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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on April 26, 2025
The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) has made a significant impact on the Indian wine industry, bringing global standards and recognition to the country’s growing community of sommeliers. As the only official ASI-affiliated body in India, SAI has been dedicated to elevating the profession, promoting excellence in wine and spirits education, and fostering international collaboration.
Recently, SAI hosted its first-ever 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition, held on January 23 at The LaLiT Mumbai. This landmark event saw Jai Singh emerge as the winner, with Pankaj Singh and Amber Deshmukh taking second and third place, respectively. The competition not only highlighted India’s top sommeliers but also attracted professionals and experts from across the world, further establishing the nation as a key player in the global wine and hospitality scene.
One of the key drivers behind SAI’s success is its strong partnerships with influential global organizations, which offer exclusive benefits to its members. Notable collaborations include:
Jancis Robinson MW OBE: Insights from a leading wine critic and advocate of sustainable winemaking.
Jane Anson: Bordeaux expert providing educational guidance.
Sommelier India Wine Magazine: India’s first and leading wine magazine, delivering industry insights.
GuildSomm: A premier international platform for wine education.
RIEDEL: A renowned glassware company enhancing the wine-tasting experience.
These partnerships not only provide educational opportunities but also open doors for career development and networking within the global wine community.
SAI has played a pivotal role in making prestigious international certifications accessible to Indian sommeliers. For the first time, Indian professionals were able to sit for the ASI Certification 1 Exam and the ASI Diploma Exam—opportunities previously unavailable in the country. This has empowered Indian sommeliers, such as Abhishek Batabyal, Yash Karnwal, and Jai Singh, to achieve recognition at the global level. In particular, Pankaj Singh made history by passing the ASI Diploma Exam, a monumental achievement for the Indian sommelier community.
SAI’s efforts are reshaping the landscape of wine education in India, positioning the country’s sommeliers to thrive on the global stage. “We are not only nurturing homegrown talent but giving it a truly international platform,” says Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder & Vice-President of SAI.
With the support of its global partners and the enthusiasm of its members, SAI is set to pave the way for a new generation of wine professionals who will represent India with pride on the world stage.
As the Indian wine industry continues to evolve, SAI is committed to further advancing the country’s reputation as a hub for wine education, appreciation, and hospitality. Through its ongoing initiatives, the association is not only fostering a community of skilled sommeliers but also nurturing a culture that celebrates the rich diversity of wines and beverages.
"SAI was born out of a vision to create access, opportunity, and recognition for Indian sommeliers on a global stage," says Amrita Singh, Co-Founder & President of SAI. "This recognition is just the beginning of a transformative journey for the Indian hospitality and wine & beverage community."
Founded in 2024, the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the sommelier profession. As a member of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), SAI offers world-class education, certifications, and networking opportunities for wine professionals across India. Its initiatives, including the SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition, provide a platform for Indian sommeliers to showcase their talent and advance to international competitions such as the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific and the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World.
SAI is committed to making India a leading hub for wine culture, promoting responsible consumption, and supporting the growth of the country’s rich wine tradition.
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Published on April 27, 2026
Atmosphere Core has announced its partnership with Vision Dempo Hospitality Pvt Ltd to bring a new boutique property, Crown Heritage Panjim by Atmosphere Goa, to its growing India portfolio. The 34-key hotel is set to open in Q1 2027 in Fontainhas, Panjim’s UNESCO-listed heritage district, close to the Mandovi River. The location also offers easy access, with Mopa Airport about an hour away and Dabolim Airport around 40 minutes from the property.
This upcoming hotel will be part of the ‘By Atmosphere’ sub-brand under the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Designed as an intimate and experience-led space, the property will feature deluxe rooms and a rooftop suite, combining heritage-inspired elements with a fresh design approach to offer a personalised stay.
Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Atmosphere Core, said, “We’re now building strong momentum in India, with the signing of properties in key destinations, and Goa has always been central to our strategy. With this property, we aim to introduce a fresh, creative and experience-led offering, appealing to a diverse range of travellers, from leisure seekers to those drawn to Goa’s rich cultural heritage, while delivering a setting that is both intimate and distinctive.”
Guests at Crown Heritage Panjim can expect a well-rounded experience, including an all-day dining restaurant, a café lounge, and a rooftop resto-bar serving Goan and global cuisines along with a curated selection of wines and spirits. The property will also feature the award-winning ELE|NA Ayur Spa, offering wellness therapies, along with a swimming pool, outdoor deck, and a fully equipped fitness centre.
Located in Panjim, Goa’s capital city, the hotel sits in the culturally rich neighbourhood of Fontainhas, known for its colourful houses, narrow lanes, and Portuguese-era architecture. The area reflects a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences, offering visitors a mix of heritage charm and modern city life.
Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Rajesh Dempo, Founder & Managing Director of Vision Dempo Group, said,
"Atmosphere Core’s distinguished legacy of excellence aligns perfectly with our vision to unveil a world-class boutique hotel in Panjim, Goa. As the destination continues to evolve beyond leisure into a year-round, experience-led market, this partnership will contribute to strengthening Goa’s premium tourism landscape and set new benchmarks in hospitality within its UNESCO-recognised heritage precinct.”
Adding to this, Mr. Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director Atmosphere Core India, Bhutan, Nepal & Sri Lanka, said, “Panjim the capital city of Goa, with its awe-inspiring cultural heritage backdrop and timeless appeal, is a natural choice for our expansion. As we enter this extraordinary destination, we look forward to delivering a progressive and immersive hospitality experience, thoughtfully tailored to its surroundings, and redefining boutique indulgence within Fontainhas.”
With this addition, Atmosphere Core continues to strengthen its presence in India, bringing in properties that focus on experience, culture, and thoughtful design.
Published on April 26, 2026
India’s aviation sector is on track for strong growth, with passenger traffic expected to reach around 500 million annually by 2030 and nearly 1 billion by 2047. This projection was shared by industry leaders at the Airport 360 Expo 2026, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre.
The growth is being supported by steady demand, expansion of airline fleets, and ongoing infrastructure development. With over 1,000 aircraft orders already in place, the sector is preparing for a major scale-up in the coming years.
Speaking at the event, BVJK Sharma, CEO, Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd, said, “We are already one of the top three domestic aviation markets in the world, and we are continuing to grow rapidly. In 2025 itself, we handled about 4 million passengers and 3.5 million of cargo, which is around 20 per cent higher than the pre-COVID levels.”
He added that while the sector has historically grown at 10–12 per cent, the pace may gradually stabilise to around 5.6 per cent by 2044. However, in the near term, domestic air travel demand is expected to remain strong, with an initial year-on-year growth of about 17 per cent.
India’s aviation infrastructure is also expanding quickly, with more than 160 operational airports currently and continued investments under national programmes. The sector already contributes nearly USD 54 billion to the economy and supports millions of jobs. Emerging segments like MRO are also expected to play a key role in strengthening the overall ecosystem.
At Navi Mumbai International Airport, development is being carried out in phases, with plans to handle up to 90 million passengers by 2032. The focus remains on building strong connectivity, improving digital systems, and ensuring smooth operations through integrated planning.
Sharad Kumar, Chief Advisor, Airports Authority of India, highlighted that the sector is entering a crucial phase where growth needs to be backed by clear strategy. “Globally, the industry is being shaped by digital transformation, sustainability, and deeper integration across aviation, logistics, tourism, and trade. At the same time, recent geopolitical developments have highlighted the sector's vulnerability, impacting routes, costs, and operational efficiency,” he said.
He also noted that India has a strong advantage with rising demand, better infrastructure, and a long-term vision to expand to around 350 airports by 2047. Initiatives like UDAN have already improved regional connectivity, and the next phase will focus on efficiency, long-term viability, and better network integration.
A key focus going forward will be to reduce reliance on foreign hubs for international travel and create stronger domestic hubs. This includes improving policy support, strengthening infrastructure, and using technology to build a more efficient aviation ecosystem.
Organised by Media Fusion, the second edition of the two-day Airport 360 Expo brought together over 2,500 industry professionals, more than 70 exhibitors, and over 200 aviation experts. Participants from over 10 countries, including Germany, Singapore, Oman, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Thailand, were part of the event.
With strong demand and continued investments, India’s aviation sector is steadily moving towards becoming a global hub in the coming decades.
By Hariharan U
Published on April 25, 2026
In a significant move towards building integrated urban lifestyle destinations, The Phoenix Mills Ltd, in partnership with Ileseum Clubs, has launched Millennium Club in Wakad, Pune. The new development brings together sport, wellness, hospitality, and community into a single, experience-led ecosystem.
Strategically located alongside Millennium Towers and Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, the Club is part of a larger mixed-use development spanning over 2.6 million sq. ft. of commercial and retail space. Designed as a lifestyle extension of the workplace and retail environment, Millennium Club reflects a growing shift towards integrated urban living.
Spread across approximately 62,000 sq. ft. over six floors, along with a pool and terrace, the Club offers a multi-dimensional experience. It features professional-grade sports infrastructure including pickleball, squash, and badminton courts, alongside expansive fitness and wellness zones. The space is designed to seamlessly transition from daytime fitness activities to evening social and hospitality experiences.
Enhancing its wellness offering, the Club has partnered with leading brands such as Fittr, Tattva Spa, and Manah Wellness, creating a holistic ecosystem focused on health and wellbeing.
A key highlight of the destination is Aufside, a sports-led hospitality concept developed by Aufside Hospitality LLP. Designed as a multi-level venue, it combines large-format sports screenings with social dining, catering to both high-energy match days and relaxed gatherings.
Commenting on the launch, Vithal Suryavanshi, CEO – Commercial Real Estate at The Phoenix Mills Ltd, said the Club is a natural extension of the company’s philosophy of building integrated destinations where work, leisure, and community coexist. He emphasised the importance of embedding wellness into everyday urban life rather than treating it as an occasional pursuit.
Pavit Singh, Co-Founder of Aufside Hospitality LLP and Managing Partner at Ileseum Clubs, highlighted that the launch marks a key milestone in expanding sports-led lifestyle destinations across India, tailored for the evolving expectations of modern consumers.
The launch comes at a time when India’s sports industry, valued at over ₹18,000 crore, is witnessing strong growth alongside rising demand for organised, experience-driven formats. Millennium Club responds to this shift by offering a scalable model that integrates sport, wellness, and social engagement within a single platform.
With expansion plans already underway across key cities, Millennium Club is positioned as a flagship prototype for the next generation of community-driven, sport-led urban destinations in India.
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