ITC Hotels Celebrates Major Milestone with Welcomhotel Expansion

ITC Hotels Celebrates Major Milestone with Welcomhotel Expansion

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 28, 2024

ITC Hotels, India's leading hospitality chain, has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its 25th property under the Welcomhotel brand. The newest addition, Welcomhotel Belagavi in Karnataka, reflects ITC Hotels’ strategy to expand while maintaining exceptional service and hospitality standards.

The Welcomhotel brand has become a key driver for ITC Hotels’ growth. Over the past five years, the brand has opened seven managed hotels and three owned properties, adding a total of 916 rooms. In the most recent financial year, four new management deals with 406 rooms were signed, with these properties expected to open within the next four to five years.

Anil Chadha, Chief Executive of ITC Hotels, highlighted the significance of this expansion, stating, “The expansion of the Welcomhotel brand is a significant achievement for ITC Hotels. Welcomhotel is the new age travellers’ key to curated immersive experiences. Present in locations ranging from hills to beaches, and deserts to cities, the opening and signing of more properties under the brand Welcomhotel is aligned with ITC Hotels’ asset right growth strategy to take our brand and services to tier-2 markets in addition to prime metro cities. Welcomhotel Belagavi, our 25th property, embodies our endeavour to create unparalleled hospitality experiences, ensuring that guests enjoy a stay that is both luxurious and in harmony with the environment. We look forward to continuing this journey of growth and excellence.”

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Located in the serene area of Kakati, Welcomhotel Belagavi offers stunning views of hills and greenery. This new property spans over five acres and is conveniently located near the airport, making it a prime destination for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel features 116 well-appointed rooms, each with a balcony offering peaceful views of the landscape.

The architecture and interior design of Welcomhotel Belagavi reflect the local beauty and vibrant lifestyle of Belagavi, blending classic and contemporary elements. Emphasizing geometric shapes and large windows, the design ensures natural light floods the spaces. The interiors celebrate Belagavi's monsoon rains with art pieces, a water droplet sculpture, and a crystal chandelier.

The hotel caters to various events with nine versatile venues, including two grand ballrooms, a conference room, an open sky deck, and three lush lawns, making it an ideal location for weddings and business gatherings.

Welcomhotel Belagavi offers diverse dining options. WelcomCafe serves global and regional Indian cuisine all day, while Dough & Co. provides freshly baked treats and beverages. Swizzle Bar offers classic and signature cocktails with finger food. The WelcomSthalika menu features curated dishes from North Karnataka, showcasing the region's culinary heritage.

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Guests can also enjoy a well-equipped fitness center, an outdoor infinity swimming pool, and the renowned K by Kaya Kalp spa, offering traditional therapies for a rejuvenating experience.

Basava Prasad Jolle, Managing Director of Jolle Hospitality Group, expressed pride in the new addition, stating, “Brand Welcomhotel is very popular with guests and we are extremely proud to bring Welcomhotel Belagavi to this city, which boasts a rich cultural heritage and is also a prominent business destination. This hotel is a perfect blend of modern amenities and local cultural elements, providing our guests with a unique and enriching experience.”

Focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, ITC Hotels continues to lead the hospitality industry, providing exceptional stays that honor tradition and the environment. The expansion of the Welcomhotel brand across India exemplifies the brand's focus on strategic growth and commitment to excellence. As ITC Hotels grows its footprint, guests can look forward to more unique and enriching experiences blending contemporary luxury with local cultural elements.


Fusion Hotel Group Integrates Ayola and Odua Brands from Topotels

Fusion Hotel Group Integrates Ayola and Odua Brands from Topotels

By Hariharan U

Published on August 20, 2026

Fusion Hotel Group has announced the integration of Ayola and Odua, two midscale Indonesian hotel brands operated by Topotels Hotels & Resorts, into its expanding regional portfolio. The move adds seven hotels to Fusion's portfolio and strengthens its presence in Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian hospitality market.

Topotels currently operates seven midscale hotels across key Indonesian destinations under the Ayola and Odua brands. The properties serve both business and leisure travellers, with a presence in cities including Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya, as well as other regional markets.

Following the integration, Ayola and Odua will continue to operate under their existing brand identities. The hotels will benefit from Fusion Hotel Group's regional expertise, commercial platforms and operational support, with the integration expected to strengthen service consistency, distribution and access to Fusion's growing regional network.

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Commenting on the development, Willy Suderes, Chief Operating Officer, Topotels Hotels & Resorts, said, "This integration marks an exciting new chapter for Topotels. Joining Fusion will open new doors for our business, allowing us to deliver a better experience for our guests and provide stronger support for our owners. We're confident that the integration with Fusion will bring fresh momentum to our hotels and teams."

The addition of the two brands expands Fusion's collection of midscale hospitality offerings while providing a stronger operating platform across Indonesia. The country represents an important market for the group, with its major urban centres and regional destinations continuing to attract both domestic and international travellers.

Christopher Hur, Chief Executive Officer, Fusion Hotel Group, said, "We're delighted to welcome Topotels into the Fusion family. Their strong roots in Indonesia combined with Fusion's expertise will unlock new opportunities in key destinations across the country. This partnership strengthens our regional presence and supports our long-term vision for growth across Southeast Asia."

The integration forms part of Fusion Hotel Group's wider strategy of expanding its portfolio through partnerships and strengthening its presence across key Southeast Asian travel markets. The move also broadens the group's offering across different hospitality segments while retaining the individual identities of its established hotel brands.

Founded in 2008, Fusion Hotel Group operates 26 properties across Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, with a portfolio of eight brands. The group is known for wellness-focused hospitality and lifestyle concepts, alongside capabilities spanning hotel management, concept development and brand creation.

Fusion also operates in the branded residences segment, which continues to grow across the Asia-Pacific region.

With the integration of Ayola and Odua, Fusion Hotel Group further strengthens its position as a regional hospitality platform while expanding its operational footprint in Indonesia.


Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur Introduces Helicopter Arrivals for Destination Weddings

Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur Introduces Helicopter Arrivals for Destination Weddings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2026

Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur has introduced helicopter arrivals for wedding couples, adding an aerial experience to its destination wedding offering in Jaipur.

Managed by Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, the 40-acre resort features 351 rooms along with extensive indoor and outdoor event spaces. The new offering gives couples the option to include a helicopter arrival as part of their wedding itinerary, turning their entry into a memorable part of the overall celebration.

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The move comes as India's luxury destination wedding market continues to see a growing demand for personalised experiences. Families are increasingly looking beyond décor and traditional hospitality, focusing on creating memorable moments throughout the wedding, from guest experiences and entertainment to the couple's arrival.

For destination wedding resorts, this has also changed the way celebrations are planned. Instead of simply providing accommodation and event spaces, properties are increasingly building complete wedding experiences that can adapt to the specific requirements of each family.

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Ravindra Pratap Singh, Chairman, Ravi Surya Group and owner of Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur, said, "Destination weddings have become much more personal. Families are no longer looking only for a beautiful venue; they want to create moments that feel specific to them and that guests will remember. An aerial arrival is one such experience. At Ananta Jaipur, our scale gives us the flexibility to think beyond conventional wedding formats and work with families on how the entire celebration unfolds, from the arrival to the ceremonies and experiences in between."

Destination weddings and MICE remain key demand segments for Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur. The resort has 12 venues, including multiple indoor banquet spaces and large outdoor lawns.

One of its key event spaces is the 70,000 sq. ft. Suijin Lawn. The resort also features a dedicated 16-pillared, Vastu-compliant ceremonial Pagoda, designed for traditional wedding rituals including ghudchadi, baraat, and jaimala. The wedding offering is supported by accommodation across five categories, along with wellness and leisure facilities, landscaped areas and multiple dining experiences. This allows families to host multi-day celebrations largely within the resort.

With Jaipur already established as one of India's leading destination wedding markets, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts expects personalised and experience-led celebrations to play a larger role in how luxury wedding resorts plan and deliver destination weddings.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Invites Guests for a Monsoon Getaway

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Invites Guests for a Monsoon Getaway

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2026

With the monsoon turning Mahabaleshwar into a lush escape filled with misty mornings, cool mountain air and refreshing showers, Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is inviting travellers to make the most of the season with its “Drizzle and Delight – Monsoon Getaway Package”.

Designed for travellers looking for a refreshing break before the monsoon comes to an end, the package brings together dining, wellness and stay benefits for a relaxed getaway in the hills.

The destination offers a chance to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the rains, whether it is a weekend break, family holiday or a trip with loved ones. The package includes breakfast and dinner, available as a buffet or set menu, along with a bottle of wine or two pints of beer on arrival.

Guests can also enjoy wellness and dining benefits during their stay. The package includes a spa voucher per day, which can be redeemed against any treatment of 60 minutes or more. A daily resort credit is also available for lunch, either buffet or à la carte. Adding to the seasonal experience, guests can enjoy a special Monsoon Menu at the designated venue from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The package also includes 1,500 bonus points per stay, giving guests an added benefit during their monsoon escape. As the rains bring a vibrant green look to Mahabaleshwar, guests can spend their days enjoying the weather and surrounding landscape before returning to the resort for relaxed meals, wellness experiences and time with family and friends.

With September approaching and the monsoon season slowly drawing to a close, the Drizzle and Delight – Monsoon Getaway Package offers travellers a chance to enjoy Mahabaleshwar during one of its most beautiful times of the year.

Package Details:

  • Package: Drizzle and Delight – Monsoon Getaway Package
  • Inclusions: Breakfast and dinner (buffet or set menu), bottle of wine or 2 pints of beer on arrival, daily spa voucher, daily resort credit for lunch, Monsoon Special Menu from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and 1,500 bonus points per stay.
  • Validity: Inclusions valid until 30 September 2026.

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