FitsAir and Red Dot Representations recently brought the travel trade closer to Sri Lanka through an exclusive webinar focused on the airline’s new direct connectivity between Ahmedabad and Colombo.

Held on 21st August 2026, the webinar introduced travel partners to the new Ahmedabad–Colombo route and highlighted how the direct connection can make Sri Lanka easier to access for travellers from Gujarat, without the need for layovers.

The session also explored Sri Lanka’s wider tourism offerings and its appeal across different traveller segments, including families, honeymooners and MICE groups. The destination’s beaches, cultural attractions, wildlife, hospitality and local experiences were among the key highlights.

The webinar went beyond the traditional beach holiday experience, showcasing the different ways Indian travellers can explore Sri Lanka. From spending time along its tropical coastline and discovering its cultural heritage to experiencing its wildlife, local cuisine and hospitality, the session presented the island as a destination with varied experiences.

FitsAir currently operates the Ahmedabad–Colombo service three times a week, giving travellers from Gujarat a more convenient direct option for reaching Sri Lanka. The improved connectivity is expected to support leisure travel, experiential holidays, MICE and destination celebrations, while strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as an accessible short-haul international destination for the Gujarat market.

ITC Hotels Limited has signed a management agreement for Storii Havelock, a 22-key boutique retreat in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), expanding its presence into the Andaman & Nicobar Islands under the Storii by ITC Hotels brand.

Set amid the natural beauty of the Andaman Islands, the property will offer guests an intimate island retreat surrounded by beaches, clear waters, tropical landscapes and rich marine biodiversity. The hotel is planned around the laid-back character of the destination, giving travellers a setting to enjoy the island’s natural surroundings.

Storii Havelock will feature well designed rooms and suites, along with an all-day dining restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and kids' play area. The facilities are planned to offer guests a comfortable stay while keeping the island experience at the centre.

Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, "Swaraj Deep (Havelock Island) has emerged as one of India's most sought-after leisure destinations, drawing travellers with its unparalleled natural beauty and distinctive experiences. The signing of Storii Havelock reflects our strategy of expanding across high-potential leisure markets through properties that are rooted in their surroundings. We look forward to introducing the Storii brand to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands."

Arjun Kapoor, Director, M/s Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts Private Limited, said, " We are pleased to collaborate with ITC Hotels on this project. Swaraj Deep continues to attract travellers seeking a blend of nature, adventure and relaxation. We are confident that Storii Havelock will create a compelling hospitality offering that reflects the true spirit of the Andaman Islands.”

The signing marks the entry of the Storii brand into the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and adds another leisure destination to ITC Hotels’ growing portfolio. With its boutique format and island setting, Storii Havelock is positioned to offer travellers an authentic retreat while supporting the continued growth of the region’s hospitality landscape.

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has opened Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj, marking the third hotel entrusted to the company by owner Rakesh Rawat within 12 months. The new property is also ALIVAA’s second hotel in the Dharamshala–McLeod Ganj belt.

The latest opening highlights the growing confidence of hotel owners in ALIVAA’s management platform. Following the management of Rawat’s properties in McLeod Ganj and Manali, the third mandate adds to the company’s presence in Himachal Pradesh while strengthening its relationship with the owner.

For a hotel management company, repeat partnerships can be an important measure of performance, as they reflect an owner’s experience with the company’s operations, commercial results and day-to-day management.

Set against the Dhauladhar ranges, Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj offers a boutique hospitality experience that combines contemporary comforts with the cultural character of Himachal Pradesh. The hotel features thoughtfully curated accommodations, personalised service and local experiences designed for leisure travellers looking for an authentic mountain getaway.

Vikramjit Singh, Founder & Chairman & Managing Director, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, said:

“The opening of Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj represents another important milestone in our expansion journey. While every new hotel is significant, what makes this launch particularly meaningful is the trust our partners continue to place in us. Having Mr. Rakesh Rawat entrust ALIVAA with three properties within a single year is a strong endorsement of our operating philosophy, our commercial capabilities and our commitment to creating long-term value for hotel owners. Relationships built on trust remain the foundation of our growth.”

Akash Bhatia, Chief Executive Officer, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, said:

“Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj reflects our vision of delivering high-touch hospitality supported by revenue management and distribution excellence. Every property we manage benefits from a centralized commercial strategy, sophisticated revenue optimization and strong market positioning, allowing owners to maximize returns while preserving each hotel’s unique identity. Mr. Rawat’s decision to expand his partnership with us for a third property within a year is the strongest validation of our business model and we remain focused on accelerating growth across India’s leading leisure and business destinations.”

For Rakesh Rawat, Owner, Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj, the decision to partner with ALIVAA again follows the performance of his existing properties under the company’s management.

“Over the past year, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has consistently demonstrated professionalism, transparency, and a strong understanding of what it takes to operate successful hotels in competitive leisure markets. After seeing the performance of my existing properties under their management, partnering with them for a third hotel was an easy decision. I am confident that Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj will benefit from the same operational excellence and commercial expertise while offering guests an exceptional hospitality experience.”

With the opening of Alivaa Boutique McLeod Ganj, ALIVAA continues to expand its presence across leisure and business destinations while building its hotel management portfolio through repeat owner partnerships.