As 2025 draws to a close, industry leaders are reflecting on a year that tested resilience, discipline, and innovation across the food & beverage (F&B) and real estate sectors.

According to Pulkit Arora, Director, CYK Hospitalities, “2025 has been a defining year for the F&B sector. Consumers pushed the industry toward more specific menus, higher food hygiene standards, and greater transparency in kitchen operations. It was a year that highlighted how trust is built through discipline rather than decoration.”

Simranjeet Singh, Director, CYK Hospitalities, adds, “The year 2025 proved that resilience and intelligent systems were the main sources of sustainable growth. Rising costs and changing consumer preferences meant that only those brands survived which remained consistent and had clear, efficient processes. This wasn't a year of aggressive expansion; it was a year of strengthening foundations.”

Together, they concluded, “Real progress in F&B isn't about scale; it's about the confidence you serve on every plate.”

In real estate and integrated hospitality developments, Vishal Vincent Tony, Managing Director, Aratt Developers & Ayatana Hospitality Pvt Ltd, highlights the evolving landscape: “The real estate sector is entering a cycle where integrated residential, commercial, and hospitality-led developments are emerging as the strongest contributors to long-term value creation. Across major markets, large-scale townships and mixed-use masterplans are witnessing renewed investor confidence, with developments that seamlessly integrate premium housing, modern office spaces, and quality hospitality assets.”

He further explains, “Rising homeownership sentiment, sustained office absorption, and consistent growth in domestic tourism continue to reinforce this shift. As we move into 2026, the most resilient and future-ready developments will be those that prioritise sustainability, intelligent design, and seamless integration across residential and commercial uses. With lifestyle preferences evolving rapidly, developments that offer both liveability and economic productivity are set to define the next phase of India’s real estate growth.”

The reflections from F&B and real estate leaders underscore a common theme for 2026: steady growth through operational excellence, sustainable practices, and intelligent integration, setting the stage for a more resilient and dynamic business landscape.

ELIVAAS, India’s premier luxury villas and apartments brand, has launched its new loyalty programme, ELIVAAS Reserve, to elevate the guest experience across all its properties. The tier-based programme has been designed to reward guests with exclusive benefits, personalised services, and seamless digital access, making every stay more memorable and convenient.

With ELIVAAS now spread across 10 states and 35 locations, the Reserve programme is applicable across all three brands, ELIVAAS, Alaya Stays by ELIVAAS and ELIVAAS Prive’. Guests enrolled in the programme can enjoy a range of perks such as complimentary upgrades, early check-ins, late check-outs, priority support, cashbacks and specially curated experiences that add comfort and value to their stay. The programme also comes with a simple and smooth digital interface on the ELIVAAS website, ensuring easy enrolment and hassle-free reward redemption.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Mr. Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO, ELIVAAS, said, “ELIVAAS Reserve marks an important step in strengthening our relationship with our guests and deepening the value we deliver with every stay. As ELIVAAS continues to grow, our focus remains on creating a seamless, rewarding and personalised experience. This programme is designed to recognise and retain our most valued guests while reinforcing our commitment to service excellence and long-term customer engagement.”

ELIVAAS Reserve is structured across four membership tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold and Diamond. Each tier offers elevated recognition and benefits, from premium stays and exclusive access to personalised concierge services to cashback on every booking. The structure ensures that loyal guests feel valued at every level, with perks that align with their travel preferences.

ELIVAAS plans to promote the Reserve programme across its digital and social platforms, encouraging frequent guests to join and enjoy a more rewarding journey with the brand.

North India’s winter travel season has begun on a strong note, with a clear rise in enquiries across major hill stations. Sterling Holiday Resorts is witnessing notable momentum for its Lazy Winter Getaway at Kufri and Manali, as travellers seek short, peaceful breaks in destinations with better air quality and cooler weather.

According to Sterling, guests are now looking for stays that feel unhurried yet indulgent. The Lazy Winter Getaway has been designed around these preferences, offering centrally heated rooms, flexible meal timings, couple spa sessions and in-room tea and coffee setups that allow travellers to enjoy slow mornings and relaxed evenings.

Sharing his views, Harinath M, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, said, “Across our resorts, guests are looking for experiences that let them enjoy winter in a more thoughtful way. They want to get away from the cities and slow down a bit to savour a break. The Lazy Winter Getaway reflects these preferences, and the early response has validated the need for a winter format that balances simplicity with indulgence. It reinforces our view that travellers now appreciate stays that complement the rhythm of the season while remaining easy to plan and enjoy.”

Interest in winter destinations across the northern hill belt has continued to rise, supported by clearer skies, better AQI and lower pollution levels compared to major cities. Travel platforms indicate growing intent from couples, families and working professionals who are choosing cooler regions for a more defined winter experience. Hill stations are benefiting from this shift, as travellers look for crisp air, open views and natural winter landscapes that offer a refreshing contrast to life in the plains.

Social media is also shaping this trend, with frost-filled visuals, snowfall updates and winter reels drawing more attention to hill destinations. Enquiry volumes remain steady as travellers plan breaks inspired by the season’s natural charm.

In Himachal Pradesh, travel interest has increased as road access improved post-Diwali and weather conditions stabilised. Tourism is picking up well after a slow summer and monsoon phase, with resorts reporting a consistent rise in visitors through clearer travel corridors and renewed confidence in winter travel.

Within this positive environment, Sterling’s Lazy Winter Getaway continues to perform strongly. December bookings have been robust, and enquiries suggest that demand will remain steady through the holiday season and into early January. The offer has been particularly popular across North India’s feeder markets, where travellers are seeking short, well-planned winter stays.

Sterling will continue offering the Lazy Winter Getaway at its Manali and Kufri resorts through the season, as tourism in Himachal Pradesh moves ahead on a strong growth trajectory.