Marriott International has announced the opening of its 10,000th property globally, the JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa in India, marking a significant milestone in the company's journey as it nears its 100th anniversary.

Founded 99 years ago as a small nine-seat root beer stand, Marriott has grown into one of the world's largest hospitality companies, with a portfolio spanning 10,000 properties across 146 countries and territories. The opening of JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa not only highlights the company's continued global expansion but also reinforces the strength of its luxury portfolio.

Commenting on the milestone, Anthony Capuano, President and CEO, Marriott International, said:

“Marriott was founded 99 years ago as a nine-seat root beer stand, and as of today, has grown into a global portfolio of 10,000 properties spanning 146 countries and territories. I’m immensely proud of this tremendous milestone, made possible by our global teams and the owners who continue to place their trust in Marriott brands.

Marking this accomplishment with a property carrying the JW Marriott brand is especially meaningful given its naming after our co-founder, J. Willard Marriott. He and Alice S. Marriott built an incredible legacy of opportunity, service, and innovation that we’re privileged to carry forward.”

The milestone was celebrated at the newly opened resort in the presence of company leaders and associates, including David Marriott, Chairman of the Board, Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), and the property's owners, Nilesh Gadhiya and the Gadhiya family.

Located near Ranthambore National Park, the JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa offers a luxury retreat featuring 127 accommodations, including guestrooms, suites, and private villas. Designed to provide an immersive experience, the resort combines nature-inspired experiences with a range of dining options that showcase modern Indian cuisine, regional specialities, and locally inspired botanical cocktails.

The opening further strengthens Marriott International's luxury portfolio, which spans seven luxury brands and nearly 700 properties across 74 countries and territories. The JW Marriott brand itself has now crossed 130 properties worldwide, continuing its growth in key travel destinations.

Alongside this milestone, Marriott has also celebrated several notable openings across its global portfolio. These include The St. Regis Budapest, which marked the brand's debut in Hungary, The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort, the first all-inclusive Westin property in Mexico, Artik Suzhou, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, which introduced the brand to Greater China, and StudioRes by Marriott Greensboro Airport, one of the latest additions to Marriott's extended-stay portfolio.

As Marriott International approaches its centenary year, the company continues to expand across segments ranging from luxury to extended stay, while serving the evolving needs of travellers around the world.

Father's Day offers a chance to step away from busy schedules and spend quality time with the people who matter most. For families looking to celebrate the occasion differently this year, ITC Hotels has curated a range of experiences across its destinations, offering everything from culinary journeys and wellness retreats to golf escapes and cultural discoveries.

For fathers who enjoy memorable dining experiences, ITC Maurya in New Delhi presents a perfect setting. Home to celebrated restaurants including Bukhara, Dum Pukht, Avartana, and Ottimo at West View, the hotel offers a variety of renowned culinary experiences. Whether it's a leisurely lunch or a special dinner, guests can enjoy exceptional flavours while creating meaningful moments together.

Those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation can head to ITC Mughal in Agra. Surrounded by the city's rich history and heritage, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat focused on wellness. Guests can unwind with holistic therapies at Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa, making it an ideal destination for families looking to relax and reconnect over the Father's Day weekend.

For golf enthusiasts, ITC Grand Bharat in Gurugram offers a getaway built around the sport. With expansive surroundings and curated leisure experiences, the destination provides an opportunity to enjoy a round of golf, spend time outdoors, and relax in a serene environment. The combination of recreation and quality family time makes it a fitting choice for the occasion.

Families looking to explore culture and heritage can choose ITC Rajputana in Jaipur. The hotel serves as a gateway to the city's historic attractions, vibrant markets, local cuisine, and royal heritage. After a day of exploration, guests can return to the comfort of the hotel, creating a balanced experience of discovery and relaxation.

Whether through food, wellness, sport, or cultural exploration, these curated experiences by ITC Hotels offer families meaningful ways to celebrate Father's Day and create lasting memories together.

As hospitality increasingly moves beyond conventional dining and accommodation, creating experiences rooted in culture, heritage and storytelling has become an important part of guest engagement. Reflecting this evolving trend, Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai, in partnership with Ministry of Chutneys, hosted the seventh edition of The GReaT Conversation Series – Regimental Mess & Summer Kitchens at Amir Mahal on 13 June 2026.

The event served as a curtain raiser to Regimental Mess & Summer Kitchens, the latest themed culinary showcase at Ministry of Chutneys. Inspired by the food traditions of military messes, cantonment kitchens and the summer food culture of the Madras Presidency, the initiative explored how culinary practices have shaped South India's food heritage over generations.

Moderated by Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, Dewan to the Prince of Arcot, the evening featured a distinguished panel that included Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group; Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts; Major (Dr.) Praveen Raj (Retd.), former Indian Army Officer and Commando; and Rakesh Raghunathan, Food Historian and MasterChef India Judge (Tamil).

Anchored by Ministry of Chutneys, Chennai's first and only dedicated Anglo-Indian restaurant, the discussion highlighted the role of food as a medium for preserving heritage, encouraging dialogue and bringing communities together through shared cultural experiences.

The initiative also reflected a growing focus within the hospitality industry on offering immersive experiences that connect guests with history, traditions and local culture. By blending conversation, cuisine and heritage, the event showcased how hospitality can serve as a platform for meaningful engagement beyond the dining table.

Speaking about the initiative, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, said:

"Today's guests seek experiences that go beyond dining. They are looking for authenticity, stories and meaningful connections. Through The GReaT Conversation and Regimental Mess & Summer Kitchens, we created a platform that celebrated heritage through dialogue and cuisine while reinforcing the role of hospitality as a curator of culture and community."

The gathering welcomed members of the diplomatic corps, Consuls General, honorary consuls, senior government officials, hospitality professionals, business leaders, media representatives, cultural custodians and distinguished guests. Together, they celebrated the rich legacy of military traditions, culinary heritage and storytelling under one roof.

At the centre of the initiative was Ministry of Chutneys, the award-winning Anglo-Indian restaurant located at Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai. Extending the conversation beyond the venue, the discussion was streamed live on Instagram, allowing audiences to participate in real time. Highlights and the complete session were later made available on YouTube, ensuring wider access and continued engagement with the conversation.