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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on April 28, 2024
In a landmark move, ITC Hotels, a major player in the Indian hospitality sector, has made its debut in the international market with the inauguration of ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This luxurious property, situated on prime sea-facing land, boasts 352 guest rooms, suites, and service apartments, marking a significant milestone for the conglomerate.
The inauguration ceremony, graced by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, underscored the symbolic significance of this venture. With futuristic twin towers connected by a sky bridge, the ultra-modern architecture of ITC Ratnadipa reflects the nation's transition from its colonial past to a modern era of development. The presence of this iconic property alongside other international, Indian, and Sri Lankan hospitality brands on Galle Face redefines Colombo's skyline, reminiscent of bustling nightlife scenes akin to those in Macau.
Built at a cost exceeding $500 million, ITC Ratnadipa is strategically positioned under WelcomHotels Lanka, a subsidiary of ITC, marking one of the company's most significant investments. Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and MD of ITC, emphasized Colombo's appeal as the first international location for the conglomerate, citing the region's burgeoning tourism industry. The property is set to cater largely to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment, offering state-of-the-art conferencing and banqueting facilities.
The hotel's architectural marvel, featuring a triangular design offering breathtaking ocean views, underscores ITC's commitment to luxury and innovation. The property comprises two towers, with the smaller tower housing the hotel and the larger tower accommodating the 132 Sapphire Residences. This trend of residences within hotels, a post-pandemic phenomenon, reflects evolving consumer preferences.
Connecting the two towers is the Ahasa One sky bridge, an engineering feat standing 100 meters above ground, making it the first of its kind in South Asia. Notably, the project received strategic investment status from the Sri Lankan government, along with tax breaks and exemptions from foreign exchange regulations.
ITC's foray into the international market aligns with its broader expansion strategy, aiming to reach 200 properties within the next five years. With 22 properties opened in the past two years and 25 more in the pipeline, the company emphasizes growth through management contracts. The recent approval of the demerger of its hotels vertical signifies a significant milestone, with a listing expected within 15 months.
In addition to ITC Ratnadipa, several other hospitality projects have recently emerged in Sri Lanka, indicating the region's growing prominence in the global tourism landscape. With renowned brands such as Hilton, Sheraton, and Marriott making significant investments, Sri Lanka is poised to become a coveted destination for luxury hospitality experiences.
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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.
By Hariharan U
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.
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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