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.


NILE Hospitality to Launch Rajkot’s First International Branded Hotel with Radisson Hotel Group

NILE Hospitality to Launch Rajkot’s First International Branded Hotel with Radisson Hotel Group

By Author

Published on May 25, 2026

NILE Hospitality has announced the upcoming opening of Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Rajkot, marking a significant milestone in Rajkot’s hospitality landscape as the city’s first internationally branded hotel.

The launch further strengthens NILE Hospitality’s growing portfolio of internationally managed properties while reinforcing its long-term strategic collaboration with Radisson Hotel Group. The upcoming property represents the seventh operational partnership between the two organisations and is expected to be the first among several Park Inn & Suites developments planned across emerging Indian markets.

Located in one of Gujarat’s fastest-growing commercial hubs, the hotel will feature 55 contemporary rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, and modern banquet facilities spread across approximately 2,500 sq. ft., catering to business meetings, social gatherings, and events.

The property will operate as an exclusively vegetarian hotel, reflecting regional culinary preferences and evolving traveller expectations in the Gujarat market.

The opening is expected to significantly elevate Rajkot’s hospitality ecosystem by introducing globally benchmarked service standards to a city witnessing strong industrial, commercial, and infrastructure-driven growth. Rajkot continues to emerge as a key business centre in Gujarat with thriving engineering, automobile, manufacturing, and SME sectors, creating increasing demand for professionally managed branded hospitality offerings.

Speaking on the development, Vikram Singh Chauhan said, “The hospitality landscape in Rajkot continues to undergo significance in line with the long-term development of its diverse economy and potential. Introducing Rajkot’s first international branded hotel, along with NILE’s long-established presence in Gujarat and Radisson’s world-class distribution network, will put us in a great position to contribute to the ongoing growth and diversification of the city’s hospitality sector.”

He further added that the collaboration with Devdwarika LLP as promoters reinforces the company’s commitment towards offering premium accommodation experiences for both leisure and business travellers seeking globally recognised hospitality standards.

The project highlights the growing importance of emerging urban markets within India’s hospitality expansion story, with branded hotel operators increasingly targeting high-growth commercial cities beyond major metros.


Ramee Group of Hotels Expands East India Footprint with Upcoming Hotel in Gaya

Ramee Group of Hotels Expands East India Footprint with Upcoming Hotel in Gaya

By Hariharan U

Published on May 25, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has announced its upcoming hospitality project in Gaya, further strengthening the group’s growing presence across East India. The expansion aligns with the company’s broader strategy of entering high-potential destinations driven by spiritual tourism, leisure travel, and business demand.

Recognised as one of India’s most significant pilgrimage destinations, Gaya continues to attract strong domestic and international footfall, supported by improving tourism infrastructure and enhanced connectivity. The city’s growing hospitality demand has made it an important market for hotel brands looking to expand into emerging travel hubs.

The upcoming property is being designed to offer a blend of comfort, convenience, and contemporary hospitality experiences. The hotel will feature well-appointed guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, banquet facilities, and an open-to-sky jacuzzi experience aimed at both leisure and spiritual travellers.

The property is also expected to position itself as a preferred venue for weddings, conferences, corporate events, and social gatherings with nearly 4,000 sq. ft. of dedicated banquet space.

Speaking on the expansion, Saurabh Gahoi said, “East India remains a key focus market in the company’s expansion plans, with Gaya emerging as a strategic hospitality destination due to its religious importance, growing tourism landscape, and improving infrastructure. The property aims to offer a seamless and guest-centric experience for both pilgrimage and business travellers.”

He further highlighted that increasing tourism activity and rising demand for quality accommodation continue to strengthen Gaya’s position as a promising growth market for the hospitality sector.

The launch marks another step in Ramee Group’s ongoing India expansion strategy as the company continues to build a diversified hospitality portfolio across business, leisure, and pilgrimage-led destinations. The group remains focused on delivering thoughtfully designed hospitality experiences backed by service excellence and guest comfort.


IHCL Goa Celebrates Cultural Diversity Through Inclusive Hospitality Initiatives

IHCL Goa Celebrates Cultural Diversity Through Inclusive Hospitality Initiatives

By Hariharan U

Published on May 25, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) Goa marked World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on 21 May by reinforcing its commitment towards inclusive hospitality, cultural preservation, and community-driven experiences across its Goa properties.

Recognised globally by UNESCO and the United Nations, the day highlights the importance of cultural diversity, dialogue, mutual respect, and inclusion in building stronger communities and sustainable societies.

Through a range of initiatives spanning regional cuisine, local artisan collaborations, traditional celebrations, and cross-cultural employee engagement programmes, IHCL Goa continues to integrate cultural diversity into its hospitality experiences.

Key initiatives include the Tribal Food Festival hosted in association with the Tata Steel Foundation at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Goa, regional food festivals at Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, cross-cultural team activities at Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, and local artisan collaborations at Taj Cidade de Goa.

The company also continues to celebrate Goa’s rich cultural traditions through events and festivities including Sao Joao celebrations, Carnival parades, and cake mixing ceremonies hosted across its hotels in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Ranjit Phillipose said Goa has always represented a confluence of cultures, traditions, and stories from across the world, adding that IHCL Goa remains focused on creating hospitality experiences where diversity is celebrated through people, cuisine, service, and local engagement.

He further highlighted that cultural diversity within hospitality is not only about coexistence, but also about encouraging learning, dialogue, and meaningful human connections among guests, employees, and communities.

IHCL Goa’s initiatives reflect the growing importance of culturally immersive and locally rooted hospitality experiences within India’s luxury tourism sector, while also supporting regional communities, traditions, and talent.

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