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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on December 21, 2024
This holiday season, ITC Maurya in New Delhi showcases its commitment to sustainability with the unveiling of ‘ECO NOËL’, a Christmas tree that harmonizes festive joy with environmental responsibility. Located at the heart of the Chaitya Lobby, the tree is a stunning symbol of Responsible Luxury, a hallmark of ITC Hotels.
Crafted entirely from 100% eco-sustainable materials, the ECO NOËL tree was brought to life after over 350 hours of dedicated effort. Adorned with unique decorations made from coconut shells, jute, coir ropes, broom twigs, and yarn, the tree exemplifies creativity and sustainability. A sparkling star atop completes this eco-conscious masterpiece, reminding visitors that luxury can coexist with mindful choices.
Sharing insights on the initiative, Amaan Kidwai, Area Manager (North Luxury ITC Hotels) and General Manager of ITC Maurya, said, “The Eco Noël Christmas Tree at ITC Maurya imbibes Responsible Luxury, reminding us that even in merry-making, we can make choices that honour the planet. Our team worked tirelessly for days, weaving these humble materials into a masterpiece, celebrating the principles of recycling. Let this season inspire us all to rejoice mindfully through sustainable resourcing.”
Complementing the ECO NOËL tree, ITC Maurya’s Pastry Masters have created a remarkable gingerbread display, designed as a miniature replica of the hotel’s architectural design inspired by a Buddhist stupa. Adorned with intricate icing filigree and showcasing the hotel’s iconic dining brands, this sweet creation adds an extra layer of festive charm to the celebrations.
Through this initiative, ITC Maurya reinforces its commitment to the principles of "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" and sets an inspiring example for sustainable celebrations. The ECO NOËL tree not only represents environmental stewardship but also embodies teamwork and the creative spirit of WelcomEnviron, ITC’s sustainable practices initiative.
About ITC Maurya A distinguished residence for world leaders and global icons for over 45 years, ITC Maurya is renowned for its Responsible Luxury ethos. It is the world’s first hotel to achieve LEED Platinum certification under the “Existing Building” category and has also earned the LEED Zero Water Certification. Known for its award-winning dining destinations like Bukhara, Dum Pukht, and Avartana, ITC Maurya blends luxury with sustainability, making it one of Delhi’s most iconic hotels.
Here’s to a festive season filled with merry moments, sustainable magic, and a commitment to leaving a positive social footprint!
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 7, 2025
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.
Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.
Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”
Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”
The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.
With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.
Published on July 5, 2025
Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.
As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.
Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.
Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.
Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.
Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.
Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”
The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.
As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.
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