to develop high-end hospitality offerings across Gurgaon and NOIDA.

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With Gurugram hosting one of India’s largest Japanese communities, the location is a natural choice. The city also sees strong business travel traffic, and this culturally attuned hospitality concept appeals to global executives seeking efficient service, high hygiene standards, and sophisticated design.

Aditya Sharma, Country Head, SUNDAY Hotels, shared,

“Several Japanese companies have already chosen this SUNDAY Hotel as their preferred accommodation partner. We are working with Japanese designers to incorporate traditional elements like tatami mats, minimalist interiors, and warm Japanese hospitality practices within a modern Indian setting.”

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The initiative also taps into India’s growing affinity for Japanese pop culture. With the rise of anime, manga, and J-dramas, interest in Japanese cuisine is booming. Health-conscious Indian travelers are also increasingly drawn to fresh, minimally processed food, making Japanese cuisine’s balance and simplicity a perfect match.

SUNDAY Hotel aims to scale this concept further, betting on pan-India demand in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune, where Japanese dining and culture already enjoy a growing fanbase.

About SUNDAY Hotel:

SUNDAY Hotel is a premier hospitality brand under Oravel Stays, known for luxurious experiences, distinct design, and exceptional service. With a focus on personalized stays, SUNDAY properties bring global hospitality concepts to Indian travelers and international guests.

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