ITC Hotels Embarks on its First Overseas Venture in Colombo

ITC Hotels Embarks on its First Overseas Venture in Colombo

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


Accor’s Mid Year Sale Offers Up to 25% Off Stays at Novotel Vijayawada Varun

Accor’s Mid Year Sale Offers Up to 25% Off Stays at Novotel Vijayawada Varun

By Hariharan U

Published on July 22, 2026

Accor is inviting travellers to make their next getaway more rewarding with its Mid Year Sale, offering savings of up to 25% across more than 1,500 participating hotels in Asia Pacific, Africa, and beyond, including Novotel Vijayawada Varun.

The limited-time offer provides an opportunity for guests to plan city escapes, family holidays, business trips extended into leisure, and relaxing staycations at attractive value.

Bookings for the offer are open until July 31, 2026, with stays valid through September 30, 2026. Guests can enjoy 20% savings, while members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme, receive an additional 5% discount on their stays.

Commenting on the offer, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said: "At Novotel Vijayawada Varun, we believe a memorable getaway should be both accessible and exceptional. Accor's Mid Year Sale gives travellers the perfect opportunity to experience our warm hospitality and distinctive dining experiences at even greater value. Whether it is a relaxing weekend staycation, a family break or a business trip extended into leisure, we look forward to welcoming guests for an unforgettable stay in the heart of Vijayawada."

Located in the heart of Vijayawada, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, the city’s only five-star deluxe hotel, offers contemporary accommodation combined with signature hospitality experiences. The property features 233 elegantly designed rooms and suites, a rejuvenating spa, a fully equipped fitness centre, and an infinity swimming pool overlooking the city.

Beyond accommodation, guests can explore the hotel’s diverse culinary offerings, including the live Teppanyaki experience at Red Bowl, international cuisine at Food Exchange, handcrafted beverages at Gourmet Bar, panoramic city views at Skydeck, and artisanal desserts from The Cake Factory.

The hotel also focuses on responsible hospitality through initiatives such as complimentary EV charging facilities for guests and sustainability-driven practices, enhancing the overall stay experience.

Travellers who are not yet members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless can join the programme free of charge to access exclusive member rates, rewards, and special offers throughout the year.

The Accor Mid Year Sale is available for bookings until July 31, 2026, with stays valid until September 30, 2026, subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions


Eco Hotels & Resorts Expands Culinary Footprint with Growing Portfolio of Restaurant Brands Across India

Eco Hotels & Resorts Expands Culinary Footprint with Growing Portfolio of Restaurant Brands Across India

By Hariharan U

Published on July 22, 2026

Eco Hotels & Resorts is strengthening its presence in India’s food and beverage landscape with an expanding portfolio of concept-driven restaurants and cafés designed to deliver distinctive culinary experiences for hotel guests and local diners alike.

With a focus on authentic flavours, thoughtfully curated menus, and engaging hospitality experiences, the company’s restaurant brands aim to create destination dining spaces that cater to evolving consumer preferences while complementing its growing hospitality portfolio.

The company’s current culinary portfolio includes Sahar, GG’s Rooftop Lounge, Kick In the Brick, and EcoSip Café, with a premium non-vegetarian restaurant concept set to launch soon. Together, these brands represent Eco Hotels & Resorts’ vision of developing restaurant concepts with unique identities, experiences, and culinary philosophies.

Sahar, the flagship restaurant of Eco Hotels & Resorts, celebrates mindful eating through its focus on 100% pure vegetarian, Satvik, No Onion No Garlic, and Jain cuisine. The restaurant blends traditional Indian recipes with contemporary presentation, offering guests a dining experience rooted in authenticity, wellness, and purity.

Offering panoramic city views, GG’s Rooftop Lounge delivers an elevated family dining experience with a carefully curated vegetarian menu featuring Pan Asian and Continental cuisines. The rooftop setting, combined with sophisticated ambience and quality cuisine, positions the restaurant as a preferred destination for relaxed dining occasions.

Kick In the Brick brings together global vegetarian cuisine with entertainment-led dining experiences. Featuring music, live entertainment, sports screenings, and a vibrant family lounge atmosphere, the concept creates a lively social space designed for celebrations and casual gatherings.

For coffee enthusiasts and professionals, EcoSip Café offers artisan coffee, premium teas, freshly prepared café favourites, and a contemporary setting ideal for casual meetings, work conversations, and everyday moments.

Further expanding its culinary offerings, Eco Hotels & Resorts will soon launch a premium non-vegetarian restaurant celebrating India’s diverse regional culinary traditions along with international favourites. The upcoming concept marks the next phase of the company’s food and beverage growth strategy and will add further variety to its restaurant portfolio.

Commenting on the expansion, Chirag More, Head – Marketing & F&B Business, Eco Hotels & Resorts, said:

"At Eco Hotels & Resorts, we believe every restaurant should have its own soul, identity, and story. Our vision goes beyond serving great food. We strive to create memorable dining experiences through authentic flavours, thoughtful hospitality, and distinctive ambience."

He added, "Every concept in our portfolio has been thoughtfully developed to cater to different dining preferences while upholding our commitment to quality, innovation, and consistency. As we continue to grow our culinary portfolio, our focus remains on creating restaurant brands that become preferred dining destinations and deliver memorable experiences for every guest."

As Eco Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its food and beverage business, the company remains focused on creating distinctive restaurant concepts that connect with modern diners while strengthening its position in India’s evolving hospitality sector.


Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Showcases Luxury Destination Weddings with Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Showcases Luxury Destination Weddings with Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2026

 Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is inviting couples to celebrate their special day with bespoke destination wedding experiences through Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy, offering a blend of grand venues, personalised services and curated culinary experiences.

Designed to make every celebration memorable, the hotel combines palatial architecture with Marriott's wedding expertise to deliver seamless wedding experiences, from intimate family ceremonies to large-scale receptions.

The property's dedicated team of certified wedding specialists works closely with couples and their families to manage every stage of the celebration, including planning, budgeting, décor coordination, entertainment and vendor management, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully executed.

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore features eight flexible event venues and meeting spaces, spread across more than 1,25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event areas. The hotel is home to one of Indore's largest pillarless ballrooms, complemented by landscaped lawns that provide picturesque settings for celebrations such as Haldi ceremonies, Mehendi functions, weddings and receptions.

Adding to the experience, the hotel is recognised as India's only five-star pure vegetarian luxury hotel, offering an extensive vegetarian dining experience curated by its culinary team. Couples can personalise their wedding menus with a mix of regional specialities and international flavours, creating memorable dining experiences for their guests.

The property also offers 115 well-appointed rooms and suites overlooking lush green surroundings, allowing families and guests to stay together while enjoying easy access to all wedding venues within the hotel.

Commenting on the growing popularity of destination weddings at the property, Nimish Pitale, Director of Sales & Marketing, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, said:

"Every wedding tells a unique story, and our role is to create a destination where that story comes to life beautifully. At Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, we combine the grandeur of a luxury property with the warmth of personalised hospitality and the distinction of being India's only five-star pure vegetarian luxury hotel. Through Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy, we can combine Marriott's trusted wedding expertise with bespoke experiences that allow every couple to celebrate their traditions exactly as they envision."

With its expansive event spaces, personalised wedding planning services and distinctive culinary offerings, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore continues to position itself as a preferred destination for luxury weddings in Central India.

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