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.


Clarks Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Kumaon with Clarks Inn, Bhowali

Clarks Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Kumaon with Clarks Inn, Bhowali

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 18, 2025

The Clarks Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in Uttarakhand with the launch of Clarks Inn, Bhowali, its first property in the picturesque Kumaon region. Nestled on the popular route to Nainital, the new hotel offers a tranquil hill retreat for leisure travellers, families, and spiritual visitors.

Surrounded by the serene beauty of the lower Himalayas, Clarks Inn, Bhowali features well-appointed rooms, spacious family suites, and private terraces with breathtaking valley views. The property is ideal for weekend getaways, extended holidays, and group stays, with ample parking space to accommodate buses and larger vehicles — making it particularly convenient for religious groups and devotees.

Strategically located just minutes from Neem Karoli Baba’s Kainchi Dham, Clarks Inn is currently the only branded hotel in close proximity to the temple, offering a trusted stay option for pilgrims. The hotel also provides easy access to local attractions like Sattal, Bhimtal, and Nainital, positioning it as an ideal base to explore the region.

Rashmi Negi (Managing Director) and Darshan Singh Negi (Director) of the property shared,

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“We saw a gap in quality hospitality between Kathgodam and Nainital — especially for families and devotees visiting Kainchi Dham. With Clarks Inn, Bhowali, we’ve created a reliable, comfortable and well-connected base that contributes to both tourism and the local community.”

Rahul Deb Banerjee, Chief Operating Officer, The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, added,

“This property in Bhowali aligns perfectly with our vision of expanding into high-demand hill and pilgrimage circuits. We are creating spaces that combine comfort, nature, and accessibility — all rooted in warm Clarks hospitality. Our focus remains on providing enriching experiences for today’s discerning travellers.”

With this launch, Clarks Hotels & Resorts reinforces its commitment to strengthening its footprint across Uttarakhand’s hill and spiritual tourism circuits, delivering a harmonious mix of nature, connectivity, and comfort.


Ginger Enters Dehradun with a Stylish Lean Luxe Experience

Ginger Enters Dehradun with a Stylish Lean Luxe Experience

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 18, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the launch of Ginger Dehradun, expanding its footprint in one of North India's most dynamic hill cities. This marks the arrival of the lean luxe philosophy in Uttarakhand’s capital, offering a perfect blend of comfort, style, and affordability for both leisure and business travellers.

Located close to Dehradun’s tourist hotspots and commercial zones, Ginger Dehradun features 72 thoughtfully designed rooms, a smart meeting room, an all-day diner Qmin, a fully equipped fitness centre, and inviting community spaces ideal for work or relaxation.

Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – Hotel Openings & New Businesses, IHCL, shared,

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“Ginger Dehradun reflects our focused approach to accelerating growth for the brand in high-potential markets. The mid-scale segment continues to see strong demand driven by rising domestic travel. Dehradun, with its mix of leisure, commercial activity and educational institutions, offers itself as a good market for diverse hospitality brands like Ginger.”

Dehradun, nestled in the picturesque Doon Valley, is a gateway to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. It's known for attractions like Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara, along with being home to several prestigious educational institutions, making it a vibrant hub for varied travellers.

With this launch, IHCL further strengthens its growing Ginger portfolio, targeting high-potential urban centres with modern travellers in mind.


Monday Hotels Marks Successful Anniversary of Its Project Management Consultancy Services

Monday Hotels Marks Successful Anniversary of Its Project Management Consultancy Services

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 17, 2025

Monday Hotels, a rising name in India’s hospitality landscape, is celebrating the successful anniversary of its Project Management Consultancy (PMC) division—DNH Projects. The milestone marks a year of consistent growth, valuable industry collaborations, and impressive project completions, solidifying Monday Hotels’ reputation as a reliable player in hotel development and project execution.

Launched to streamline the often complex process of hotel construction and renovation, DNH PROjects has delivered multiple successful projects across India and is presently managing three major developments in Hyderabad. The division is recognized for its ability to combine innovation with efficiency, meeting deadlines while upholding high quality standards.

From conceptualization and design to construction and operational readiness, the PMC team ensures every project aligns with market demands and brand aspirations. The focus extends to strategic space planning, optimizing layouts for functionality including cloud kitchen-compatible kitchens and efficient back-of-house designs to improve workflow.

Moreover, its MEP engineering solutions are crafted with a goal to reduce operational costs, improve profitability, and accelerate return on investment, making it a preferred choice for hotel owners and investors.

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Reflecting on the milestone, Mateen Khan, Co-founder of Monday Hotels, said, “This anniversary is a testament to our commitment to delivering excellence. Our team’s dedication and our clients’ trust have been the driving force behind our success. We look forward to building on this momentum and achieving even greater milestones.”

Monday Hotels has established itself as a prominent hospitality brand catering to both business and leisure travelers. With properties across Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and more, the brand continues to bring innovative experiences and reliable hospitality services to guests and stakeholders alike.

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