Karnataka Tourism Forum Appoints New Leadership Team for 2025–27

Karnataka Tourism Forum Appoints New Leadership Team for 2025–27

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 20, 2025

The Karnataka Tourism Forum (KTF), a key body representing travel, tourism, and hospitality stakeholders across the state, has announced its newly appointed office bearers for the 2025–27 term. The new leadership team brings a strong blend of experience and innovation, with a renewed focus on collaborative growth, sustainable tourism, and enhancing Karnataka’s position as a leading destination on the global map.

Mr. Patrick George of Prakruthi Holidays has been elected as the President. He shared his vision, stating:

“This is a pivotal time for our industry, and I look forward to working closely with our members, government bodies, and stakeholders to position Karnataka as a leading year-round tourism destination.”

Joining him is Mr. Vaibhav D Kamat of Kamat Eco-Tours & Jungle Holidays as Vice President, who emphasized the need for strong industry partnerships and inclusive tourism:

“This platform plays a vital role in bringing together tourism professionals and policymakers to shape the future of tourism in our state.”

The newly appointed office bearers are:

  • President: Mr. Patrick George (Prakruthi Holidays)

  • Vice President: Mr. Vaibhav D Kamat (Kamat Eco-Tours & Jungle Holidays)

  • Secretary: Mr. Ganesh Basavaraj (Rainforest Retreats Pvt. Ltd.)

  • Joint Secretary: Ms. Vinutha Kiran (Travel Lounge Inc)

  • Treasurer: Mr. Vinay KN (Cruise and Travel Pvt. Ltd.)

Core Committee Members include:

  • Mr. SN Krishna Chidambara (Sri Sathya Sai Tourists)

  • Mr. Prashanth BS (Safe Wheels Tours and Travels)

  • Mr. Arvind (Crimson Holidays LLP)

  • Mr. Prashanth Shenoy (Dravidian Trails Destination Management)

  • Mr. Dinesh SD (Amazing India Travelxp)

  • Mr. Sudhir KR (Vizi Tours)

  • Mr. Ramesh Chandran (Soukhya Holidays)

The Forum has played a critical role in organizing trade events, capacity-building workshops, and facilitating public-private partnerships. Under the new leadership, KTF plans to scale up outreach initiatives, develop thematic travel circuits, and strengthen responsible tourism practices through community engagement.

The team is committed to working closely with Karnataka Tourism, allied associations, and local stakeholders to foster a more vibrant and resilient tourism ecosystem for the state.


India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 12, 2025

In the ultra-luxury wedding space, photography has transformed dramatically. It’s no longer just about documenting the day—it’s about legacy, artistry, and emotion. Across India, some of the country’s top wedding photographers are not only preserving these grand celebrations but elevating them into globally relevant, editorial-quality narratives.

Whether it’s an opulent palace wedding or a private international elopement, ultra-high-net-worth families, celebrities, and legacy households trust these artists to capture the very soul of their special moments. Each brings a distinctive vision to the evolving language of Indian wedding photography, merging tradition, fashion, emotion, and fine art into timeless keepsakes.

Here are five standout names leading this movement:

  • Karan Sidhu: Renowned for his soulful, cinematic storytelling, Karan’s emotive style is rooted deeply in authenticity, capturing honest, unscripted moments.

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  • Joseph Radhik: A global name synonymous with iconic celebrity weddings—like Anushka-Virat and Priyanka-Nick—Joseph weaves poetic visual narratives that transcend cultures.

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  • Ombre by Harsheen Jammu: This luxury boutique studio is redefining fine art wedding photography with profound emotional depth and aspirations that extend far beyond India.

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  • Ramit Batra: A seasoned storyteller with more than 500 weddings shot worldwide, Ramit beautifully blends grandeur with genuine sentiment.

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  • Reels and Frames (Anand Rathi): Based in Mumbai, this studio is behind several high-profile weddings, known for its modern, cinematic flair and a collaborative approach that resonates with clients.

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Together, these photographers illustrate how Indian wedding photography today is an immersive art form—one that turns moments into masterpieces, memories into legacies, and emotions into stories cherished for generations.


Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Priyanka Kumari as the group’s new Corporate Training Manager, a strategic addition aimed at enhancing team capabilities and maintaining consistent service standards across all properties.

Priyanka brings with her over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with leading global hotel brands such as Marriott, Wyndham, Carlson Rezidor, and Le Méridien Bangalore. Her expertise lies in designing and executing training programs that drive performance, uplift service delivery, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning.

In her new role, Priyanka will lead training and development initiatives across all Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, ensuring staff are equipped to deliver superior guest experiences. She will oversee the development of standardized training frameworks, implement best practices across operations, and support team engagement and career progression.

Known for her approachable leadership and tailored training strategies, Priyanka has consistently empowered frontline staff and management teams alike. Her programs have contributed to tangible improvements in both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Commenting on the appointment, Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, said,

“We are pleased to welcome Priyanka Kumari to our leadership team as we continue to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences across all our properties. Her extensive experience with leading hospitality brands and proven expertise in training and team development make her the ideal candidate to elevate our service standards.”

Outside of work, Priyanka enjoys exploring new destinations and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds—an interest that further enriches her understanding of guest service and hospitality excellence.

With this appointment, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts reaffirms its commitment to professional development, consistency in service, and excellence in hospitality.


The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie, a leading sustainable hospitality destination in the hills, has appointed Eshant Rajput as its new Senior HR Executive. With more than six years of experience in HR operations, payroll, compliance, and administration, Eshant steps into the role with a strong operational foundation and people-centric approach.

Eshant has previously handled HR responsibilities for over 150 employees across sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and waste management, giving him a diverse and agile perspective. He is well-versed in HRMS tools, ISO audits, labor relations, and employee engagement, making him a valuable addition to the resort’s evolving people strategy.

Mr. Arindam Bahel, General Manager, The Fern Brentwood Resort Mussoorie, expressed his optimism about the new appointment, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Eshant to the team. His extensive operational know-how and people-first mindset align well with our mission of building a motivated and service-oriented workforce.”

In his new role, Eshant will be responsible for recruitment, statutory compliance, employee engagement, and other core HR functions, with the goal of ensuring smooth operations and a positive work environment. He will also play a key role in strengthening staff retention efforts and aligning HR practices with the resort’s broader service goals.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Eshant Rajput said, “I’m excited to be part of a brand like The Fern Brentwood, which is as committed to its people as it is to sustainability. My focus will be on driving operational efficiency and enhancing employee engagement to support the resort’s vision of exceptional hospitality.”

With Eshant’s appointment, The Fern Brentwood Resort reinforces its commitment to both employee well-being and guest satisfaction, setting the tone for a culture rooted in excellence, care, and collaboration.

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