Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of two new resort properties in Maharashtra – Lemon Tree Resort, Tadgaon and Lemon Tree Resort, Igatpuri. With these additions, the hospitality company will expand its presence in the state to 32 properties, comprising 15 operational hotels and 17 properties in the pipeline, including the newly signed resorts.

Both properties will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. The latest signings reflect the group's continued focus on emerging leisure destinations that are becoming popular drive-to getaways for travellers from major cities such as Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.

Lemon Tree Resort, Tadgaon will feature 110 well-appointed rooms designed to offer a comfortable stay for guests. The resort will include a restaurant, banquet hall, meeting and conference facilities, swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre. Positioned approximately 75 km from Navi Mumbai International Airport and 100 km from Mumbai Central Railway Station, the property is expected to cater to both leisure travellers and events-led gatherings.

Meanwhile, Lemon Tree Resort, Igatpuri will offer 90 rooms along with a restaurant, banquet hall, meeting and conference spaces, swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre. The resort is located around 134 km from Mumbai International Airport and 5.6 km from Igatpuri Railway Station, providing convenient access for visitors seeking a getaway in the region.

Commenting on the signing, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President, Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd., said, "Our expansion strategy with resorts in Tadgaon and Igatpuri in Maharashtra is deeply aligned with the evolving dynamics of the drive-to hospitality sector. Urban travellers and corporate houses are increasingly prioritizing accessible, high-amenity destinations that don't require complex logistics. By introducing the Lemon Tree Resort brand to these two distinct, premium micro-markets, we are uniquely positioned to capture a highly lucrative mix of weekend leisure, multi-generational travel, and mid-to-high-level corporate retreats."

According to the company, the addition of these two resorts further strengthens Lemon Tree Hotels' presence in Western India while expanding its portfolio of premium regional resorts designed to meet the growing demand from both leisure and corporate travellers.

Goa welcomed 4,639,165 tourists between January and May 2026, registering a growth of 0.39 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2025, according to the latest figures released by the state's Department of Tourism.

The numbers highlight continued demand from both domestic and international travellers, despite changing global travel patterns and geopolitical challenges affecting several tourism source markets. Tourism authorities credited the growth to improved connectivity, a wider range of tourism experiences, and sustained confidence among visitors choosing Goa as a preferred destination.

May 2026 proved to be a particularly strong month for the state, with 969,090 visitors arriving during the month. This represents a 4.53 per cent increase compared to May 2025, reflecting continued momentum in tourist arrivals.

Domestic travellers remained the key driver of tourism, accounting for 4,437,018 visitors during the first five months of the year. Foreign tourist arrivals reached 202,147 during the same period. Enhanced air connectivity, charter operations, and cruise tourism have continued to support international visitor traffic.

Goa's tourism appeal has expanded beyond its well-known beaches, with travellers increasingly exploring cultural and heritage attractions, wellness retreats, spiritual tourism, hinterland experiences, festivals, and culinary offerings. These diverse experiences have helped attract visitors across different regions of the state and throughout the year.

Commenting on the performance, Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Goa, said, "Goa's tourism growth today is being driven by a combination of strong connectivity, diversified experiences and growing visitor confidence. While our beaches remain iconic, travellers are increasingly exploring Goa's culture, heritage, spirituality, wellness offerings, hinterland experiences, festivals and culinary traditions. This broad-based growth is helping us build a more resilient tourism economy while ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach communities across the State."

The state's accessibility has also received a boost through its two-airport network, comprising Dabolim Airport and Manohar International Airport, strengthening connections with key domestic and international markets.

Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Goa, said, "The steady growth recorded during the first five months of 2026 demonstrates the strength and adaptability of Goa's tourism sector. Through focused destination development, improved connectivity and the promotion of varied tourism experiences, Goa is attracting visitors throughout the year and encouraging them to explore different facets of the destination. Our focus remains on enhancing visitor experiences while advancing responsible and sustainable tourism growth."

Tourism officials believe the strong performance during the first half of the year places Goa in a favourable position for further growth in the coming months, with continued emphasis on sustainable development, destination diversification, and ensuring tourism benefits reach local communities across the state.

Alcobrew Distilleries India Limited has officially joined the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA), marking a significant step in the company’s entry into India’s fast-growing premium whisky segment. The announcement coincides with the launch of Gamber Valley Indian Single Malt Whisky, the company’s debut single malt expression crafted entirely at its Solan facility in Himachal Pradesh.

With this move, Alcobrew becomes part of a select group of Indian single malt producers under IMWA, an association established to define and uphold strict standards for authenticity, production, and quality in India’s malt whisky category. These standards require the use of 100% malted barley, copper pot distillation, and a minimum three-year maturation in oak barrels within India.

Gamber Valley Indian Single Malt Whisky, available in Private Edition 1 and Vault Series expressions—has been developed in full compliance with these guidelines, reinforcing its positioning as a provenance-driven Himalayan spirit.

Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, Director General of IMWA, welcomed the new member, noting that Alcobrew’s commitment to craft and authenticity aligns with the association’s mission to elevate Indian single malts on the global stage. He highlighted that the category is witnessing strong momentum, with Indian single malts increasingly gaining recognition both domestically and internationally.

Alcobrew joins established names such as Amrut Distilleries, John Distilleries, Radico Khaitan, Piccadily Agro Industries, and Diageo India within IMWA’s membership. Collectively, these producers represent a majority share of India’s single malt market, reflecting the rapid maturation of the segment.

The company’s Chairman and Managing Director, Romesh Pandita, described the IMWA membership as a commitment to quality and global ambition. He emphasised that Gamber Valley is rooted in Himalayan terroir and designed to meet international expectations of premium whisky craftsmanship.

Industry data indicates that Indian single malts have gained strong traction in recent years, with domestic brands surpassing imported Scotch in volume terms in 2024, accounting for more than half of total single malt case sales in India.

Alongside its commercial ambitions, Alcobrew reaffirmed its focus on responsible consumption and consumer education, aligning with IMWA’s broader advocacy for transparency and ethical practices in the spirits industry.

With its entry into IMWA and the launch of Gamber Valley, Alcobrew Distilleries positions itself within a rapidly evolving segment that is reshaping India’s identity in the global whisky landscape