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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on July 17, 2024
The Indian Consulate in Seattle has launched new visa application centres in Seattle and Bellevue, providing full visa and passport services to individuals traveling to India. The inauguration was attended by notable figures, including Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Port Commissioner Sam Cho, and State Representative Vandana Slatter.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, who handed out the first Indian passport and visa at the event, praised the Indian community's contributions to strengthening ties between India and the USA. Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle, highlighted that the opening of these centres demonstrates the Indian government’s commitment to deepening relationships with the Pacific Northwest states.
In addition to the Seattle centre, a drop-off facility in Bellevue has been established to make it easier for residents of the east side to access these services. Both centres are managed by VFS Global, the official visa services partner for the Indian government, ensuring efficient and streamlined processes for applicants.
These centres will benefit the large Indian diaspora in the consular jurisdiction, covering nine Pacific Northwestern states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. Consul General Gupta emphasized that these facilities aim to provide a convenient and efficient experience for all consular applicants.
The Seattle centre is equipped with modern amenities to offer a superior application experience. VFS Global has been a trusted partner of the Indian government since 2008, handling services like visa applications, OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India), passport services, and more. Amit Kumar Sharma, Head of VFS Global, expressed excitement about expanding their partnership with the Indian government and enhancing customer experience.
The opening of these centres follows the inauguration of the Indian Consulate in Seattle in November 2023. Consul General Gupta stated that providing smooth and efficient consular services is a top priority and welcomed feedback from applicants to further improve their operations.
With these new centres, the Indian Consulate aims to make the visa application process more accessible and convenient, thereby supporting the travel and consular needs of the Indian community in the greater Seattle area.
Image Credit: indiainseattle.gov.in
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on May 29, 2026
Spice Route Restaurant & Catering has announced the appointment of Amit Prakash as its new Business Operations Specialist, further strengthening the restaurant’s leadership team with extensive international hospitality and operational experience.
With close to 18 years of experience across India, Canada, and New Zealand, Amit Prakash has built strong expertise in restaurant operations, culinary management, guest relations, and team leadership. His appointment reflects Spice Route Restaurant & Catering’s continued focus on operational excellence while delivering authentic culinary experiences and premium hospitality services in New Jersey.
Before joining Spice Route Restaurant & Catering, Amit served as Restaurant Manager at Khazana Indian Restaurant. In this role, he contributed to improving operational systems, enhancing guest satisfaction, and maintaining high service standards, while supporting the restaurant’s smooth day-to-day operations.
Over the years, Amit has worked with several well-known hospitality brands including Punjab Grill Restaurant, WE Restaurant & Bar, Columbus Coffee, Cafe Espressoholic, Chandnee Contemporary Indian Cuisine Restaurant, and The Oberoi. His experience spans Modern Indian cuisine, restaurant administration, food quality management, staff training, and multi-cuisine operations.
During his time at Punjab Grill Restaurant as Senior Sous Chef, Amit worked closely with the Executive Chef to introduce innovative fusion dishes inspired by North Indian cuisine. He also managed a kitchen brigade of more than 40 team members while ensuring high standards of food safety, hygiene, and quality control.
As Executive Chef at WE Restaurant & Bar, he expanded the restaurant’s culinary offerings by introducing Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Middle Eastern cuisine concepts. He also oversaw kitchen operations and operational compliance across departments.
Amit further gained international operational experience at Columbus Coffee in New Zealand, where he worked as Head Chef & Café Manager. His responsibilities included operations management, inventory control, SOP implementation, and employee training and development.
In his new role at Spice Route Restaurant & Catering, Amit Prakash will oversee business operations, process optimization, vendor coordination, customer service standards, staff supervision, and strategic growth initiatives to further strengthen the brand’s presence in New Jersey’s hospitality market.
By Hariharan U
Published on May 26, 2026
PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has expanded its U.S. extended-stay footprint with the launch of 38 new hotels under the Studio 6 brand operated through G6 Hospitality.
The portfolio spans major gateway cities such as New York, Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix, along with business hubs including Charlotte, St Louis, Richmond, and Indianapolis. It also includes leisure-focused destinations like Las Vegas and suburban markets such as Oakland, Greenville, and Pasadena.
The Studio 6 brand focuses on extended-stay accommodations designed for guests staying several days to weeks. The properties typically offer kitchenettes, workspaces, laundry facilities, high-speed internet, and flexible housekeeping services, catering to corporate travellers, relocating families, and project-based professionals.
Each hotel features approximately 100–120 rooms, a configuration that supports operational efficiency while serving consistent long-stay demand. PRISM is positioning the segment as a high-efficiency hospitality model, driven by lower turnover costs, reduced housekeeping frequency, and improved occupancy stability.
The company has stated that the expansion is part of its broader strategy to transition from a domestic hospitality platform to a globally scaled operator, leveraging India-built technology, AI systems, and revenue management tools across its international portfolio.
Speaking on the development, PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has expanded its U.S. extended-stay footprint with the launch of 38 new hotels under the Studio 6 brand operated through G6 Hospitality.
Speaking on the development, Ritesh Agarwal said the U.S. market is witnessing a structural shift toward longer-duration stays driven by corporate assignments, medical travel, construction projects, and temporary relocations. He added that the expansion aims to deliver a tech-enabled, operations-first hospitality model focused on consistency and affordability.
The latest rollout follows PRISM’s approximately $525 million acquisition of G6 Hospitality and builds on earlier phases that included eight initial hotel openings, followed by 30 additional properties in the current expansion cycle.
The move highlights growing momentum in the U.S. extended-stay segment, which continues to attract investor interest due to stable demand patterns and efficient operating economics.
said the U.S. market is witnessing a structural shift toward longer-duration stays driven by corporate assignments, medical travel, construction projects, and temporary relocations. He added that the expansion aims to deliver a tech-enabled, operations-first hospitality model focused on consistency and affordability.
Saudia has announced the induction of its first Airbus A321XLR, becoming the first airline in the Middle East and Africa region to operate the new-generation long-range narrow-body aircraft.
The delivery marks a significant step in Saudia’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme, aimed at improving operational efficiency, expanding international connectivity, and enhancing overall passenger experience. With a range of up to 8,700 kilometres and flight endurance of around nine hours, the aircraft allows the airline to operate longer routes using a more efficient narrow-body configuration.
The aircraft also debuts “The New Saudia Experience,” the airline’s refreshed onboard product focused on comfort, connectivity, entertainment, dining, and service consistency. The cabin features 24 Business Class suites designed for privacy and premium comfort, along with 120 Economy Class seats equipped with larger personal screens and charging ports.
High-speed inflight connectivity will enable passengers to browse, stream content, and attend virtual meetings during flights. Business Class travellers will also benefit from an enhanced dining experience, including chef-curated menus featuring Saudi and international cuisine.
Speaking on the milestone, Ibrahim Al-Omar said the delivery reflects the airline’s broader transformation strategy, focusing not only on capacity expansion but also on elevating product quality and operational performance in line with national aviation ambitions.
The aircraft induction is part of Saudia Group’s wider order of 105 Airbus aircraft, which is also expected to generate economic value through local supplier development and integration into global aviation supply chains.
Saudia is scheduled to add 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft by 2027 as part of its expansion roadmap, supporting network growth across tourism, business travel, pilgrimage, and major international events aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
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